If your furnace isn’t working properly, it’s important to diagnose and fix the issue as soon as possible. Furnace problems can reduce your comfort and increase your energy bills. Make sure the heating system in your Cottonwood, Alabama, home always gets the attention it needs to function properly.
System Won’t Turn On
Many things can stop your furnace from turning on. Look for these issues:
- Improper thermostat settings: Make sure the thermostat is on and set to heat.
- Tripped circuit breaker: Check the circuit for the furnace to ensure that it’s on.
- Activated safety switch: A safety switch on the furnace door prevents the system from running if the door is removed. Make sure the door is still in place and the switch hasn’t been tripped.
Furnace Blows Cool Air
If the air coming out of your vents is cool or only slightly warm, your furnace isn’t producing or transmitting the appropriate amount of heat. The first thing you should check is your air filter, which you should replace as needed. If the filter is clogged, your furnace will struggle to get enough airflow to adequately warm your home.
Insufficient Airflow
A dirty air filter is a prime cause of poor airflow. If you notice that only a weak stream of air is coming through your vents, the filter is likely to blame. You should get into a routine of changing your filter about once every three months. Replace the filter more often if you have pets or a lot of dust in your home. A monthly inspection should give you an idea of how quickly your filter gets clogged.
You may also have insufficient airflow if the area around your furnace is cluttered. If you’re storing a lot of items in this space, your furnace will have a hard time pulling in enough air to keep your house warm. Clear out the area so it has plenty of room to breathe.
Strange Noises From the Furnace
If you’re hearing squeaking or squealing sounds coming from your heating system, this typically indicates a problem with the belts or blower. The blower should be oiled once a year for smooth, quiet operation. This is part of your routine system tuneup. Worn belts can also cause a squealing sound. Scheduling annual maintenance will help you avoid these problems.
If your heating system is making a banging sound, this is usually associated with the blower. It may be damaged or out of balance. Turn the system off at once when it starts making odd sounds, and call a professional to diagnose and repair the problem as soon as possible.
The Furnace Cycles Too Often
A dirty filter can cause your furnace to turn on and off too frequently. If a clean filter doesn’t fix this issue, you may have a problem with the blower motor or belts. This requires the services of a qualified heating technician.
You may also find that your furnace cycles frequently because it’s too large for the home. An oversized heating system can quickly warm the central area of your home, where the furnace is likely located. The system will then turn off, but it may leave cold spots in the outer reaches of your house. It’s important to make sure a new heating system is properly sized by getting a Manual J calculation from a NATE certified technician.
The System Never Turns Off
The limit switch tells your furnace when to turn off. If the system runs continuously, a broken limit switch is the most likely problem. A technician can easily replace the limit switch for you. If your furnace turns off occasionally but seems to run for excessively long periods of time, it’s probably too small for your home. An undersized furnace will have to run almost constantly to try to warm your home. A heating technician can let you know if your furnace is properly sized for your space.
If your furnace isn’t operating as it should, and a quick fix, such as a new filter, doesn’t help, you should call a repair technician as soon as possible. Contact us at One Source Heating, Cooling & Electrical for a prompt heating repair.
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