It’s important for our furnace to work properly through the cold months because waking up to a cold house isn’t much fun. If you run into any issues with your furnace it’s nice to know what’s going on and how to deal with them.

Troubleshooting Common Furnace Problems

1. Clogged air filter. This seems to be the leading cause of furnace breakdowns. The furnace will need to work a lot harder than it normally does when the air filter is clogged because the airflow is blocked. This uses more energy and makes for an uncomfortable home. It also significantly increases the chance of a breakdown. The easiest way to avoid this problem is to change the air filter every month when you’re using your furnace more.
2. Poor airflow. A clogged air filter is one reason for restricted airflow. Other causes can be leaks in the ductwork, mechanical issues with the air handler and/or air vents that are closed. These issues will cause an inadequate airflow throughout the house. If you’ve made sure the vents are all open and the air filter is clean and still have problems, call for service.
3. Pilot light or ignition issues. If there are issues with the pilot light of the ignition, your furnace won’t turn on. In older systems check to see if the pilot light is burning and relight it if not. If the pilot light doesn’t want to stay lit, you’ll need to call for an inspection. Newer systems that are having the same problem will also need to be inspected.
4. Thermostat isn’t working correctly. Thermostats work by communicating with the furnace by telling the furnace when to turn on and off. A faulty thermostat can mess with a perfectly functioning furnace. To avoid this issue, make sure to keep fresh batteries in the thermostat. If problems continue call for service to check the calibrations of the thermostat.
5. Heat exchanger is cracked. As a furnace ages, cracks can start in the heat exchanger and can lead to carbon monoxide leaking into your home. If your carbon monoxide detector is warning you call for service right away.
6. System malfunction. When one part of the furnace stops working, it can cause a chain reaction that affects the rest of the parts and can lead to a system malfunction. If you notice a funny smell odd noises like, rumbling, rattling or squeaking or short cycling you should call for an inspection and/or service.

Furnace Repair Service in Cedar Park, Austin, Round Rock, Georgetown, Frisco, Allen Plano, Dallas & San Antonio, Texas

The best way to avoid any problems with your furnace is to schedule tune-ups every year so problems can be spotted early on and to prevent more costly problems in the future. During a tune-up, all the components are checked and tuned so they are functioning properly and at peak efficiency. Furnaces of any age can have issues. If you have questions about the furnace in your home, contact Southwest Appliance Repair of San Antonio.