Common Furnace Problems and How to Remedy Them

Furnace problems can be a major inconvenience and often lead to costly repairs if not remedied quickly. However, many of these problems are easy to fix if you know what to look for. If your furnace isn’t working correctly, it could be due to one of these common problems. Keep reading to learn how to fix them.

Furnace Problems

There are a few common furnace problems that can occur, but there are some simple remedies to fix them. One common problem is the furnace not turning on. This could be due to several things, such as a tripped circuit breaker or a blown fuse. Check the breakers to ensure they are all turned on, and there isn’t anything else wrong with them. If the furnace still isn’t turning on, it’s possible that the thermostat isn’t sending a signal to the furnace. Make sure the thermostat batteries are fresh. If the furnace still doesn’t turn on after checking these things, there may be something wrong with the thermostat or the pilot light.

If your furnace is running but not heating, the problem is likely one of four things: the thermostat, the filter, the gas valve, or the blower. Ensure the thermostat is turned on, set to heat mode, and properly calibrated. If the thermostat is off by even a few degrees, your furnace will not heat correctly. If the thermostat appears to be working properly, try changing its location. If the filter is dirty or clogged, it can prevent your furnace from heating properly. Make sure to change or clean the filter as needed and see if that fixes the problem.

If the gas vault is at fault, turn off the electricity and gas to the furnace and check to see if either one is leaking. If there are no leaks, test the voltage going into the gas valve—there should be 24 volts. If everything looks okay so far, open up the valve and light a match next to it. If you hear a hissing sound, you know there’s a problem with the gas valve. Finally, if an unpleasant smell comes from the furnace, it may be because of dirty filters or an accumulation of dust and dirt inside the unit.

Pilot Light Problems

A furnace pilot light is a small, open flame that is lit to start the furnace. Once the gas is ignited, the main burner will illuminate, and the furnace will begin to heat up. A pilot light going out is a common furnace problem. There are several reasons why a pilot light might go out, but the most common one is when the thermocouple wears out and no longer produces enough heat to keep the pilot light lit. If your pilot light goes out, you can try to remedy it by replacing the thermocouple, cleaning the pilot assembly, or checking the gas pressure.

Furnace Leaking Problems

If you notice water or gas leaking from your furnace, there is likely a problem with the unit. Here is a breakdown of some of the most common furnace leaking problems and how to remedy them. If your furnace is leaking water, it may be due to several issues. One possibility is that the condensation line is clogged or frozen. This can be fixed by thawing the line and clearing any obstruction. Another possibility is that there is a leak in the heat exchanger. If your furnace leaks gas, it may be due to a crack in the heat exchanger. If this is the case, the furnace will need to be repaired or replaced.