The Basics of Furnace Troubleshooting
As temperatures drop, the last thing you want is trouble with your furnace. And it always seems like trouble starts at the most inopportune times, right before you go to bed or on a Sunday afternoon when most businesses are closed.
Luckily, the problem may be simple and you may not need a service call after all. Here’s a list of some of the most common furnace issues and a few troubleshooting tips to try this season.
Furnace Won’t Turn On
- Check circuit breakers. A fuel-run furnace has some components that require electricity.
- Check the pilot light of fuel-run furnaces. If you hear a click as the furnace attempts to initiate, it could be that the pilot light is out.
- Check the air filter. A dirty filter can block airflow, shutting down the furnace.
- Double check that the thermostat is set to Heat or Auto.
- Make sure the gas valve is turned on.
Related Read: Save Money with a Programmable Thermostat
Furnace Blows Cold Air
- Change air filter.
- Check pilot light.
- Check that thermostat is set to Heat or Auto. The “on” position keeps the fan blowing continually. However, if the furnace is not fired up, it’s simply recycling room temperature air.
- Make sure the gas supply is turned on.
- Check that the condensate drain line is not clogged. Clogs activate a switch that will prevent the furnace from lighting.
Furnace Makes Strange Noises
- Rattle: It could be loose panels, a misaligned blower, or a motor malfunction. The latter two require the skill of a technician.
- Clicking: Repeated clicking could be your control panel, the compressor, or a defective electrical relay. Again, you may need to call a technician to fix this.
- Grinding: Motor bearings may need replacement or a belt may require alignment – all jobs for a trained furnace technician.
- Squealing: The belt connecting the motor to the fan may have slipped or needs to be replaced.
Related Read: Top 5 Reasons You’ll Love Our Maintenance Plan
And at some point, your furnace just may be old and ready to be replaced. A newer furnace and air conditioning system can eliminate the guesswork and provide peace of mind for you and your family. Plus, they can help pay for themselves with higher efficiency, which means they will cost less to operate.
Lancaster Brothers proudly installs Lennox furnace and air conditioning systems. Contact us for current rebates and special financing for qualified homeowners.