As the cold weather starts to seep into your area, you need a reliable, working furnace in your home. The last thing you want is to turn on the unit and there is no warm air. Here are some of the top common reasons that could leave you out in the cold.
1. Malfunctioning Thermostat
Your thermostat works to communicate with the furnace. When this device does not work correctly, your system will not receive the signal to send out heated air. There are plenty of reasons for these failures, such as faulty wiring, incorrect settings, or dead batteries. If this happens in your home, always check the settings. Sometimes, you may have accidentally switched the device to the “off” position. For those still having issues with their furnace, it may be time for a bit of professional help. An HVAC technician will inspect the system and pinpoint the cause of the problem. Depending on the issue, your thermostat may need to be calibrated or completely replaced.
2. Clogged Air Filters
Another common problem is a clogged air filter. These filters are needed to keep your furnace working at an efficient level throughout the winter. However, they can clog with debris, dirt, and dust. A dirty filter will lead to a lack of airflow. In turn, your furnace might overheat and shut down. There is an easy fix to this problem: change the filters. Make sure to replace the filter about every one to three months. If you have pets with dander or allergies, a clean filter can help to keep those irritants at bay.
3. Problems With the Pilot Light
You may want to check the pilot light if you have a gas furnace. Sometimes, the light can go out, and that can cause your system to malfunction. If the light is out, you may have to relight it. Make sure to read all the manufacturer’s instructions for the unit. Relighting the light is not simple. You are dealing with gas, and any misstep could lead to serious injuries. Instead, think about calling our service technicians. They will check out the unit and inspect your entire ignition system.
4. Tripped Circuits
Tripped circuits or blown fuses could be another reason for your non-functioning furnace. When there is a tripped breaker, it can disrupt the power supply to your system. If this happens in your home, check the electrical panel. You can always reset the breakers. However, if there are ongoing problems, you may need a professional electrician to conduct a full inspection. Some homeowners have a dedicated panel of circuits for their furnaces. With that, it can prevent any instances of tripped circuits.
5. Gas Issues
Today, many homes still use gas to power their furnaces. Often, the valves can lead to issues. Make sure that the valve is open. If it is closed, you will not receive the proper fuel to power the unit. Other than that, you will want to leave any gas-related issues to the professionals. Gas leaks and other problems often lead to potentially deadly hazards. With a yearly inspection, a technician will make sure that your furnace’s gas connections and components are in working order.
6. Leaking or Blocked Ductwork
Your ductwork distributes the warm air throughout your home. However, if they are blocked or have leaks, it can create airflow issues. That could lead to the furnace not operating as usual. You can call our technicians to inspect the ductwork for any signs of damage. Along with that, you can prevent future problems by hiring a duct cleaning service to remove any excess dust or debris from the vents. If there are leaks, the technicians will repair those areas. In turn, you will have an efficient heating system that delivers the right amount of air to all your rooms.
7. Activating the High-Limit Switch
Furnaces have a special safety feature called the high-limit switch. The furnace will automatically power down when the temperature exceeds a safe level. Sometimes, the switch can be activated because of a faulty motor or clogged air filters. You can always change out the filters to see if that resolves the problem. If the problems still exist, it could be time to get a professional opinion from a reputable technician.
8. Motor Problems
The blower motor has an important job. It works to distribute heated air throughout the home. When there is a malfunction, then the furnace might not start. You can usually tell that there are issues with this component. Many of these problems are accompanied by unusual noises. You will want to avoid DIY fixes for this part. If there are any issues with the motor, you need to call a technician to diagnose the culprit.
9. Dirty Sensors
Gas furnaces have many sensors, including those that can detect the pilot light. When it is dirty or not working properly, the furnace doesn’t register the flame’s presence. In turn, that can cause the furnace to shut off. You can take a clean cloth and wipe the sensor. Most of the time, this can fix the problem. However, larger problems will need the assistance of an HVAC technician.
10. General Wear and Tear
Like all mechanical systems, furnaces have a limited lifespan. If your unit has a lot of wear and tear, that could cause it not to function correctly. Keep an eye on its performance. Frequent breakdowns or a lack of efficiency could be indicators that the system is ready for a replacement. Sometimes, buying a modern, energy-efficient model is the most cost-effective solution.
11. Lack of Maintenance
If you forget to maintain your furnace, your system may build up with dust and debris. All that buildup can reduce the system’s energy efficiency. Eventually, the buildup could prevent your furnace from responding. Non-maintained furnaces can experience startup problems, inconsistent heating, and safety issues. With two visits per year, you can prevent many of these issues. If there are problems, our technicians will be able to address them before these problems leave you stuck without heat for the winter.
12. Electrical Failures
Some components could experience electrical malfunctions. The control board, furnace, or another part could be the issue. These problems can result in preventing you from starting up your furnace. These problems can vary from unit to unit, and it can be difficult to determine the issues by yourself. You will need a visit from an HVAC technician. Our professional technicians will identify the source of the problems and find solutions to keep your furnace in working order.
At Bacon Plumbing Heating Air Electric, we take pride in providing services to ensure the optimal performance of your furnace. We are also happy to address common issues. In addition, we go the extra mile to keep your home comfortable. Our team can assist with heating, electrical, and plumbing needs throughout Rockwall and the Dallas-Fort Worth area. Our skilled technicians are ready to tackle any HVAC issues, repair electrical systems, or resolve plumbing concerns. If you need assistance, we are just a phone call away.
Reach out to Bacon Plumbing Heating Air Electric to schedule a repair, maintenance, or installation service for your Rockwall, TX home.
