The Most Common Furnace Problems

Your furnace provides warmth and comfort to your home during the coldest days of the year. However, even the most well-maintained furnace systems can sometimes experience issues.

In this blog post, we cover some of the most common problems homeowners may experience, along with preventative maintenance tips that can help you avoid the need for repair.

Common Furnace Problems To Look Out For

Insufficient Heat

One common furnace issue is a total lack of heat or insufficient heat throughout the home. When your furnace fails to generate enough heat, it can lead to serious discomfort.

This problem typically occurs when there’s a malfunction with your thermostat, a clogged air filter, or a faulty ignition system.

Strange Noises

Unusual noises coming from your furnace are a clear sign that something is wrong.

Rattling, banging, squealing, and popping sounds are all cause for concern, as they often indicate issues with the blower motor, bearings, or other mechanical components that demand immediate attention.

Frequent Cycling

Frequent short-cycling happens when your furnace turns on and off too often, failing to complete a full heating cycle. This can lead to inefficient heating, increased energy expenses, and premature wear and tear on your unit.

Common causes of short-cycling include a faulty thermostat, dirty air filters, and restricted airflow.

Pilot Light

Gas-powered furnaces rely on a pilot light to operate properly. When your pilot light won’t stay lit or changes from bright blue to yellow, it’s a sign your furnace has a problem. This could be due to a faulty thermocouple, gas supply issues, or a dirty pilot light assembly.

Note: A yellow pilot light can indicate a carbon monoxide leak in your unit. If you notice this problem, you must evacuate the premises and contact an HVAC technician for immediate furnace repair.

Poor Airflow

Insufficient airflow can be felt by uneven heating throughout the home. Typically, this happens when you have a clogged air filter, blocked vents or ducts, or a malfunctioning blower motor.

Maintenance Tips To Prevent Common Furnace Problems

Preventative maintenance is one of the best ways you can prevent common furnace problems from wreaking havoc on your home comfort.

There are plenty of precautions you can take to mitigate damage to your system and enjoy lasting warmth throughout winter, including:

• Change air filters: Make sure to change your furnace’s air filters at the proper intervals, typically once every 90 days.
• Clean vents & ducts: Clear away any obstructions from vents and air ducts to promote proper airflow throughout the home.
• Thermostat check: Ensure your thermostat is properly functioning and calibrated to the right temperature, changing batteries as needed.
• Annual maintenance: Schedule an annual furnace tune-up with your trusted HVAC professional to catch potential problems before escalation.

Contact Pipe Wrench Plumbing, Heating & Cooling for Furnace Repair

If you’ve noticed common furnace problems impacting your heating system’s performance, Pipe Wrench Plumbing, Heating & Cooling can help. Our team offers guaranteed same-day furnace repairs, or the visit is free, ensuring your system returns to proper working order in no time.

Having served over 30,000 customers, we’re proud to be Knoxville’s most trusted furnace repair specialist, delivering the finest service solutions in the industry.

Schedule your furnace repair in Knoxville, TN, today by calling (865) 583-3957.