As fall comes to a close and temperatures continue to drop, you’ll rely on your heating system even more consistently. Unfortunately, this is usually when furnace malfunctions become more likely. Knowing how to identify the source of heating problems can tell you what fixes to try — and when it’s time to call an expert.
Your Furnace Won’t Cycle
While it is helpful to look for ways to conserve heat this winter, it’s just as important to address heating issues promptly. If your furnace won’t cycle, check to make sure the thermostat’s batteries are in good condition.
Try adjusting the temperature on the thermostat to force a heating cycle. If this doesn’t work, you may need professional furnace repair services.
Your furnace flame sensor might require cleaning or replacement. If this is the case, the flame sensor isn’t detecting that the pilot light is working. Since it can’t detect the flame, the sensor won’t initiate a heating cycle.
There Is Reduced Airflow Coming From Your Ducts
There are a couple of things to check when your furnace seems to push out less air with each cycle. A quick inspection of your ducts and registers will tell you if the cause relates to a blockage or duct damage. You can clear some blockages yourself by wiping away the debris. Otherwise, you might have to schedule professional duct cleaning.
Your furnace might be another source of interrupted airflow, but you’ll rarely need furnace replacement for this problem. Listen for strange furnace noises to pinpoint the source of the reduced airflow. For example, a grinding noise could indicate a blower motor problem, while a whining noise might suggest a worn fan belt.
The Pilot Light Keeps Going Out
Check your pilot light when your furnace is blowing cold air. While a fall furnace tune-up can clear the lines and reduce the risk of pilot light malfunctions, you might still experience an extinguished pilot. Try lighting the unit. If the pilot continues to go out, you should contact Air Repair Pros for repair services.
If your pilot light won’t remain lit, you may have an issue with the flow of fuel. If you smell rotten eggs near your furnace, turn the gas supply valve to the off position and vacate the house. Your HVAC technician can fix the leak and tell you when it’s safe to return.
You Have Short and Frequent Heating Cycles
You might notice that your furnace initiates frequent cycles that are too short to properly heat your home. It often relates to an electrical short in the lines that connect your thermostat to your furnace.
Alternatively, an abrupt stop of heating cycles could mean that your electrical system keeps overheating. You’ll need immediate electrical repairs in this case.
Your Treated Air Smells Odd
While an unpleasant odor isn’t always an emergency, you should address such furnace problems right away. The odor of rotten eggs indicates a gas leak and requires immediate attention from a repair professional. Other odors can indicate pests or mold in your ducts, electrical overheating, or a cracked heat exchanger.
Get Expert Furnace Repairs Today
Air Repair Pros provides comprehensive HVAC system repairs that you can trust in Texas. Our certified technicians can diagnose and repair any type of furnace malfunction you’re experiencing, and we can help you avoid furnace malfunctions with fall maintenance as well. Contact us to schedule service today.
