What Are the Most Common Furnace Problems?

Because most homeowners in Flower Mound only use their furnaces a few months of the year, the system goes unused for a long period of time. Going from heavy use to no use at all (and vice versa) can take a toll on furnaces. Furnaces can incur damage through the constant contracting and expanding that they go through as they heat and cool.

Limited use and constant contracting and expanding are only two reasons furnaces break down. Continue reading to learn about the eight most common furnace problems along with their causes and repair method.

For effective Flower Mound heating repair and service that you can trust, call Strittmatter Air Conditioning, Heating and Plumbing. Schedule an appointment today by calling our team at (972) 436-6585.

1. Cracked Heat Exchanger

This is not only a nuisance for homeowners, it’s also incredibly dangerous. A cracked heat exchanger is caused by the constant expanding and contracting that heating systems experience as they heat and cool. Because heat exchangers are not made out of flexible material, over time they may crack.

When they crack, they can leak carbon dioxide into the air and potentially into your home. Carbon monoxide poisoning can become fatal if not quickly dealt with. This is why many homeowners decide to install a carbon monoxide detector next to their furnaces. Unfortunately, heat exchangers cannot be repaired, only replaced, per government regulations.

2. Dirty Filters

This is one of the easiest fixes on this list. Dirty filters make it more difficult for your furnace to do its job. A furnace cannot pass air through a dirty filter as easily as it could through a clean filter. Because of this, it will have to work harder and could cause the system to overheat or even fail.

As a homeowner, all you have to do is make sure that you replace your filters once a month when using your furnace. If you are unsure as to where the filter for your furnace is located, a quick Google search will be able to show you.

3. Slipped Blower Belt

If you are hearing a squeaky noise coming from your furnace, it is possible that it has a slipped blower belt. If you know your way around your furnace then this is an easy fix. If you don’t have prior experience with your furnace, do not attempt to fix it.

Typically, this is a quick fix for a professional HVAC technician. In some cases however, the belt may need to be fully replaced if it has worn out to the point of frequent belt slips.

4. Pilot Light Issues

There are a few causes for a pilot light that won’t stay lit or won’t turn off at all. There could be an obstruction, faulty electrical parts or a malfunctioning safety switch. Some of these are more serious than the others which is why it is always a good idea to call a technician if you are having pilot light issues.

Depending on the problem, the technician will repair or replace the part that is causing the problem. If you have a newer furnace, you may not even have to deal with pilot lights. This is because some newer models use electricity to light the furnace.

5. Limit Control Switch Issues

If you notice that your blower is constantly running then there is most likely a problem with the limit control switch. The limit control switch shuts the furnace down when it gets too hot so that it does not overheat or cause any major damage.

This is why having a working limit control switch is so important. If it does not work, then your furnace may not turn off when it should. A constantly running furnace can cause huge problems to all parts of the system. Call a heating technician right away if you notice this issue.

6. Obstruction

You should always be sure to have at least two feet of space around your furnace. It’s best to just keep everything away from your furnace. If you don’t keep the area around your furnace clear, you are exposing your home to a fire risk.

While no one really thinks about vacuuming or dusting their basement or garage, doing this will keep your furnace working efficiently.

7. Electrical Malfunction

If your furnace is not turning on or doesn’t seem to be receiving power at all, then you need to call an HVAC specialist. Do not try to mess with the breaker or any electrical components as you are putting yourself at risk to electrical shock.

Electrical malfunctions can typically be solved with rewiring, tightening any loose electrical connections or configuring the breaker. Electrical malfunction, although easy to fix, can be serious. If the furnace happens to receive a surge of power or is incorrectly wired, it could lead to system failure or create sparks.

8. Dirty Burner

Every once in a while when you turn your furnace on, take a look at the burner flames. Be sure that the flames are blue and look to be about the same size. If they are not, then debris could be causing burner issues.

Only clean your burners when the furnace is fully turned off and disconnected. This will ensure that sufficient gas is able to ignite your burners. The safest way to clean your burners is with a vacuum cleaner. Although, it is even safer to request burner cleaning from a professional during regular furnace maintenance.

Quality Furnace Repair Flower Mound, TX

All of these issues are preventable with regular furnace maintenance. Scheduling regular maintenance will improve lifespan, increase efficiency and lower your monthly bills. Maintenance will also decrease the risk for unexpected repairs. If you do happen to require a repair, then Strittmatter Air Conditioning, Heating and Plumbing is here to help. Our team is ready to provide reliable furnace services for Flower Mound residents. Dedicated to customer service, our professional technicians go above and beyond to ensure that your systems are in great shape. All of our technicians have the experience and qualifications to properly and effectively execute all kinds of HVAC and plumbing services.