furnace issues

3 Common Furnace Issues and How To Fix or Avoid Them

Furnace Issues

Furnace issues in the dead of winter are no joke, especially in Auburn. Calling for a repair could leave your family feeling chilly until help arrives. However, not all furnace issues require a call for professional repair. In this article, we’ve listed three common furnace issues and their solutions.

thermostat

1. Thermostat Issues

If your thermostat has stopped signaling your furnace to turn on, it may not be an issue with the furnace; it may be the thermostat itself. Most thermostats run on batteries, so checking this is the first step to getting your furnace working again. Once the thermostat turns back on, your heat should, too. If low batteries weren’t the problem, ensure the heat is set correctly.

If you recently got a new thermostat and the problem is persisting, give us a call to ensure your thermostat is compatible with your heating system. Always speak with a licensed professional before buying and installing a thermostat.

filter

2. Clogged Filters

Your air filter keeps dust, allergens, and mold from circulating through the air in your home. Without proper care, your air filter will become clogged. Once this happens, air will not be able to pass through the system as easily, and the system will work harder to try and heat your home. That means you’ll experience uncomfortable living conditions with higher energy bills. 

A clogged filter can also cause more issues than just inefficiency. It can cause the blower motor to overheat, tripping safety sensors that shut the system down completely. It can also aid in the development of premature cracks in the heat exchanger, allowing dangerous leaks of carbon monoxide. Keep your home and your family safe by changing your filters every 1-3 months, or as required by your specific HVAC system. 

ignite

3. Igniter Failure

 When your furnace is signaled to turn on, natural gas or propane is ignited in the burner. This is the flame that heats your home when your furnace is running. After years of lighting thousands of times, the igniter will eventually wear out. Unfortunately at this point, it must be replaced. You can avoid going without heat in this situation by having preventative maintenance performed on your system before the cold hits. Preventative maintenance includes inspection of parts such as this to predict when they are on the brink of failure. This way, you have the option of fixing the problem before it’s too late.

What’s Next?

If you’ve examined these parts of your system and still need assistance, call Spencer Heating & Air. We care about the comfort of your whole home and want to help keep you warm this winter. 

Call 334-887-9020 today to make an appointment, and be sure to check us out on Facebook and Instagram!