The Most Common Furnace Problems

Broken furnaces might steal some warm moments in the home, but that doesn't mean it has to stay that way.

Furnaces are lifesavers when colder days arrive. But, unfortunately, we often take them for granted when they warm up the home within minutes. They're designed to have a long life, but as with all mechanical devices, they may occasionally need repair.

Here's a short list of the most common furnace problems:

Not producing heat

If the house is unusually chilly and the furnace is on, chances are it's not producing heat. The furnace may blow air, but the air isn't hot. This usually isn't a severe issue. Checking the thermostat for the heat setting or inspecting if the temperature setting is too low should provide answers.

Dirty filter

Another reason the furnace stops heating is that the filter needs replacing. The filter prevents dust and debris from blowing through the furnace and becomes clogged if not changed often enough. In addition, dirty filters reduce the airflow and put more pressure on the furnace.

The air isn't blowing

Noticing that the furnace produces heat but doesn't blow air can be annoying. This is most often due to a broken blower fan belt. Fixing this malfunction shouldn't be a big problem. It is best to follow the instructions in the furnace's manual since many include a belt replacement tutorial.

Producing noise

Any loud sound from a furnace that doesn't seem normal usually indicates a mechanical problem. Knocking can mean something inside the furnace has fallen loose. A loud rumbling noise might indicate a fuel leak in the combustion chamber. If these issues occur, it's crucial to call an experienced technician to inspect them.

Leaking water

Some furnaces are prone to condensation leaks. This issue occurs when the water leaks into the base of the furnace. Typically, it's a symptom of a problem with the humidifier or the exhaust pipe. The condensation pipes and drain lines may clog, causing the water to build up and leak.

The furnace isn't receiving power

The first thing that needs checking if the furnace isn't receiving power is to inspect if it's plugged in. If everything appears normal and the thermostat is functioning, check if the furnace breaker is on. The switch might be broken, and one should involve a professional electrician if that's the case.

Cycling modes

If the furnace frequently switches between the on and off modes, the airflow or the wrong thermostat setting may be to blame. However, this issue also indicates a clogged filter, so changing it might resolve the problem.

Ensure a warm home all season long

Broken furnaces might steal some warm moments in the home, but that doesn't mean it has to stay that way. Noticing any of these symptoms may require a professional service to repair the furnace. Sign up for annual or twice-yearly HVAC maintenance so there are no worries about the cold.

Evenflow Home and Commercial Services of San Antonio offers impeccable house cleaning services, professional plumbing, electrician services, HVAC installation, maintenance, and repair. Our technicians offer  24-hour emergency electrical and HVAC service for San Antonio, Schertz, Converse, Floresville, Elmendorf, and more. Call us at (210)941-3503.