The furnace is an essential part of keeping your home at a comfortable temperature. But like any machine, it will eventually fail and need to be repaired. The good news is that many common furnace repair issues are easily fixed by you or a qualified technician.
1. Check Your Ignitor
A spark ignitor is the main source of ignition for your furnace’s flame. The ignitor’s clicks and glowing orange light signal the heating system that it is time to start producing heat. But if the ignitor is faulty, then your furnace won’t be able to fire up. If this is the case, it is best to call an HVAC contractor to replace it.
2. Clean out the Combustion Chamber
A dirty combustion chamber can prevent your furnace from running properly, so cleaning it is a simple and affordable way to keep your heating system operating smoothly. Use a vacuum cleaner to thoroughly remove all the dirt, debris and airborne particulates from the chamber. Also, inspect the combustion air ducts for small holes that could be letting dangerous noxious gases into your house. Cover these holes with foil tape before replacing the door to the chamber.
3. Change Your Furnace Filter
A basic furnace filter is designed to trap dust, dirt and airborne particles before they enter your furnace. The filter should be changed about every 1 to 3 months during the heating season.
4. Test Your Thermostat
A malfunctioning thermostat can cause your furnace to produce too much or too little heat. This can lead to higher energy bills and a lack of comfort in your home. A qualified technician can assess the issue and help determine whether the problem is caused by the thermostat or another part of your system.
5. Check Your Limit Switch
A limit switch is a vital piece of equipment that senses the temperature inside your furnace and tells the blower fan when it is ready to start running. If the limit switch is not working correctly, it can lead to a variety of furnace problems and may require expensive repairs to restore the proper function of your furnace.
6. Check Your Air Ducts
A clogged or damaged air duct is one of the most common problems that will require Furnace Repair. These pipes are used to transport air from your furnace to other parts of your home. If they are clogged or damaged, it can make your heater work harder and cause the unit to break down sooner.
7. Test Your Gas Line
If you notice that your furnace doesn’t seem to be getting as hot or as powerful as usual, this could mean that your gas line isn’t supplying enough pressure. This can lead to premature failure of your heat exchanger and will result in costly furnace repair.
8. Check the Vent Pipes
If your exhaust vent pipes have a white powdery residue, this can indicate corrosion. If this is the case, it’s best to have an experienced technician inspect them and repair or replace them if necessary.