Imagine this: it is a chilly winter evening, and you’re just turning on your furnace at home. Instead of comforting heat at the perfect temperature, though, your system’s vents eke out lukewarm air, even after you try to crank up the thermostat.
Common furnace issues are, at best, frustrating, but when you don’t know where the problem lies, how can you fix it? Sunrise Service provides the following furnace troubleshooting scenarios with each one’s relevant furnace repair tips.
Issue 1: No Hot Air
If the issue is a lack of hot air, there are a few possibilities.
First, make sure you set your thermostat to the preferred temperature and mode. If the thermostat checks out, inspect the furnace filter for clogs. Clogged filters can choke off airflow and prevent it from coming through vents.
If the furnace doesn’t blow any air at all, then the likely culprits are either the fan or fan motor.
Issue 2: Furnace Won’t Turn On
If the furnace won’t kick on entirely, the next place to check is your electrical panel. Could power surges or drops have tripped the corresponding breaker and shut off the power?
If the breaker is not the issue, check for a clogged filter blocking the airflow. Most modern furnaces have an auto-shutdown safety mechanism that turns the unit off when airflow falls below a certain threshold.
If you have a gas furnace that won’t turn on, inspect the ignition mechanism or pilot light. Electric ignition mechanisms malfunction. Burner damage can also cause a pilot light to flicker and go out intermittently.
Issue 3: Bad Smells
Another one of the most common furnace issues is a bad smell. If you smell a hot, smoky, or burning odor coming from your vents, turn off the furnace and call a professional. Burning smells from a heater could be a sign of electrical failure, like faulty wiring.
If the smell is more musty, check your filter for mold and algae. These two substances can grow in dirty filters that pick up and retain moisture.
Lastly, if you notice a sulfur smell like rotten eggs, check your gas lines for a leak. Gas leaks are dangerous, causing health complications, explosions, and more. Contact a furnace professional as soon as possible if it’s a gas-related issue.
Issue 4: Loud Noises
Your furnace should make a gentle humming noise when operating, but grinding or squealing sounds are a sign of a faulty motor. Pinging or popping sounds usually come from ductwork (the metal changes shape when heated and cooled), but usually, this isn’t a major concern.
On the other hand, loud knocking or booming sounds indicate loose components that can damage the system’s processes and its other components. Don’t wait for the annual furnace inspection if you’re already hearing loud furnace sounds.
While traditional furnaces present these common issues, homeowners with heat pump systems in Sunrise Manor should note that heat pumps require specialized diagnostics since they handle both heating and cooling—if you’re experiencing problems with reversing valves, defrost cycles, or backup heat activation, specialized heat pump repair in Sunrise Manor can address these dual-function system challenges.
Furnace Repair Services in Las Vegas and Surrounding Areas
If you are experiencing any of these common furnace issues or need to book a routine furnace inspection, send Sunrise Service a message online or give us a ring at (725) 234-0736!
We are here to assist if you need furnace safety tips, furnace efficiency tips, and more.