If your furnace is not heating your home properly, there are several common issues that may be causing this problem.
Checking the thermostat
If the furnace isn’t heating up your home properly, it’s likely due to a malfunctioning thermostat. First, you should ensure that the circuit breaker in your furnace is in the “ON” position. Click here for more information on circuit breakers. You can find the circuit breaker near the back of the furnace unit.
A malfunctioning thermostat could be the cause of many common furnace problems. First, it’s easy to check the thermostat by simply turning it to the “heat” position. You can also move the thermostat’s dial to see if the temperature changes. If the temperature doesn’t change, you may have to reset the circuit breaker.
You can also test the thermostat’s wiring by connecting a jumper wire to the “R” and “W” terminals. If you find a broken wire, use electrical tape to attach the wires back to the thermostat.
Also, check for a dead battery. If the batteries are dead, the thermostat will lose its settings during a power outage. In addition, the thermostat should be level and firmly attached to the wall. If it is, you can proceed with the rest of the maintenance process.
Despite the fact that furnaces are relatively simple appliances, some issues can arise and require professional repair. If you notice these common issues early on, you can easily fix them yourself. If your furnace is still giving you trouble, contact a furnace repair service.
Checking the air filter
While inspecting your air filter is an easy and inexpensive repair, you should also be aware of other problems that may indicate more serious issues.
These problems can include a cracked heat exchanger or worn ball bearings. These problems can cause unwanted friction between moving parts and produce dangerous levels of carbon monoxide. These are all signs that you should consult a professional like the ones at Comforts On The Coast of Ocean Springs for further assistance. These are serious issues that are best resolved by a trained and licensed professional.
The air filter restricts airflow through your heater, reducing its ability to heat your home. In addition, a clogged air filter reduces the amount of air that enters the heater. As a result, your heater is forced to run longer than it would otherwise, which can result in high energy bills.
Clogged air filters force your heater’s air handler to work harder, diminishing the quality of air in your home. Additionally, they can cause the heater’s heat exchanger to overheat. This can increase your energy bills and may even pose a fire hazard. Your heater’s air filter may be located inside the heater or in the intake.
Another common issue with furnaces is that the thermostat is not properly set. Make sure that the thermostat is set to HEAT, and that the fan is on. You should also check the battery. A low battery could also cause the thermostat to turn on or off randomly.
Checking the circuit breaker
When you notice your heater running inefficiently, the first thing you need to do is check the circuit breaker. The breaker may have tripped due to a power surge or power outage. You can reset the circuit breaker and the heater should work normally again. If the problem persists, you might need to seek professional help.
If you suspect the breaker is tripped due to the presence of a loose wire, you must first tighten the screw terminal or replace it with a connector. If these steps are unsuccessful, you should contact a technician to repair your heater.
Another common issue with furnaces is a faulty motor. This causes the heater to work overtime. This increases the workload and can even overload the circuit breaker. If you want to save money on heating bills, you can schedule regular tune-ups for your heater, which will ensure that the filter is in top condition.
Checking the ignition system
Before you can diagnose common problems with furnaces, you have to check the ignition system. A heater uses a hot surface ignition system, which works much like a light bulb. A thermostat signals the heater to turn on, and electricity runs through the igniter to heat it up. The igniter is a thin, metal disc.
An ignition system problem can be caused by a number of different problems. A delayed ignition can cause your furnace to produce little or no heat at all. It may also cause your furnace to make a banging noise before it finally ignites. This can be dangerous, and you should contact a furnace repair professional for assistance.
If the ignitor fails to ignite, a professional repairman can test it with a multimeter and find out the cause of the problem. If the ignitor is the problem, you may need to replace it with a new one. Ensure that the new one is of the right size, because a faulty one will not produce the correct voltage, causing your furnace to fail.
Another common problem with furnaces is that the pilot light may not be working properly. These are often caused by a malfunction of the ignition control module, which is what powers the blower. An ignition problem can be very dangerous, as a faulty ignition system can lead to gas leaks.
Checking the fan limit control switch
If your furnace is turning off frequently, one of the first things to check is the limit switch. It’s a small electronic component attached to the thermostat that controls the amount of air it uses to heat your home. But it can fail for a variety of reasons. If you suspect that it’s malfunctioning, you can temporarily bypass it to see if the problem persists.
If the fan limit control switch is tripped, the furnace may be overheating. This can lead to the failure code. The limit switch will turn off the burners and turn on the circulating fan if the temperature in the furnace exceeds the preset temperature. This component is different from the rollout switch.