As the weather turns colder, your furnace becomes essential for keeping your home warm and comfortable.
But like any appliance, furnaces can experience problems, especially if they haven’t been properly maintained.
Let’s look at some common furnace issues and how routine furnace maintenance can help you avoid them.
Dirty Filters
A dirty air filter is one of the most common causes of furnace problems, yet it is also one of the easiest to overlook. The air filter’s primary role is to capture dust, dirt, allergens, and other particles from the air before they can enter the furnace and the home’s duct system. Over time, these particles build up on the filter, clogging it and restricting airflow.
When the airflow is reduced, your furnace has to work harder to circulate warm air throughout the home. This extra strain can lead to the furnace overheating, as the system is unable to expel heat as efficiently as it should. In turn, this can cause internal components to wear down more quickly, potentially resulting in costly repairs or even a complete system failure.
A clogged filter also reduces the overall efficiency of your furnace, forcing it to run longer and consume more energy to heat the home. This means higher energy bills, especially during the colder months when your furnace is working at full capacity. Moreover, the reduced airflow can cause uneven heating throughout the house, leaving some rooms colder than others.
Prevention: To avoid the headaches caused by dirty filters, it’s important to replace your furnace filter regularly—ideally every 1-3 months, depending on factors such as usage, the type of filter, and whether you have pets or suffer from allergies. During periods of heavy use, like winter, it’s especially important to check and replace the filter more frequently.
Some high-efficiency filters may last longer than others, but it’s always a good practice to monitor the condition of the filter and change it before it becomes clogged.
Pilot Light or Ignition Problems
Older furnaces with pilot lights are particularly prone to ignition issues.
The pilot light is a small flame that ignites the gas to start the furnace, but over time, the pilot light can go out due to a variety of factors, such as drafts, a dirty pilot tube, or a malfunctioning thermocouple, which is a safety device that shuts off the gas supply if the pilot light goes out. When this happens, the furnace won’t ignite, and the home can quickly become uncomfortable in cold weather.
Modern furnaces, which are equipped with electronic ignition systems, tend to be more reliable but aren’t immune to problems. These systems use either a hot surface ignitor (HSI) or a spark ignitor to light the gas. Over time, components like the ignitor or flame sensor can wear out or become dirty, preventing the furnace from starting. If the ignitor is cracked, dirty, or malfunctioning, the furnace may fail to light, or it may not stay lit. Similarly, if the flame sensor detects an issue, it can shut off the gas flow, thinking the furnace is unsafe, leading to no heat being produced.
Prevention:
Routine furnace maintenance is key to preventing ignition problems. Scheduling annual furnace maintenance with a professional technician ensures that both the pilot light and electronic ignition systems are inspected, cleaned, and tested. The technician will check the pilot light for any blockages or dirt, clean the burner and flame sensor to ensure proper functioning and test the ignition system to confirm it works reliably.
Thermostat Malfunctions
A malfunctioning thermostat can have a significant impact on the efficiency and performance of your furnace.
If the thermostat is faulty or improperly calibrated, it may send incorrect signals to the furnace, causing it to cycle on and off more frequently than necessary. This can lead to inconsistent temperatures throughout your home and, in many cases, a rise in your energy bills due to unnecessary heating cycles.
Prevention:
One of the most effective ways to prevent thermostat malfunctions is through regular maintenance. During a professional service visit, HVAC technicians will check the calibration of your thermostat to ensure it’s accurately reading the temperature and responding appropriately. They will also test its communication with the furnace, verifying that the signals being sent are correct and timely.
Worn-Out Parts
As furnaces operate over extended periods, key components such as belts, motors, and bearings naturally endure wear and tear. These parts are crucial for the proper functioning of the system, as they help with the movement of air, the rotation of the fan, and the overall operation of the furnace. When these parts begin to degrade or fail, it can lead to significant issues, including a drop in the furnace’s efficiency and, in some cases, complete breakdowns that require costly repairs or replacements.
For instance, a worn-out belt can cause a reduction in airflow, while a malfunctioning motor can result in the furnace not heating your home properly. Bearings that are in poor condition can lead to a noisy furnace, and if left unchecked, they can cause more severe damage to other internal components. Additionally, worn parts tend to cause the furnace to work harder to meet the desired temperature, which increases energy consumption and leads to higher utility bills.
Prevention:
Regular inspections are essential in identifying and addressing worn-out parts before they cause more extensive damage. During routine furnace maintenance, technicians can assess the condition of these components and replace them proactively, ensuring the furnace operates efficiently.
Replacing worn parts at the first sign of wear helps prevent unexpected breakdowns and extends the lifespan of the furnace. Furthermore, early replacement of these parts can also prevent more expensive repairs down the line, improving the overall reliability and performance of your heating system.
Lack of Lubrication
Furnaces have several moving components, such as the fan and motor, that require proper lubrication to function efficiently. These parts generate friction when they move, and without adequate lubrication, that friction increases, leading to excessive wear and tear over time.
The result can be a decrease in performance, energy efficiency, and potentially even system failure. Components like the blower motor, fan bearings, and other moving elements rely on lubrication to reduce the strain they experience during operation. If these parts become too worn out or damaged, the cost of repairs or even complete component replacement can be substantial.
Prevention:
Routinefurnace maintenance by a qualified technician can help in preventing lubrication issues. During a regular furnace check-up, a technician will inspect and lubricate all necessary moving parts. This helps ensure they operate smoothly and efficiently, reducing the likelihood of friction-related wear.
Lubricating components not only extends the life of your furnace but also helps maintain its energy efficiency by allowing it to run without unnecessary strain.
Ductwork Issues
Leaky or poorly insulated ductwork can lead to significant heat loss, making your furnace work harder and increasing energy bills.
Prevention:
Maintenance often includes a ductwork inspection to identify and seal any leaks or areas where insulation is needed.
Don’t wait for a cold winter night to discover your furnace isn’t working! Regular furnace maintenance is key to preventing these common problems, ensuring efficient operation, and extending the lifespan of your system.
Need a reliable HVAC expert? If you’re in Kentwood and looking for professional and affordable HVAC repair services and furnace installation, get in touch with Majano Heating & A/C. We offer a wide range of services, including heating system installation, emergency heating services, air conditioning repair, and more.
Contact us today to schedule your furnace maintenance appointment!
