Furnace Tips Common Problems and How to Fix Them
Introduction
Northern Services is a family-owned business located in Olivia, MN providing residential and commercial plumbing, heating and cooling services since 1981. Founded by Arvid Helin and Rich Zuhlsdorf, the company has been passed down from generation to generation with Gregg Helin taking over as owner and president in 2007. In 2021 the company rebranded to Northern Services and moved to a larger building on Highway 212. The company prides itself on its first-class work and customer service to Olivia and the surrounding communities. Northern Services offers comprehensive solutions for your home or business including local plumber services, air conditioning services, heating services, drain cleaning services and air quality services.
In this blog post, we will discuss ten common furnace problems that homeowners may encounter and the solutions for them. Most of these issues are related to the thermostat such as not coming on, not receiving power, or not producing heat. Other problems include the furnace being too hot or not hot enough, going on and off too often, having dirty filters, pilot and ignition system issues, making strange noises, cracked heat exchangers, and a continuously running blower motor. We will provide tips on how to fix these issues such as checking the electrical panel and resetting the breaker, replacing or tightening belts, cleaning dirt build-up from components with sandpaper and a towel, unclogging pilot flame orifices, turning off the gas supply before relighting the pilot etc., but if none of these solutions work then it is best to contact technicians for further help.
#1 Furnace Not Coming On
If your furnace is not coming on, there could be several issues causing the problem. The first thing to check is the electrical panel and reset the breaker if needed. If this does not work, then it may be a belt issue. Belts can become loose or worn over time, so it is important to check them regularly and replace or tighten them as necessary.
It is also possible that dirt has built up on some of the components and needs to be removed with sandpaper and a towel. If there is an issue with the pilot flame orifices, they may need to be unclogged in order for the furnace to come on properly. Lastly, it is important to turn off the gas supply before relighting the pilot if all else fails.
If none of these solutions work then it is best to contact technicians for further help. It is always recommended to have a professional look at any furnace problems in order to ensure safety and proper operation of your heating system.
#2 Furnace Not Receiving Power
When a furnace is not receiving power, it can be caused by several different issues. The first thing to do is check the electrical panel and reset any breakers that may have tripped. If the breaker has been reset but the furnace still isn’t receiving power, then it may be due to loose or worn belts. These belts should be replaced or tightened if necessary.
Checking Components for Dirt Build-up
Another issue that could be causing the furnace to not receive power is dirt build-up on components. This can be addressed by using sandpaper and a towel to clean off any dirt that may have accumulated on the components of the furnace. Once all of the components are cleaned off, then it is important to make sure they are properly connected and functioning correctly.
Pilot Flame Orifices
If none of these solutions work, then it is possible that there is an issue with the pilot flame orifices being clogged. To fix this, it is necessary to turn off the gas supply before attempting to unclog any blocked pilot flame orifices. After turning off the gas supply, use a small wire brush or pipe cleaner to clear out any blockages in the pilot flame orifices and then turn on the gas supply again before relighting the pilot flame.
#3 Furnace Not Producing Heat
When a furnace is not producing heat, it can be caused by a few different issues. The first thing to do is check the electrical panel and reset the breaker if necessary. If this does not work, then the belts may need to be replaced or tightened. It is also possible that dirt has built up on some of the components, which can be removed with sandpaper and a towel.
Pilot Flame Orifices
If none of these solutions work, then it may be necessary to unclog pilot flame orifices. This can be done by turning off the gas supply and relighting the pilot. If this still does not fix the problem, then it is best to contact technicians for further help.
In conclusion, when a furnace is not producing heat, it could be caused by an issue with the electrical panel, belts, dirt build-up on components, or clogged pilot flame orifices. To fix these issues, it is recommended to check the electrical panel and reset the breaker, replace or tighten belts, clean dirt build-up from components with sandpaper and a towel, unclog pilot flame orifices, and turn off the gas supply before relighting the pilot. If none of these solutions work then it is best to contact technicians for further help.
#4 Thermostat Not Working
A malfunctioning thermostat can cause a variety of furnace problems, including not coming on, not receiving power, or not producing heat. To determine whether the thermostat is the source of the issue, it is important to first check the electrical panel and reset the breaker. If this does not solve the problem, then it is recommended to replace or tighten any loose belts that may be connected to the thermostat.
Cleaning Dirt Build-up
It is also possible for dirt build-up to interfere with the proper functioning of a thermostat. This can be fixed by using sandpaper and a towel to clean off any dirt that has accumulated on components such as wires or contacts.
Unclogging Pilot Flame Orifices
If the pilot flame orifice becomes clogged, this can prevent an adequate amount of gas from entering into the furnace’s burner assembly, thereby causing it to not work properly. To fix this issue, it is best to turn off the gas supply before attempting to unclog the pilot flame orifice using a needle or wire brush.
Relighting Pilot Light
Finally, if none of these solutions work then it may be necessary to relight the pilot light. This should always be done with extreme caution and only after turning off all sources of fuel and electricity. If you feel uncomfortable doing this yourself then it is best to contact technicians for further help.
#5 Furnace Too Hot or Not Hot Enough
If your furnace is either too hot or not hot enough, it could be due to a variety of issues. This problem can be caused by a malfunctioning thermostat, a pilot light that is too low, or a dirty filter. It can also be caused by a cracked heat exchanger, an issue with the blower motor, or an incorrect setting on the thermostat.
Check Electrical Panel and Reset Breaker
The first step in troubleshooting this issue is to check the electrical panel and reset any breakers that may have tripped. This will ensure that the power supply to the furnace is functioning properly.
Replace or Tighten Belts
Another potential cause of a furnace being too hot or not hot enough is worn-out belts. If this is the case, then you will need to replace them or tighten them up if they are loose.
Clean Dirt Buildup from Components
Dirt buildup on components such as burners and heat exchangers can also cause your furnace to run too hot or not hot enough. To clean these components use sandpaper and a towel to remove any dirt build-up.
Unclog Pilot Flame Orifices
If your furnace has an older model pilot light, it may be clogged with debris which could result in insufficient heat output. To unclog the pilot flame orifices, turn off the gas supply before relighting the pilot light again.
It’s important to remember that if none of these solutions work then it is best to contact technicians for further help as some issues require specialized tools and expertise to fix correctly.
#6 Furnace Keeps Going On and Off
If your furnace keeps cycling on and off frequently, it could be due to a few different issues. This is usually caused by the thermostat or something in the system that is preventing it from running normally. To troubleshoot this issue, first check the electrical panel and reset any tripped breakers. If that doesn’t work, then you should check the belts for any loose or worn parts that need tightening or replacing. Additionally, you may need to clean any dirt build-up from components with sandpaper and a towel.
Pilot Flame Orifices
Another possible cause of a furnace turning on and off too often can be clogged pilot flame orifices. Before cleaning these out, make sure to turn off the gas supply so there isn’t an open flame in the area while you are working on it. Once the gas supply has been shut off, use a wire brush to remove any debris from the pilot flame orifice before relighting it.
Professional Help
If none of these solutions work for your furnace then it is best to contact a professional technician for further help. A technician will be able to diagnose the issue more accurately and provide you with a solution that is tailored specifically to your situation. They will also be able to give you advice on how to prevent similar issues from occurring in the future.
Furnace keeps cycling on/off; issues may be thermostat, electrical panel, belts, clogged pilot flame orifices; contact technician for diagnosis & prevention.
#7 Dirty Filters
Dirty filters are one of the most common furnace problems that can occur. When a filter becomes clogged with dust and other debris, it restricts the flow of air and can cause the furnace to overheat or shut down. It is important to regularly check the filter and replace it if necessary.
Signs of Clogged Filters
The most obvious sign of a clogged filter is reduced airflow from the vents. This can result in weak heat production, as well as an increase in energy bills due to inefficient operation. Other signs include strange noises coming from the furnace, such as rattling or banging, as well as a musty smell coming from the vents.
Cleaning or Replacing Filters
If your filter appears dirty, it should be either cleaned or replaced depending on its type. Disposable filters should be replaced every 1-3 months while reusable filters can often be cleaned with water and mild detergent before being reinstalled. If you have an electronic air cleaner, it should be cleaned according to manufacturer instructions. It is also important to check for any blockages in the ductwork that may be restricting airflow.
If none of these solutions work then it is best to contact technicians for further help. Professional HVAC technicians have access to specialized tools and knowledge that can help diagnose and fix any furnace issues quickly and efficiently.
#8 Pilot and Ignition Problems
Pilot and ignition problems can be one of the more difficult furnace issues to diagnose. If the pilot light is out, it will need to be relit. This should only be done when the gas supply has been shut off. It is also important to check for a clogged orifice that could be preventing the pilot from lighting, which can be cleared with sandpaper and a towel.
If the pilot light is lit but the main burner does not come on, this could indicate an issue with the furnace’s ignition system. In this case, it is best to contact a technician to inspect the system and determine if there is a problem with the wiring or control board.
Another common issue related to pilot and ignition systems is when they stay on all the time without turning off after a cycle. This could be caused by a malfunctioning thermostat, so it should first be checked for any loose wiring or resetting of its settings. If this does not work then it is likely an issue with the ignition system itself and should be inspected by a professional.
Main Idea: Pilot and ignition problems can be difficult to diagnose, but are often related to the pilot light , ignition system, or thermostat.
#9 Furnace Making Strange Noises
Strange noises coming from your furnace can be caused by a variety of issues. It could be something as simple as loose or worn belts, or it could be more serious such as a cracked heat exchanger. In order to determine the cause of the noise, it is best to contact a professional technician for assistance.
Check Electrical Panel and Reset Breaker
If you hear any humming or buzzing sounds coming from your furnace, the first step is to check your electrical panel and reset any tripped breakers. This will help to ensure that power is being supplied correctly to your unit. If this does not fix the issue, then further troubleshooting may be necessary.
Replace or Tighten Belts
If your furnace is making squeaking noises, then it could mean that the belts need to be replaced or tightened. You can use a screwdriver to tighten the belt tensioner and make sure that the belt is properly secured in place. If the belt appears worn or frayed, then you should replace it with a new one.
Clean Dirt Build-Up
Another possible cause of strange noises coming from your furnace is dirt build-up on components such as fan blades and motor bearings. To clean these components, you will need sandpaper and a towel. Gently rub away any dirt build-up until the surfaces are clean and free of debris.
Unclog Pilot Flame Orifices
Sometimes strange noises can come from clogged pilot flame orifices on gas furnaces. To unclog these orifices, you will need to turn off the gas supply before relighting the pilot light again. If this does not fix the issue, then you should contact a professional technician for further help.
#10 Cracked Heat Exchangers
A cracked heat exchanger can be a serious furnace problem that can cause dangerous gases, such as carbon monoxide, to leak into the home. As the name implies, a heat exchanger is responsible for transferring heat from the gas burners to the air in the ducts. If this component cracks, then it must be replaced immediately by a professional HVAC technician.
To identify if there is a crack in the heat exchanger, homeowners should look for signs of rust or corrosion on the metal surface of the unit. Additionally, they should check for any visible cracks or gaps in the metal. If either of these are present, then it is best to contact an HVAC technician for further inspection and repair.
When replacing a cracked heat exchanger, technicians will typically remove all of the components inside of the furnace before replacing it with a new one. This includes disconnecting and removing any electrical connections, as well as removing any insulation or gaskets that may be attached to the old unit. Once everything has been removed and replaced with new parts, technicians will reassemble all of the components and reconnect them to ensure proper operation of the furnace system.
In some cases, homeowners may need to replace more than just the heat exchanger if their furnace has been damaged due to age or other factors. This could include replacing faulty wiring, cleaning out clogged ducts, or even replacing entire sections of ductwork if needed.
If you suspect that your furnace has a cracked heat exchanger or any other problems related to its performance, then it is always best to contact an experienced HVAC technician for help. They will be able to assess your system and provide you with an accurate diagnosis and solution so that you can get your furnace back up and running safely and efficiently again.
The ten common furnace problems discussed in this article can be solved with some simple troubleshooting and maintenance. It is important to check the electrical panel, reset the breaker, replace or tighten belts, clean dirt build-up from components, unclog pilot flame orifices, and turn off the gas supply before relighting the pilot. If none of these solutions work then it is best to contact a professional for further help. Northern Services has been providing residential and commercial plumbing, heating and cooling services since 1981 and offers comprehensive solutions for your home or business. With their first-class work and customer service, they are the perfect choice for all your heating needs.
