5 of The Most Frustrating Furnace Problems (And How To Avoid Them)
When cold weather arrives, we expect our furnaces to perform flawlessly. But, of course, our heating systems don’t always go along…
Problems often seem to pop up at the most inconvenient times — leaving your home cold and uncomfortable.
Chilly Ben’s Heating & Air Conditioning shares the following list of some of the common and frustrating furnace problems we face (and how to prevent them) when the heating season begins!
1. Furnace Isn’t Getting Power
If your furnace won’t turn on or keeps shutting off unexpectedly, it’s likely not receiving the power it needs to operate properly.
Signs: The furnace might short cycle (turn on and off repeatedly) or fail to start at all, with no airflow coming through the vents.
Cause: This could be due to issues like a tripped circuit breaker, loose wiring, or electrical component failure.
Prevention: Regular professional inspections can help catch these problems early. Additionally, check your electrical panel to ensure the breaker for your heating system is switched on.
2. Thermostat Set Incorrectly
If your thermostat isn’t set properly, your furnace may not turn on or fail to produce enough heat to warm your home.
Signs: The furnace doesn’t respond when you adjust the thermostat, or the house stays cooler than expected.
Cause: The thermostat may be set to “cool,” “fan only,” or at a lower temperature than what’s needed for heating.
Prevention: Always double-check that your thermostat is set to “heat” and at a temperature higher than the current room temperature.
3. Making Strange Noises
If your furnace is running but starts to make unusual sounds (either intermittently or all the time), this could indicate an underlying issue that needs attention.
Signs: You might hear loud banging, squealing or other strange noises coming from the furnace.
Cause: Loose components, worn-out blower belts, or debris buildup inside the system are often the cause.
Prevention: Regular furnace tune-ups can help catch and fix these problems early, keeping your furnace running both quietly and efficiently.
4. Pilot Light Issues
A malfunctioning pilot light can stop your furnace from working properly and may also pose safety risks.
Signs: The pilot light keeps going out or burns with a yellow flame instead of the usual blue.
Cause: Common causes include drafts, a faulty thermocouple, or issues with the gas line.
Prevention: Have a professional technician inspect your furnace regularly to ensure proper ventilation, and check for problems with the thermocouple and gas lines.
5. Not Producing Heat
Your furnace might be running, but if it’s only blowing cool air, something isn’t working as it should.
Signs: The furnace is operating, but the house isn’t getting any warmer.
Cause: This is often caused by clogged air filters or a malfunctioning blower motor, which can also lead to overheating issues.
Prevention: Regular maintenance by an HVAC technician ensures critical components like blower motors and air filters are inspected and kept in good condition.
Maintaining Your Furnace
Along with regular professional tune-ups, you can take a few simple steps to ensure your furnace runs smoothly during the colder months:
- Replace air filters every 30 to 90 days.
- Keep all vents and registers clean, open, and unobstructed.
- Periodically check that your thermostat settings are set for heating.
Call Us For Expert Furnace Help
Whether your furnace isn’t powering on or you’re dealing with persistent pilot light issues, the team at Chilly Ben’s Heating & Air Conditioning is here to help! Our licensed HVAC technicians offer only the best furnace maintenance and repair services throughout the Bowling Green, KY area, equipped with the skills and tools to get the job done right.
Give us a call today at (270) 776-3691 to learn more and schedule your service!
Chilly Bens
For 14 years, Chilly Bens has been providing heating and air conditioning service to the Central Kentucky area.