Furnaces are constructed with several mechanical components that work in conjunction to produce warm air. Over time, those components may experience wear and tear that requires a professional repair service to fix.
Unusual sounds such as banging or whining are usually a good indication that your furnace needs maintenance or repairs. A skilled technician can identify the source of these noises and perform a comprehensive repair.
One of the most common furnace problems is when it turns on but does not produce heat. This can be caused by a variety of things, but it is important to know that there are some simple steps that you can try before calling in the professionals.
The first thing that you should check is whether or not the thermostat has been reset. This could be as simple as a setting that got changed without your knowledge, and this could cause the furnace to not call for heat when it should.
Another reason for no heat is a dirty air filter. This can restrict airflow and prevent the furnace from creating heat, so it is a good idea to change the filter if you haven’t done so in awhile. You should also make sure that the vent registers and vents are not blocked by furniture or other objects. Finally, you should look at your ductwork and see if there are any holes or cracks that need to be sealed.
If you have checked these things and there is still no heat, it is time to call in a professional. The best option is to choose a local HVAC company that has experience in troubleshooting furnaces. These companies will be able to quickly diagnose the problem and offer reliable solutions.
Unusual Sounds
Often, strange noises are the first sign that something is wrong with your furnace. While some low humming sounds or clicking during ignition are normal, banging, rattling, and whistling noises indicate serious issues that need to be fixed ASAP. These problems could be causing hazardous carbon monoxide levels in your home, gas leaks, or electrical failures. In any of these cases, you’ll want to turn off your system and evacuate your home until a professional can inspect and repair it.
A whistling sound typically indicates that hot air from your system is leaking somewhere, such as the area where your ducts connect to the unit. If this is the case, you can fix the issue by replacing your ductwork or having the technician check your blower fan and heat exchanger for damage.
On the other hand, a high-pitched chirping sound is usually caused by your air filter being too dirty or clogged. This can cause the blower to strain in order to push air through all of that grit. If you notice a wheezing sound that feels more like the sound of metal grinding against other metal, it’s time to replace your furnace filter or call in a service technician.
A clunking or knocking sound is also usually an indication of an issue with the fan or motor in your furnace. This is because the fan belt might be misaligned and hitting other parts of the system while it spins. It could also be caused by a faulty flame sensor, indicating that the system is having issues with its combustion and needs immediate attention from a service technician.
Water Leaks
While it is not necessarily a sign of disaster, if you spot water pooling around your furnace, take action right away. If left unattended, a leaky furnace can produce bio growth that is a health hazard for your family. In addition, the leaking water can cause extensive damage that is much more costly to repair.
A clog or leak in the condensation line, floor drain, or inducer assembly could be the culprit of the problem. These components allow for condensation to escape the heat exchanger, and it normally makes its way down the vent pipe and into the duct system. However, if these parts aren’t working properly, the condensation can stay inside the furnace and cause damage to other parts of the unit.
If your gas furnace is old, it may have a crack in the heat exchanger that allows for condensation to leak out. This type of leak is generally very easy to fix, but it is important to have a professional diagnose the issue to make sure your heat exchanger isn’t damaged beyond repair.
The first step if you spot water around your furnace is to turn it off. This will prevent it from continuing to leak, and it will also give you a chance to clean up the water. Grab some towels or napkins and soak up as much of the water as possible. If there is more than you can handle, use a wet-dry vacuum to remove the excess water from your furnace. Next, check the air filter to see if it is clogged or dirty. If it is, a new one should do the trick and eliminate the problem.
Reduced Airflow
If you notice reduced airflow from your furnace, this is a sign of a problem that should not be ignored. It can lead to insufficient warm air distribution throughout your home and cause your heating system to work harder than necessary to maintain proper performance levels.
There are a number of potential causes for this problem, including blocked return vents or ductwork leaks. In some cases, you can fix the issue with simple maintenance tasks like replacing your air filter and conducting visual inspections of the ductwork to find any obstructions or damaged sections. However, in many cases, the solution will require a professional HVAC technician to ascertain and implement.
A dirty air filter can also prevent warm air from flowing properly through your system, which can result in reduced airflow. The air filter should be changed regularly to keep it from clogging and help you avoid expensive repairs by keeping your furnace working as efficiently as possible.
Another common culprit is a blocked return vent, which can cause the blower fan to operate inefficiently and slow down the flow of air into the heating system. A common solution is to clean out your return grill and remove any dirt or debris that has accumulated, but this only addresses one component of the problem.
Leaky ductwork is another common reason for poor airflow, especially when the ductwork is undersized for your furnace. It may require a professional assessment of your ductwork using specialized equipment, such as the temperature rise formula or hot wire anemometer, to see if any repairs are needed. Our professionals can also help you explore options for ductwork modification or other solutions that will improve the flow of return air to your furnace.
Clogged Filter
A furnace filter keeps dirt, dust and debris from circulating through the system. As air comes into the blower compartment, it passes through the filter and traps any particles that might damage the fan motors or contaminate the home’s indoor air quality. Getting a new air filter on a regular basis ensures that your HVAC system continues to work correctly and safely for your family’s health and well-being.
Clogged filters can cause a host of problems for your heating and cooling system. The most immediate problem is that a clogged filter forces your furnace’s blower to work overtime to move the air, which can wear out the blower motor. Eventually, this strain can also cause the heat exchanger to crack, which can lead to carbon monoxide leaks.
The simplest way to test your furnace’s air filter is to hang a white bed sheet a few inches away from the vent. As the warm air blows over the sheet, it will also blow any debris that’s trapped in your ductwork or your filter. If the sheet turns gray or black, it’s time to change the filter.
Changing your furnace’s air filter isn’t a difficult or expensive task, and it’s an important one to remember. By keeping your home’s air clean, you can avoid a variety of costly repairs to your heater in Lebanon, Ohio. For help with your HVAC maintenance, call the experts at Bartels Heating & Cooling “For a Comfortable Way of Life.” We’re here to keep your home warm this winter! Call today to schedule a service. We provide 24/7 emergency services as well.