Furnaces are long-lasting and trustworthy appliances depending on the kind you purchase and how well you maintain them. Furnaces are designed to withstand use and abuse for long periods, but they still run into problems from time to time. Here are some of the most common issues homeowners experience with furnaces and heating systems of every kind. Dirty Air Filters
The air filter for your heating system is an essential part of keeping your air clean and pure. It's also one of the most common reasons for a furnace not working correctly. Your air filter is designed to capture dirt, pollen, and other harmful particles before they have a chance to make their way into your home.
If your air filter gets so dirty that it starts to impede airflow through your heating system, your furnace won't work correctly. It's crucial that you change your filter regularly so that this doesn't happen.
Electric or Gas Ignition Problems
Whether you have an electric heating system or a gas one, problems can occur with the start-up process. Gas furnaces have an ignitor that lights the gas flowing through your furnace and starts the heating process. Electric furnaces have an electric ignitor similar to that of a car or an electric water heater. If damage occurs to either of these types of ignitors, your furnace won't start up, and you'll be left in the cold.
Thermostat Not Working
Your thermostat is the switch that controls everything about your heating system. If you want to change your home's temperature or switch your furnace on or off, you do it with the thermostat. Much like your furnace, however, your thermostat isn't designed to last forever, and it will give out over time.
If you notice that your thermostat's screen is blank or that nothing happens when you try to turn your heat on, there's a good chance that it has given out. You should contact the heating professionals at 1-800-Plumber + Air of Portland to come out and install a new one. We'll have your furnace up and running in no time.
The Furnace Isn't Providing Any or Adequate Heat
When your furnace isn't providing enough air for your home or no air at all, any number of things could be happening. Here are some of the main things that can lead to an airflow problem.
Your pilot light might be damaged.
Your blower fan is on the wrong setting.
Your furnace is too small for your house.
Your air filter is too dirty to let air pass by.
Your thermostat is on the wrong setting.
You can check the airflow of your heating system by placing your hand against a nearby register. If it feels like there's no air coming out or if very little air is coming out, there's a good chance that you have one of the above issues. Contact Us to come out and inspect your heating system to make sure everything is in order. If Your furnace needs repairs or replacement, 1-800-Plumber + Air of Portland has the skills and tools to get the job done right.
Loud or Noisy Furnace
Furnaces are supposed to make a little bit of noise when it's operating, but not too much. The typical sound that a furnace makes is a gentle humming one. If you notice that the humming is excessively loud or that your furnace is making clunking or bumping noises, there's a good chance that something's wrong with it.
Mechanical Problems Inside the Furnace
Your furnace is composed of many different internal parts. There are belts, hoses, pipes, and wires both inside and outside your furnace that can get damaged and impact its performance. If you don't have electrical or heating and cooling experience, it would be wise to let the professionals handle the problem. It's easy to hurt yourself or cause further damage to your furnace if you don't know what you're doing.
The Importance of Regular Maintenance
Most of the problems that can happen with your furnace are preventable with proper maintenance and care. There are things that only a heating and cooling professional should do, but there are also things that you can do yourself.
Things That You Can Do for Your Furnace
Replace the air filter every three months or as needed.
Check the thermostat regularly to make sure it's working.
Check the airflow coming out of your registers.
Don't place items on top of your furnace or against it.
Contact Us at 1-800-Plumber + Air of Portland to schedule regular maintenance visits for your furnace.
