Furnace Repairs: Common Problems and How to Fix Them


A furnace is one of the most important appliances in our homes. That’s why you should invest in a high-quality furnace that will last long. However, no matter how good your furnace is, chances are that it will malfunction at some point.

There are several reasons that can cause your furnace to break down or malfunction or break down. Despite the fact that some problems are attributed to normal wear and tear, most of the issues are caused by lack of proper maintenance.

A furnace can break down or malfunction at the time that you need it the most. The problem is that sometimes people ignore the signs of malfunctioning and allow their furnaces to break down. This is likely to cost you more in terms of repair or replacement.

It is always good to take quick action the moment you start experiencing issues with your furnace.

Although there are certain issues that you can fix on your own, it is better to contact a professional like Kankakee furnace repair company to check where the source of the problem is in your furnace.

Common Furnace Problems

Furnace Repairs

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1. The thermostat is not set to heat

Most homeowners may think that their furnaces are not working when the actual problem is wrong settings. One of the first things you should check in case your furnace fails to start or is not functioning properly is to check the settings.

There’s a chance that someone might have switched it off by mistake or adjusted the temperatures excessively. Another issue could be that the batteries of your thermostat died. 

2. The thermostat is to getting power

This is also a common problem with many furnaces. If you have checked and believe that everything is okay with your furnace, then try to check if the thermostat is receiving power. It might sound ridiculous to imagine how it got unplugged but it is always good to confirm.

However, if you find out that your furnace is plugged in, check if the circuit breaker tripped. 

Here is what you can do if the circuit breaker tripped:

  • If the circuit controlling the furnace is off, then turn it in the ON position
  • If it is between the Off and ON position, puss it to the ON position
  • If the circuit breaker keeps on tripping, contact and electrician immediately

3. Unusual noises coming from the furnace

Rumbling, grinding, squeaking, rattling, or pinging noises are all indications of mechanical issues, reduced airflow, or a clogged burner.

If you hear loud and rattling noises, then it may be a sign that the blower motor is not well lubricated. Squealing noise on the other hand could be due to a damaged or loose blower belt.

A loose blower belt can cause loud clanking sounds while a dirty burner can lead to loud bung. Last but not least, a grinding sound is a clear sign that the motor bearings have worn out and need to be repaired.

Sometimes it may be difficult to determine the real cause of the odd sounds. The best option would be to contact an expert to check where the problem is.

4. Furnace runs continuously

Does your furnace run continuously without stopping? Well, this problem is a sign that there is something clogged or dirty inside the unit. But before you call an expert or try to fix anything inside, start by checking the settings to find out if they are on “continuous” mode.

If the air filter is okay, then check the furnace blower and see if it is dirty or filled with debris. Clean it and observe if there is any difference. If there are no changes, take a look at the motor of the furnace blower and lubricate it.

5. The furnace is producing little heat or no heat at all

There are several reasons why your unit may produce little or no heat at all. The advantage is that this is a problem you can fix without the help of an expert. The first step will be to open the heat registers and check the settings of the thermostat.

You can also check at the furnace power and make necessary adjustments. If you are experiencing a reduction in the amount of heat produced, then try to check the air filters and clear any dirt or debris that might have accumulated there. You may also check the vents and ducts and get rid of any obstructions.

Another possible solution would be moving your appliance from direct sunlight. This is because the heat from the sunlight can cause the thermostat to misinterpret the temperatures in your home. 

If this is the case, then the furnace will shut down earlier than expected and fail to provide the much-needed heat.

6. Dirty burners

If the burners are clogged up with dirt and debris, they won’t be able to generate enough natural gas to cause combustion. This means you won’t be able to get enough heat in your home. 

A healthy burner should produce blue flames. But any other colors such as orange or yellow is an indication of the presence of dirt or debris.

The best way to fix this is to clean your burners or get an expert to replace them if they are worn out. There are many ways of doing things.

Maintenance Tips

Furnace Repairs

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You can avoid a lot of inconveniences and expensive repairs by practicing regular maintenance. Here are some of the things you can do:

Also Read: 5 Tips For Buying A New Furnace For Your Historic Home

Change Your Filters On a Quarterly Basis

Furnace Repairs

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Changing filters is one of the best ways of keeping your furnace in good condition. The filter is meant to shield the blower from dust that usually compromises indoor air quality.

Cleaning your air filter after every three months will guarantee good indoor air quality and prolong the lifespan of the appliance.

If Not in Use, Turn on the Unit at Least Once Every Season

Furnace Repairs

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It will be difficult to know what is wrong with your unit if it is not turned on. The only way you can pick up any issues is by powering it on at least once every season and observing how the thermostat is behaving.

Turning on the furnace will also give you a chance to identify any issues such as burning smells, accumulated dust, leaking carbon monoxide, unusual sounds among other problems.

Schedule Yearly Maintenance

It is also important to have a professional HVAC technician to inspect and conduct maintenance on your heating system at least once a year.

Yearly HVAC maintenance will help in cleaning the fan blades, outdoor unit, blower, and coils. This will ensure that your furnace is always up to date and functioning more efficiently.

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