What are the most
common furnace problems homeowners face? Whether your furnace heats
your home unevenly, constantly cycles, or just won't work, take a
look at the top cold weather-time complaints and what you can do
about them.
High Utility
Bills
Are your electric
or natural gas bills abnormally high? While it's normal to see a
moderate increase in utility bills during the winter months, a sudden
spike or major jump points to a problem.
High winter
utility bills could indicate:
-
An
older, inefficient furnace. A higher annual fuel utilization
efficiency (AFUE) percentage typically equals lower utility bills.
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, older furnaces have
AFUE's between 56 and 70 percent. Replacement with a new system
could raise this number to as high as 98 percent.
-
A dirty
filter or clogged filter. The more debris in your heater's
filter, the harder the system needs to work. This can force the
furnace into a heightened use mode and cost you more in utility
bills.
-
Clogged
or leaky ducts. Like a clogged filter, clogged or leaky airducts
can also force the system to work harder.
-
Thermostat
failure. If your thermostat can't correctly read the temperature
in your home, your furnace won't work properly.
If you're not
sure why your utility bills are higher or what is wrong with your
furnace, contact an HVAC technician as soon as possible. A correct
diagnosis and repair require the expert-level knowledge only a
professional has.
Constant
Cycling
Does your furnace
turn on, off, and one again? If your heater cycles uncontrollably for
short time or at a much higher than expected rate, the problem may
come from:
-
The
thermostat. A damaged, old, worn, or poorly installed/placed
thermostat can cause the furnace to short cycle (turn on for brief
periods of time, turn off, and turn back on).
-
Clogged
filters. A debris-clogged filter can restrict airflow out of
your furnace. This can raise the appliance's temperature and cause
it turn off prematurely. When the temperature lowers, it will turn
back on and repeat the cycle.
-
Improper
size. Is your furnace sized for your home's space and insulation
level? If the furnace is too large for the space/need, it could
cycle off and on.
-
Flame
sensor issue. Do you have a natural gas furnace? Damage or
corrosion of the flame sensor will shut the gas off and cause the
furnace to prematurely stop.
-
Blower
motor. Blower motor failure or wear will cause the furnace to
turn off. This can result in an off, on, and off again pattern.
Like with high
energy bills, constant cycling or short cycling requires a
professional evaluation and repair. Never attempt to fix these issues
yourself. Without the right expertise or equipment, you could cause
more damage or a serious safety risk.
Not Enough
Heat
Is your home
cold? If you bump up the thermostat and your home doesn't warm, or
warms unevenly, the system could:
-
Have a
thermostat problem. Again, a damaged or worn thermostat won't
control the furnace correctly.
-
Have an
electrical issue. If the system has no or not enough power, it
can't work to its fullest potential.
-
Have a
pilot light problem. If your gas furnace has a standing ort
continuous pilot, check the light to make sure it's still lit.
-
Have a
dirty filter. A clogged filter can cause your furnace to blow
cold or cooler air.
-
Have a
vent issue. Are the vents open? If they are, can the air flow
freely from them?
Along with these
issues, it's also possible your system has a mechanical or structural
issue-especially if it's an older unit or poorly maintained. Check
the vents and filter first. If these aren't the cause, you'll need a
qualified HVAC technician to assess and repair your system.
Does your furnace
need service? Contact Action
Heating & Plumbing for more information.
