Furnace Repair – How to Check Your Furnace for Issues

When your furnace is malfunctioning, it can be a frustrating situation to deal with. No one likes to be cold or uncomfortable, and that’s why it’s important to know how to troubleshoot your heating system if you ever encounter any issues.

How to Check Your Furnace for Issues

Inspecting your furnace is a great way to find problems before they become larger. By ensuring that your system is working as it should be, you can catch small issues early on and save yourself a lot of time and money on repair bills in the long run.

First, you’ll want to inspect the air filters. A dirty or clogged filter can affect your system’s efficiency, so change the filter at least once every one to three months.

Thermostats are another important piece of your furnace and should be checked periodically, especially if you’re noticing any odd behavior. If your thermostat isn’t keeping your home at the desired temperature, it may need to be replaced.

You’ll also want to examine your vents and ductwork for any damage or leaks that might be causing airflow issues in your home. If you notice any leaking, use metal tape or heat resistant silicone to seal the cracks.

Burner Problems

During the summer, dust can build up around your furnace Furnace Repair and make it hard for your burners to ignite properly. To prevent this from happening, keep your burners clean by vacuuming them regularly. If you notice a yellow color on your burners, this is a sign that they are dirty.

If your burners still won’t light, you’ll need to clean the flame sensor on your furnace. This is a thin metal rod that sits in front of the burner. It’s a common component in many furnaces and can easily be removed from its bracket with a small emery cloth.

Once cleaned, the flame sensor should work fine again. It’s a good idea to replace the flame sensor in older furnaces, as they can often be worn out from frequent use and can cause your furnace to malfunction.

It’s also a good idea to check and clean the hot surface ignition on your furnace, as they can sometimes get dirty from overuse. This can also cause a false reading to your flame sensor and could make your furnace not light at all.

Turning On and Off Too Quickly

If you notice that your furnace is turning on and off quickly, it could be a sign of a dirty or worn out air filter. The filter traps the dirt, lint and debris that gets blown into your furnace’s blower. When the filter is old, it can impede airflow and increase the amount of work the furnace has to do to heat your home.

You can usually tell when the filter needs to be changed by holding it up to the light. If there is no light shining through, you need to replace it soon.

No Power

If your furnace doesn’t have any power, you need to check the breaker box for a blown fuse or a tripped breaker. If these don’t work, you have a faulty electrical connection and need a technician to take a look.