Furnaces break down every now and then. One can’t say it’s surprising. However, it can be very annoying when your furnace gets faulty in the middle of winter. In this article, we’ll be giving you some things to look out for if you have a faulty heater and what to do about them.
Most Common Furnace Issues
Here are some of the most common heater problems and their causes:
Furnace Keeps Shutting Off
Some people have reported turning on their furnaces only to discover that they turned off again. This problem could be caused by any of the following:
• Faulty thermostat.
• Furnace filter needs cleaning or replacement.
• Defective flame sensor.
Foul Smell Coming From Heating Unit
This problem is caused most times by the following:
• Dead animal in the system somewhere (this is best handled by professional furnace technicians).
• Incredibly dirty filter (wash if possible, or replace).
Heater Blows Cold Air
Let’s be honest here; a furnace blowing cold air in winter is pretty much useless. If this situation continues even when the furnace fan is powered up, the cause could be any of the following:
• Faulty draft motor.
• Gas line is turned off.
• Defective ignitor (this should be replaced as soon as possible) visit https://askinglot.com/what-is-a-ignitor to learn more about ignitors.
• Fresh air intake is blocked by snow or other types of debris (you can clear this by yourself).
Unit Always Making Noise
This condition sometimes comes as a result of the following:
• Leaking ductwork or furnace cabinet (these should be tightened).
• The furnace running on full power constantly.
• A dirty filter (in some cases).
• Blower or draft motor with bad bearing (should be replaced).
Blower Stays On Constantly
Here are some of the most common causes of this problem:
• Defective thermostat (the thermostat plays a part in controlling the heater).
• Thermostat is turned to “on” position rather than “auto” (this means the blower will be operational constantly).
• Faulty control board (this affects the heater just like the thermostat).
Furnace Doesn’t Start Even When Inducer Motor Is Running
The inducer motor is responsible for pulling combustion gases out from the exhaust stack through the heater system. Sometimes the furnace won’t come on even when the motor is operational. Any of the following could be the cause:
• Defective motor (this should be replaced).
• Faulty motor control board.
• Blocked chimney exhaust (you can clear this by yourself).
Furnace Is Operational But House Doesn’t Heat
Sometimes, this is a result of having an inadequately-sized heater. The larger the house, the larger the furnace needs to be. However, if your heater is the right size for your house, here are some things that could be keeping it from heating properly:
• Leaking air ducts.
• Improperly installed filter (check to see if you installed it backwards).
• Filter isn’t the right fit for the heater (replace this if possible).
Heater Won’t Come On
Sometimes, the heater doesn’t seem to be working even when you set the temperature using the thermostat. The cause could be any of the following:
• Thermostat requires new batteries (if yours uses batteries).
• Thermostat has a loose wire.
• Thermostat hasn’t been turned to “heat”.
• Circuit breaker isn’t turned on (click here to learn more about the role of circuit breakers).
• Main control board is defective.
• Dirty filter.
• Furnace switch isn’t on.
Installing A Brand-new Heating Unit
Repairing your heater might seem like a good idea. However, the cost of repairing it might not be worth it compared to replacing the entire system. In some cases, you could end up spending a lot more on repairs than you would when buying a new one. Here are some of the steps that will be taken when installing a new heater:
Uninstalling The Damaged Heater
Sounds easy enough right? Wrong! Believe it or not, this is actually the most time-consuming and most difficult part of the job. Technicians have to conduct a thorough check to determine if any components or gas lines are moved out of position or damaged when taking the old unit out.
Technicians will also inspect your new unit in order to determine if it is the right size for your home. This doesn’t mean physical size; it means ensuring that it isn’t underpowered of overpowered. They conduct this inspection by calculating the heat load. By doing this, they ensure that the furnace is the right one for you.
Connecting The New System
As soon as the new heater has been set in place, technicians will connect it to the power source, ventilation system, and any other electrical wiring. These steps are done with care in order to prevent any fire damage.
Testing The New System
Once the whole heating system has been installed, the technicians will test it to ensure that it is fully operational.
Who Is Best For The Job?
Jobs like furnace repair and installation are tasks that should be done with care. Heaters have a lot of delicate parts and components. If care isn’t taken, you could damage the system and harm yourself in the process. This is why it’s important for you to look for the best repair services available.
By hiring an experienced professional, you are guaranteed optimal results. Professionals also know how to complete such a task efficiently and safely. Ensure that the service you decide to go with is experienced and reputable.
Conclusion
Winter can be unbearable at times. However a heater can help you keep from freezing to death. Similar to any other thing in this world, furnaces break down and get damaged every now and then. Some cases might require minor repairs, while others might require full replacement of the unit. But once you have the right professionals on your side, you can rest easy.
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