What are the most common furnace problems homeowners face? Whether your furnace heats your home unevenly, constantly cycles, or just won't work, take a look at the top cold weather-time complaints and what you can do about them.
High Utility Bills
Are your electric or natural gas bills abnormally high? While it's normal to see a moderate increase in utility bills during the winter months, a sudden spike or major jump points to a problem.
High winter utility bills could indicate:
An older, inefficient furnace. A higher annual fuel utilization efficiency (AFUE) percentage typically equals lower utility bills. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, older furnaces have AFUE's between 56 and 70 percent. Replacement with a new system could raise this number to as high as 98 percent.
A dirty filter or clogged filter. The more debris in your heater's filter, the harder the system needs to work. This can force the furnace into a heightened use mode and cost you more in utility bills.
Clogged or leaky ducts. Like a clogged filter, clogged or leaky airducts can also force the system to work harder.
Thermostat failure. If your thermostat can't correctly read the temperature in your home, your furnace won't work properly.
If you're not sure why your utility bills are higher or what is wrong with your furnace, contact an HVAC technician as soon as possible. A correct diagnosis and repair require the expert-level knowledge only a professional has.
Constant Cycling
Does your furnace turn on, off, and one again? If your heater cycles uncontrollably for short time or at a much higher than expected rate, the problem may come from:
The thermostat. A damaged, old, worn, or poorly installed/placed thermostat can cause the furnace to short cycle (turn on for brief periods of time, turn off, and turn back on).
Clogged filters. A debris-clogged filter can restrict airflow out of your furnace. This can raise the appliance's temperature and cause it turn off prematurely. When the temperature lowers, it will turn back on and repeat the cycle.
Improper size. Is your furnace sized for your home's space and insulation level? If the furnace is too large for the space/need, it could cycle off and on.
Flame sensor issue. Do you have a natural gas furnace? Damage or corrosion of the flame sensor will shut the gas off and cause the furnace to prematurely stop.
Blower motor. Blower motor failure or wear will cause the furnace to turn off. This can result in an off, on, and off again pattern.
Like with high energy bills, constant cycling or short cycling requires a professional evaluation and repair. Never attempt to fix these issues yourself. Without the right expertise or equipment, you could cause more damage or a serious safety risk.
Not Enough Heat
Is your home cold? If you bump up the thermostat and your home doesn't warm, or warms unevenly, the system could:
Have a thermostat problem. Again, a damaged or worn thermostat won't control the furnace correctly.
Have an electrical issue. If the system has no or not enough power, it can't work to its fullest potential.
Have a pilot light problem. If your gas furnace has a standing ort continuous pilot, check the light to make sure it's still lit.
Have a dirty filter. A clogged filter can cause your furnace to blow cold or cooler air.
Have a vent issue. Are the vents open? If they are, can the air flow freely from them?
Along with these issues, it's also possible your system has a mechanical or structural issue-especially if it's an older unit or poorly maintained. Check the vents and filter first. If these aren't the cause, you'll need a qualified HVAC technician to assess and repair your system.
Does your furnace need service? Contact Action Heating & Plumbing for more information.