If you’re reading this, chances are you’re having some issues with your furnace, and you’re looking for answers for furnace troubleshooting. Trust us; we understand how frustrating it can be to deal with furnace troubles in the middle of winter. It’s cold outside, you just want to come home and relax, and suddenly your furnace is acting up. But don’t worry, we’re here to help.
Your Furnace Troubleshooting Questions Answered
In this guide, we’ll answer some of the most frequently asked questions about furnaces and their malfunctions, so you can get your furnace back up and running and your home warm as soon as possible.
Why Is My Furnace Running by Not Heating?
Is your home not heating properly, or is your furnace blowing cold air? One of the most common questions we get is: “Why is my furnace running but not heating?” There could be a few different reasons for this.
Here are a few things to check:
- Make sure that the thermostat is set to “heat” and that the temperature is set higher than the current room temperature.
- Check the air filters and make sure they’re clean. If they’re dirty, it could restrict airflow and prevent the furnace from heating properly.
- Check the furnace’s burners to ensure they’re clean and in good condition. If they’re dirty or damaged, they may not be able to heat the air effectively.
Why Is My Furnace Using So Much Electricity?
Have you noticed increased electricity bills during the winter months? Another common question is: “Why is my furnace using so much electricity?” This could be due to a few different factors.
Here are a few things to consider:
- The size of your furnace: If your furnace is too small for your home, it will have to work harder to heat your space, which will use more electricity.
- The age of your furnace: Older furnaces are less efficient and will use more electricity to heat your home.
- The efficiency rating of your furnace: Furnaces with higher efficiency ratings will use less electricity to heat your home. To save on heating costs during the winter, efficiency is key.
Why Is a Light Blinking on My Furnace?
If your furnace seems to be turning on and off more frequently or the furnace is constantly running, it could be a sign of a malfunction. When functioning properly, your furnace should maintain a consistent heating cycle to maintain your desired temperature.
Depending on the brand and type of your furnace, you may see an error code or flashing error light. If the light on your furnace is solid amber or yellow, it typically means everything is working correctly inside the furnace. However, if the light is blinking, it could indicate an issue.
Here are a few things to check:
- Make sure that the furnace’s pilot light is lit. If it’s not, try relighting it.
- Check the furnace’s ignition system for any signs of damage or wear. If it’s damaged, it may need to be replaced.
- Check the furnace’s gas supply to ensure it’s not running low or turned off.
This problem could range from a simple fix, such as a tripped breaker switch, to something more serious, such as a problem with the gas valve. If you’re experiencing these issues with your furnace, it’s best to call a professional for expert furnace diagnosis and repair.
Why Does My Furnace Make a Weird Noise?
Is an odd noise coming from the furnace? If your furnace makes a weird noise, it could be due to a few different things.
Here are a few possible causes:
- Loose or worn parts: If any of the furnace’s parts are loose or worn, they may make a noise when they move.
- Clogged air filters: If the air filters are clogged, the furnace may make a noise as it struggles to push air through them.
- A malfunctioning blower: If the furnace’s blower isn’t working properly, it may make a strange noise.
While it’s normal to hear a low hum while your furnace is running, a loud humming or buzzing sound coming from your furnace may indicate that there is an electrical issue. The most common electrical problem that causes this type of noise is a failing blower motor capacitor. If you’re experiencing this issue with your furnace, it’s best to call a professional for repairs to ensure that it is fixed correctly and safely.
Why Is My Furnace Making a Weird Smell?
It’s normal for your furnace to have a slight smell when you first start using it for the season due to the accumulation of idle dust particles. However, if the smell persists for more than a day or so, it’s worth being concerned about.
For instance, a metallic or burning rubber furnace smell that lingers for an extended period of time could indicate that your furnace is not functioning properly and should be checked out as soon as possible.
Additionally, when furnaces overheat, they may produce a burning smell. If this happens frequently, the heat exchanger can crack, potentially allowing carbon monoxide to leak into your home. If your furnace is overheating, it’s a good idea to check the air filter and replace it if it looks dirty.
When your furnace produces a weird smell, it could be cause for concern.
Here are a few possible reasons for this:
- A clogged or dirty furnace: If the furnace hasn’t been cleaned or maintained in a while, it could emit a musty or dirty smell.
- A gas leak: If you smell gas, it could be a sign of a gas leak. This is a serious issue, and you should evacuate the house immediately and call a professional for help.
- Burning dust or debris: If the furnace has been turned off for a while, it could be burning off dust or debris when it’s turned back on, which could cause a burning smell.
We hope that this furnace troubleshooting guide has helped you identify and fix any issues you were experiencing with your furnace. If you’re still having problems or if you’re not comfortable attempting the repairs on your own, it’s always a good idea to call a professional.
In the Atlanta area, we highly recommend Dependable Heating and Air for any heater or furnace repairs. They have a team of experienced technicians who can quickly diagnose and fix any issues you’re having, so you can get your furnace back up and running smoothly. Don’t let a faulty furnace ruin your winter – give Dependable Heating and Air a call and let them take care of the problem for you.
