A furnace that won’t heat is never a good sign on a winter night. Even if everything looks normal on the surface, there are a variety of underlying issues that can prevent your furnace from providing the warmth you need. Let’s take a look at four possible furnace issues that can stand in the way of your comfort and why they occur.
There’s a Thermostat Problem
When there’s a problem with your thermostat, it can keep your gas furnace from reaching the desired temperature. Thermostat wires might become disconnected, or the thermostat itself could malfunction. A programmable thermostat might have incorrect temperature settings, causing the furnace unit to turn on and off unexpectedly.
You should check your thermostat if the heating system fails to respond or if you notice no hot air blowing from the vents. During furnace troubleshooting, verify that the thermostat is set to “heat” and the temperature setting is higher than the current room temperature. In the event you do notice any issues with thermostat settings or suspect faulty wiring, contacting a furnace repair professional is advisable.
Obstructed Airflow
Restricted airflow can prevent warm air from circulating through your home and make the gas furnace work harder than necessary. A dirty filter or clogged furnace filter can obstruct air flow, causing the blower motor to overheat and shut down. Dust and debris inside the air ducts or a clogged furnace filter can further exacerbate this problem.
As such, regularly replacing air filters and checking the duct system for obstructions can help you maintain consistent airflow and prevent the heat exchanger from overheating. If the furnace switches off frequently or you notice less hot air than usual, then it’s time to inspect the furnace filter and air ducts for blockages.
A Faulty Pilot Light
Pilot lights are essential for the ignition of your gas furnace, which means that any problems with it can prevent the heater from working. A malfunctioning pilot light can stem from a defective ignition sensor, a faulty gas valve, or issues with the gas supply.
You may also notice the pilot light flickering or failing to stay lit, which can be a sign of a problem with the flame sensor or gas line. Ensuring the pilot light is burning steadily can prevent heating system problems and improve overall furnace performance.
Gas Line Issues
Problems with the gas line can lead to dangerous situations. For example, a leak in the gas line or a tripped circuit breaker could stop the gas valve from opening, stopping the flow of natural gas to the furnace. This prevents the pilot light from igniting and disrupts the delivery of warm air.
Signs of gas line problems include a hissing sound, the smell of gas near the furnace, or a non-functional furnace switch. If you suspect a gas line issue, turn off the power disconnect switch and light switch, then contact a professional to inspect the gas furnace and address the gas leak or any faulty connections. It’s worth remembering that regular furnace maintenance can help avoid these problems and keep your HVAC system operating safely.
For Professional Furnace Repairs, Call Family Heating & Air Today
When something goes wrong with your furnace, you can count on the Family Heating & Air technicians to find a fast and effective solution. We offer furnace repairs, maintenance, and replacements if it’s time for a new system. Reach out today to learn more about our furnace services and to schedule one for your home.