The power of your furnace is what keeps you warm in the winter and cool in the summer. If your heater is broken, you will lose more than just a convenient temperature regulator; you could have an expensive furnace repair on your hands. Moreover, calling a professional like SureTech Heating & Cooling makes you nervous, especially if it’s your first time. That is why you must know common furnace repairs to be prepared if your heater fails.
As with any appliance, a furnace is more than just a receptacle for heating air; it also provides hot water, ventilation, and electricity. Most of these parts are made from metal or plastic and can be easily replaced by anyone with essential tools or electrical expertise. Therefore, here are some common furnace repairs:
1. Cleaning Dirty Ductwork
Dirty ductwork is one of the most common furnace repairs, especially in older homes. Air ducts can collect dust and pet dander while restricting airflow. Have your vents inspected, cleaned, and serviced regularly. At least once a year, clean each vent with a vacuum and brush attachment, followed by a light dusting to prevent mold and mildew growth that can cause respiratory irritation.
2. Damaged Blower Capacitor
A blower capacitor is a small device connected between the power to your furnace and the blower fan. The capacitor charges and releases electricity when your circuit gets interrupted. However, if it becomes worn out, it may stop working. If your furnace makes loud noises after some time, you may have a damaged capacitor. Before calling a professional, you should check for signs of overheating, such as hard-to-heating coils or the transmission mechanism taking longer to move the fan blades.
3. Cleaning the Flame Sensor
The flame sensor determines how hot your furnace’s burners should be. All furnaces have a temperature control board, which checks the flame sensor’s signal and turns the burners on if the heat drops below a specific temperature or cycles off when it reaches a specified target. If your heater is malfunctioning, there may be soot buildup on or around this sensor that is blocking its ability to function correctly.
4. Tripped Circuit Breaker
When a circuit breaker is tripped, it shuts down the circuit’s furnace or other electrical devices. A short circuit or excessive current use can cause this. While circuits should not trip frequently, they only need to be reset as soon as it happens. If your breaker keeps tripping every time you run your furnace, then you should call a professional because there may be something wrong with the burner.
5. Gas Leaks or Odors
Most furnaces have a neat, controlled burn of gas. However, some leaks can release toxic emissions into the room. The best way to locate the source of these leaks is by checking for visible flames or odors coming from vents and pipes.
How Do You Troubleshoot a Furnace Problem?
While it may be tempting to write off a furnace as broken, always remember that minor problems can still cause significant damage. Therefore, call a professional HVAC Contractor if your heater has been off for more than 24 hours and shows signs of overheating, such as coils or the transmission mechanism taking longer to move the fan blades.
Electricity Supply
Always check the circuit breaker or fuse box to ensure the power is on before you start any furnace repairs. If the power is out, turn it back on and wait 30 minutes before restarting your heater. If the breaker or fuse keeps tripping, have an electrician check for electrical problems.
Gas Supply
If you use gas in your furnace, you must ensure that the gas line is in working order. This can be done by checking the shut-off and ensuring it isn’t turned on. If it is, then turn it off and wait 30 minutes before turning your heater back on again.
Air Filter and Drain
Replace your air filter at least once a month and check the condensate drain weekly if your furnace has one. In addition, check the condensate drain’s overflow tube and clean the tube thoroughly once a month. The drain must be clear to allow air to flow and send moisture and debris outside.
Conclusion
A furnace needs to be in good working condition every day of the year. If not, you risk freezing during the winter or getting sick from mold during the summer. Therefore, make sure to call a professional if your heater has been off for more than 24 hours and shows signs of overheating, such as coils or taking longer to move the fan blades. A professional can also be helpful in common furnace repairs because they have the tools and knowledge to fix many problems independently.
