When it comes to maintaining a comfortable and safe home, your heating system plays a critical role. But what happens when your trusted furnace falters or fails entirely? As the go-to experts in the field, we at Goettl are here to provide you with a comprehensive troubleshooting guide for common furnace issues. Our aim? To help you understand, diagnose, and possibly resolve some fundamental furnace problems before seeking professional help.
Your Furnace Isn’t Producing Heat
One of the most prevalent issues homeowners face is a furnace that isn't producing heat. This could be due to a simple reason, such as the thermostat not being set correctly or an issue with the circuit breaker.
- First, ensure your thermostat is set to "heat" and the temperature setting is higher than the current room temperature. If the thermostat is only set to “on” but not “heat,” this means the fan will circulate air, but your system won’t actively heat it!
- If the furnace still doesn't produce heat, check your electrical panel to see if the circuit breaker has tripped. A furnace is a high-powered piece of equipment, so it’s pretty common for a small power surge to cause it to trip a circuit breaker.
- Check the furnace’s power switch and make sure it’s switched on. It might look like a light switch located near or beside the unit.
It Keeps Turning Off
If your furnace keeps turning off before your home is adequately heated, it might be due to a dirty air filter restricting airflow. If air is not allowed to circulate properly through your HVAC system, the equipment can overheat. Safety mechanisms in the equipment will trigger an auto-shut-off to prevent severe damage when overheating occurs.
Regular replacement of your air filter can prevent this common issue. If your filter is clean and the problem persists, it may be time to call in the experts, as this could indicate an oversized furnace or a malfunctioning thermostat. Your system might also be suffering from excessive dust build-up, which is trapping heat against the equipment – of course, the best solution for this is routine furnace maintenance.
Unusual Noises
Although most furnaces make some noise while running, loud or unusual noises could indicate a mechanical problem, like a blower belt issue or a problem with the ignition. If you hear strange noises, it's best to call a professional to inspect your system because a DIY repair can be unsafe.
Rising Energy Bills
If your energy bills are climbing, yet your usage has stayed the same, your furnace may be losing efficiency. This could be due to wear and tear or the need for a tune-up. Remember: dust is your furnace’s worst enemy! Regular maintenance can help keep your furnace running efficiently and your energy bills in check.
Uneven Heating
Are some rooms in your home warmer than others? Uneven heating could be due to multiple reasons:
- Check for blocked vents, and make sure all the vents in your home are open. Remember to look behind curtains and furniture and under rugs.
- Consider updating the insulation in areas where it’s always too hot or too cold. At the time your home was built, the insulation may have been adequate, but it’s possible that it settled over time or is no longer an appropriate R-rating for the space.
- Leaky or dust-clogged ductwork can prevent adequate airflow from reaching your rooms. Newer ductwork with leaks can typically be sealed or repaired, but if you own old, ripped-up air ducts, replacing them generally is the better investment. Dirty air ducts can be cleaned thoroughly with professional duct cleaning equipment.
Our licensed and insured technicians can help identify these problems and point you toward the best solution.
When in Doubt, Call Goettl
Remember, while this guide provides essential troubleshooting tips, it's always best to consult a professional HVAC technician when experiencing issues with your furnace. At Goettl, we offer expert heating services to ensure your comfort throughout the cooler months. Our track record of delivering high-quality service is a testament to our commitment to meeting and exceeding our customers' needs.
Contact us today at 844-4-GOETTL. Your comfort and safety are our top priority.