Furnace Problems: 5 Common Issues and How to Fix Them

Winter is fast approaching. And with it comes freezing cold temperatures that force you to rely on a furnace to stay warm and comfortable.

But as you crank up the heat and rely on your furnace daily for warmth, you increase your chances of developing a fault. To help you prepare for this (should it occur), we have highlighted 5 common furnace issues that might pop up while in use and how to fix them.

1. Thermostats Turned Off

Did your thermostat fail to come on? Before you make any move or conclude, check if it’s properly plugged in. If it is, check if the thermostat is on. Many people fail to do these checks before making service calls.

Other common thermostat issues that you can DIY are:

• Replacing batteries
• Cleaning dust or debris that may be clogging your furnace
• Inspecting the breaker
• Ensuring that the thermostat is programmed to the correct setting (“heat” and a minimum of five degrees above room temp).

If you realize the issue is above your expertise or knowledge, ensure you call in the repairer.

2. Clogged Filter

Furnace filters get clogged for several reasons. And when it does, you must change it. Unfortunately, many individuals ignore this simple but important furnace maintenance tip. The results? Damaged HVAC components, poor indoor air quality, and flow, and, ultimately, high utility bills.

To prevent these from happening, check your air filter regularly and replace it when appropriate, while also ensuring that it is well installed.

3. Leaking Exhaust Pipe

Reliance on your high-efficiency furnace, especially during winter, can result in a leaky exhaust pipe. This is usually due to blockages in your pipe or cracks on the tubing leading to a condensation leak that could turn your home into a mini swimming pool. If your furnace exhaust pipe is leaking, the chances are that it’s also leaking combustion gasses. In that case, ensure you call a professional to replace or redesign the exhaust pipe.

4. Strange Noise

While it’s common for heaters to make a low humming noise, anything other than that, such as a loud rumbling noise, should draw your attention.

A noisy heater could indicate many issues. For instance, a rattling noise may indicate loose panels need tightening. On the other hand, a squealing noise could be a fan belt that slipped and needs fixing.

What about a grinding noise? Such noise could mean that some form of motor bearing needs repairs or your furnace is slowly giving up. In any case, calling professionals to provide furnace repair or furnace replacement services is the best course of action to ensure the problem is sorted properly. 

5. Dirty Burner

What are the flames of your burner like? Blue and even? If so, you have nothing to worry about—the burner is probably clean. However, if the flames of your burner are yellow, it may indicate a dirty burner.

Dirty burners are the result of dust accumulation. And if you leave your dirty burner unattended, you increase the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.

There are many ways to clean a dirty burner. However, we’ll recommend using a vacuum cleaner. But be sure to turn off the furnace and gas before cleaning.

Conclusion

Many of the furnace issues faced during winter result from poor maintenance. When you fail to maintain your furnace system, you allow minor issues to build up, resulting in a full-blown crisis later.

Always prioritize the maintenance of your heating system, especially when you rely on it too much. This will prevent it from breaking down when you need it the most.