There are a lot of things that can go wrong with your furnace. Some issues are more common than others, and some have simpler solutions than others. There are some problems that, you, the homeowner, can remedy. But for more complex matters, you’ll need to call in a professional. We’ve put together this guide on the top furnace problems so you know what to do should you encounter one of them.
Here are the top 5 furnace problems and solutions that we see and hear from customers.
Common Furnace Problems and Solutions for Each
1. My furnace won’t turn on.
One of the most common furnace problems we hear about is a furnace that won’t turn on. If your furnace has shut off and won’t turn back on, it could be due to a few different reasons. It’s a common problem we hear from customers, and, quite often, there’s a simple fix. It could be as simple as a thermostat that’s set incorrectly or a pilot light that went out.
Try these possible solutions before calling in an HVAC expert:
- Check that your thermostat is on and set to “HEAT”, and that it’s communicating with your furnace.
- Look to see if the pilot light went out. If so, relight it if you can, or reignite using the ignition switch.
- Inspect your circuit breakers to make sure there’s not a tripped breaker or a blown fuse. Flip the switch off and on to test it.
2. My furnace is turning off and on.
When a furnace turns off and on repeatedly, this is called short cycling, and it’s possible that there’s a quick and easy solution. Sometimes it’s related to your furnace filter, or it could be a larger issue with your HVAC system.
Follow these steps before you contact your HVAC provider for assistance:
- Check and change your HVAC filter if it’s dirty or clogged.
- See if your thermostat is working properly and change the batteries if needed.
If these solutions don’t work, call Team Harding. There could be a problem with your heating system or you might need to reconsider the placement of your thermostat.
3. My furnace is making loud noises.
Have you noticed that your furnace is making sounds that it doesn’t normally make? A furnace will always have a bit of a hum to it, but anything more than that can indicate a need for repair. In most cases, loud noises coming from your furnace require a visit from an HVAC technician as it usually means there are mechanical problems.
4. My furnace is not producing heat.
A furnace that’s not doing its job and producing heat can be seriously concerning. However, it might just be your thermostat settings or that the pilot light went out.
Give these potential solutions a try before you call us:
- Check that your thermostat is on, set to “AUTO” and “HEAT”.
- Change the batteries in your thermostat if it’s not communicating with the furnace.
- Ensure that your pilot light hasn’t gone out. Reignite or relight it if it has.
Whether you find that none of these are the solution, or you need help relighting your pilot light, give Team Harding a call and one of our certified technicians will assist you.
5. My furnace is blowing cold air.
This is one of the most common complaints we get from homeowners. A furnace that’s blowing cold air can be a simple fix, but it could also mean that there’s a bigger problem that needs professional attention.
Before you call Team Harding for furnace repair, troubleshoot the issue by checking:
- The thermostat is on “AUTO” and set to “HEAT”.
- The furnace filter is clean and not clogged.
- That the pilot light hasn’t gone out.
Call Team Harding if you conclude that none of these are the cause.
Furnace Problems Solved
While these are the top 5 most common furnace problems we hear about, there are other common issues that may arise with your heating system. They too could have simple solutions. However, if these solutions don’t resolve the problem, you need to get a certified HVAC technician in to investigate further. We urge you not to attempt to repair your furnace or its components in any case.
Furnace problems that you can’t solve?
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Harding Heating & Air Conditioning has been Ottawa’s leading home comfort specialist since 1994. We are a family-owned and operated local business and all of our installers and technicians are fully licensed.
