Furnace Repair – What to Do If Your Furnace Isn’t Working
Furnace Repair is a common concern of homeowners. It isn’t uncommon for a furnace to stop working when the cold winter weather starts to get frightful and inconvenient.
The problem is, most problems with a furnace are not something that can be fixed without a professional’s help. You should call a qualified heating and cooling technician if your furnace fails to function normally or if you notice any of the following symptoms:
It’s not running efficiently
A faulty blower can cause your system to run inefficiently, costing you money on your utility bills and shortening its lifespan. This can also be caused by a blockage in the filter, which will trap dust and other debris.
You need to replace your furnace filter on a regular basis. This is particularly important if you have pets or allergies that can make it difficult for your system to properly circulate air.
It’s hard to tell when your furnace isn’t working correctly, but you can identify the problem by listening for strange noises and noticing any temperature differences throughout the home.
Banging, rattling and irregular humming and groans are all signs that your furnace isn’t working as it should be. These can indicate any number of issues from a loose belt to blower bearing damage.
There are a few ways to diagnose this issue:
The most obvious way is to look at the flame sensor on your Furnace Repair high limit switch, which is responsible for detecting if a pilot flame is present. If the sensor is coated with soot or other residue, it will be unable to trigger the safety features that shut off the gas.
You’ll need to remove the flame sensor, lightly clean it with fine emery cloth and slip it back into place. If the problem persists, you may need to replace the flame sensor or have an HVAC expert inspect it for any signs of damage.
Your furnace doesn’t turn on when you turn your thermostat on
You might need to reset your thermostat and lower the temperature in the home a few degrees to see if it will turn on by itself. If it does, the issue might be a dirty flame sensor.
A dirty flame sensor is a very expensive and dangerous issue, so it’s best to call in an HVAC expert for a thorough diagnosis.
It’s a good idea to change your furnace filter at least twice a year, or every two months if you have a pet. This will reduce the amount of dirt and dander in your home and improve your overall comfort levels.
Another important step in keeping your home comfortable is to keep all of the ductwork and vents clean. This will prevent cold air from entering your home and hot air from escaping it.
If your ducts are leaking, it’s important to seal them with special metal tape and high temperature silicone. If your ducts aren’t sealed, it can cause your system to work harder than necessary and waste energy.