During the cold winter months we get many service calls from customers whose systems aren’t heating properly, are running too loudly, or even seem to continue running all the time.
There are many things that can cause problems requiring professional heating repair in Raleigh homes; however, some of the issues can first be addressed by homeowners.
We’ve compiled a list of common furnace problems that face Raleigh homeowners below.
Things a homeowner can do:
Double Check Your Thermostat Setting
It may not seem worth stating the obvious but often times, homeowners don’t realize that their thermostat isn’t set to “Heat” and the temperature setting isn’t at least 5 degrees above the current room temperature. Avoid that unnecessary call to your HVAC contractor by double checking your thermostat first.
There are a couple of other things you can do to make sure your thermostat is functioning properly as well. First – if your thermostat operates with batteries, be sure to check the battery and change the battery at least once a year. Next, if your thermostat is has been programmed to run at certain times, be sure that those times have been set correctly! This could also prevent your heat from turning on when you need it.
Lastly, if your blower is running continuously, make sure that you don’t have the the thermostat set to “continuous fan.”
Check Your Circuit Breaker
Sometimes, something as simple as a blown fuse may have caused your heat to stop running. Find the breaker panel in your home and make sure that the switches are positioned to “On.” You may find that the breaker connected to your furnace has flipped to “Off.”
Check And Change Your Filter
If your furnace is running but not producing enough heat, it may be a dirty filter that’s the culprit. A clogged filter obstructs air flow which makes air handlers work harder. This not only leads to an inefficient system and higher power bill, but it also can cause the heat exchange to overheat and shut off prematurely.
When you hold your filter up to the light, you should be able to see through it. If not, it needs to be replaced. This can easily be done by the homeowner without having to call for HVAC service.
Too Much Clutter
Not only for the efficiency of your system, but for the safety of your home, you should keep clutter away from your furnace. What’s more, you should try to keep the area around your furnace free from dust and lint as much as possible, too.
For the issues above, a homeowner can likely address him or herself. However, if the furnace still isn’t working, you may need to call an HVAC pro. Below are some other common issues a technician will check:
Safety Switch Issues
Your furnace has a safety switch that will pop out whenever the door is removed. In order for your heater to work properly, the door needs to be closed and the switch activated. In some cases, the safety switch needs replacing.
Dirty Burners
Sometimes the burners can become contaminated with various debris which can prevent your furnace from heating properly. If the flames are blue and even, then they are fine. However, if they are yellow, they are probably in need of cleaning. If you are getting your system regularly serviced with preventative maintenance, you are less likely to encounter this problem.
Lubricate the Furnace Blower
If you’ve gotten preventative maintenance before or during the winter, your technician should have oiled the furnace blower to extend the life of your furnace and keep it working most efficiently. Also, a blower motor that needs oiling will cause your system to run loudly! This should be done once a year.
Bad Limit Switch
Sometimes we get calls because the blower is running continuously. Sometimes, this means the limit switch needs replacing, otherwise the lifespan of the blower will be shortened.
Ignition & Pilot Problems
Many gas furnace systems function with a pilot light, or they have electronic controls. Most newer systems ignite electrically as opposed to a standing pilot light; however, having a malfunctioning ignition system will inhibit the furnace from heating properly. An improperly adjusted pilot light can also cause your system to create a lot of noise.
Rapid Cycling Failures
If you’ve changed your filters and your furnace is still turning on and off too abruptly, you’ll need to call in a professional to evaluate your blower motor and belts, which may need replacing.
Dirty Flame Sensor
Not only does a dirty flame sensor prevent your furnace from heating properly, it is also a very important safety feature that keeps your furnace from burning unsafe fuel.
If you need the help of a Raleigh HVAC contractor, you can contact us at Klimatology HVAC to have a trusted family-owned company make sure you are comfortable in your home!
