A technician checks the heat exchanger, burners, pilot light and other parts of your furnace to ensure that they are functioning properly. This includes removing any dust buildup that may be blocking airflow.
Noises like banging or humming, short cycling, and musty odors are all signs that your furnace needs professional attention. Contact FURNACE REPAIR CINCINNATI for professional help.
Many furnace issues are simple to resolve at a fraction of the cost and time needed for a replacement. Many of these techniques are outlined in your owner’s manual, but you can also find information online or get guidance from your technician. First, check your breaker box to see if a fuse or breaker has been tripped. A simple reset can restore power and allow your system to operate normally again.
Dirty air filters are one of the most common culprits of furnace malfunction. Replace your filter regularly to keep your furnace working efficiently.
Pilot light or ignition problems are another common issue, but you can easily check and relight a pilot light on older models by following the instructions in your manual. Newer systems ignite electrically instead of with a standing pilot light, and you can check to ensure the ignition system is activated and powered by resetting the furnace power switch and checking the igniter to make sure it isn’t coated in residue and is capable of lighting your burners.
Ignition problems can be caused by a dirty flame sensor, and you can remove the sensor and clean it to ensure the system can properly detect and ignite your burners. You can also clear dust buildup on your blower motor and fan to improve airflow and prevent overheating.
If you hear banging or popping sounds from your furnace, it could be a sign of ductwork issues or loose components inside the unit. Try turning the thermostat up or down to see if this helps to reduce these disturbances, or contact your professional for more troubleshooting tips and advice.
A squealing or whining noise from your furnace can indicate that the blower drive belt is worn out, or the motor bearings are in need of lubrication to ease their operation and prevent overheating. Your technician can inspect the blower motor and fan, tighten loose parts and lubricate the motor bearings to remedy this problem. Similarly, a burning smell from your furnace can indicate overheating of components that should be repaired by a professional as soon as possible to avoid damage to the unit and your home.
Repair
Unlike small appliances like toasters and blenders, which you can figure out how to troubleshoot without professional help, furnaces are much more complex. The underlying problem may not be readily apparent. Some problems can even be deadly. This is why it’s best to leave major repairs to professionals who have the knowledge and equipment to do them safely and effectively.
There are many reasons why a furnace may need to be repaired. For instance, if the furnace isn’t turning on, try resetting the thermostat or checking your home’s electrical panel for tripped breakers. If the furnace does turn on but then cycles off before reaching the desired temperature, there’s likely a problem with airflow or the thermostat. It might be time to change the filter or clean the blower.
Another indication of a problem is the presence of strange smells. If the odors are similar to rotten eggs or burning plastic, that is not normal and may indicate a dangerous gas leak. If you see black marks on the walls or ceiling near the furnace, this is also a sign of a potential gas leak and should be dealt with immediately.
A rattling noise from the vents or ductwork is often caused by loose or broken parts. It’s important to have these issues fixed before they become worse, especially since a minor repair can save you a lot of money in the long run.
Lastly, a yellow tint to your furnace’s flame could be a warning that it is dirty. This can cause carbon monoxide, which is dangerous to your health. A technician will be able to diagnose the issue and fix it before it becomes more serious.
As a general rule, if a furnace requires more than one repair in a short period of time, that is a good indicator that it’s nearing the end of its life. Replacing a furnace can be costly and is best left to professionals who have the proper training and equipment to do it safely and efficiently. CAC’s Maryland weatherization assistance program can help eligible families pay for heating repairs and replacements through energy rebates.
Replacement
Furnace parts have individual lifespans, and replacing specific components can restore your system to functionality without the expense of a full replacement. This approach is especially useful for high-efficiency furnaces, which require specialized knowledge and tools to service. These are tasks that are best left to the pros, who are experienced with maintaining these energy-saving systems.
If you are experiencing frequent furnace repairs, it may be time to consider a replacement. A new furnace is more efficient and will save you money on heating bills in the long run. This is especially true if your current furnace has reached the end of its lifespan and will continue to experience issues.
Major furnace repair projects take a significant amount of time, manual labor, and skill. These projects typically address problems that severely limit or inhibit your system’s performance.
A common example is a heat exchanger replacement. Heat exchangers are hidden behind all other furnace parts, making them difficult to access and repair. A professional technician will need to disassemble the entire furnace to get a clear view of the heat exchanger. This is a highly labor-intensive job that can cost thousands of dollars.
Another common problem is a faulty thermostat. This can cause the furnace to work intermittently or not at all. A smart thermostat with programmable features can help you avoid these problems by letting you control your HVAC system remotely.
The ignitor and pressure switch are also common components that can fail in your furnace. A modern ignitor can last up to 15 years, and a furnace pressure switch can have a life expectancy of 10 years. Furnace transformers are another component that can break down. They are often the result of electrical stress. A furnace transformer replacement can cost up to $400 with a diagnostic.
While it is important to have a trusted local service company on call for emergency heating repair, it is even more critical to schedule regular maintenance. These services will catch many issues before they become bigger problems and minimize the number of repairs your system needs over time. This will keep your home warmer and more comfortable while maximizing your system’s lifespan.
Maintenance
Furnaces require routine maintenance to keep them running smoothly and efficiently. By spotting warning signs and acting promptly, homeowners can save money on energy bills and delay costly repairs or replacements. This prevents unnecessary strain on the system and maximizes comfort. Some maintenance techniques, such as cleaning clogged filters and replacing a burned-out pilot light, are easy enough to perform at home, but other tasks need specialized knowledge or equipment. A professional technician can handle these advanced tasks, ensuring that the furnace remains safe and functioning properly.
In addition to ensuring that the gas valve is open and that the pilot light is lit, a technician can conduct a variety of diagnostics. They can check the blower for excessive air flow that would indicate a blockage and adjust it accordingly; test the blower’s amp draw to determine how much power it is using; and conduct a startup cycle to ensure that everything works correctly after turning on. They can also conduct a carbon monoxide test and inspect the blower for signs of excess soot that would require a cleaning or a possible burner orifice clog.
Often, when a furnace isn’t working, it’s because the thermostat is set incorrectly or it is experiencing some other electrical problem. Typically, a tripped circuit breaker or a fuse is the cause of these problems. A technician can reset or replace the breaker and fuse, restoring power to the system.
Other issues, such as a dirty flame sensor, can prompt a sudden shutdown or prevent the furnace from starting at all. These sensors are designed to detect the presence of a flame and shut off when there is an issue to avoid safety risks. A professional can clean the flame sensor and make sure it is set to the correct size flame for optimal efficiency and safety. Sometimes, an older system may require a major repair such as replacing the heat exchanger. It is important to evaluate the cost of this repair against the remaining lifespan of the furnace in order to decide whether it’s worthwhile. A technician can help with this decision and recommend the best course of action.