Furnaces are complex, and working on them can be dangerous if you don’t know what you’re doing. It’s always best to let a professional take care of your furnace maintenance and repairs.
During an inspection, your technician will perform tasks such as cleaning around vents and replacing the filter. This can help prevent problems with your heating system. Contact CINCINNATI FURNACE REPAIR for professional help.
If the flame sensor within your furnace isn’t functioning properly, it will trigger the gas valve to open while your furnace is running. This may cause a carbon monoxide leak that could be deadly. Fortunately, this is an easy fix. Firstly, switch off your furnace. Then, open the access door to your burner compartment. Look for a metal rod with white or discolored porcelain around its bent mounting end and a single wire attached to it. This is the furnace flame sensor and it should be mounted at the last furnace burner. If you notice a yellow-tinted flame, turn off your furnace immediately and call a technician.
Then, locate and remove the old flame sensor by unscrewing it. You’ll probably find a screw that holds it in place, but you might also find tabs, slots or screws that hold the access door to your burner compartment open. Once you’ve removed the old flame sensor, replace it with a new one and connect its wire. You’ll also want to tighten the screw and inspect the mounting surface for corrosion.
If your furnace is showing signs of wear and tear, a professional technician will be able to give you an honest assessment of whether or not it’s time for a replacement. In the event your furnace is experiencing recurring issues, such as yellow burner flames, rusted flue lines, high energy bills or foul exhaust smells, it might be more cost-effective to invest in a new heating system rather than undergoing frequent costly repairs. The good news is that a new furnace will often be more efficient and save you money on your heating bill. This is especially true for modern, highly-efficient models that are designed to cut your utility costs while providing maximum comfort.
Faulty Thermostat
When a furnace is shutting off repeatedly or doesn’t start at all, the first step in troubleshooting the problem is to check the flame sensor. This part is located near the burner, and it’s designed to detect a safe flame to turn on the system. If a flame isn’t present or the sensor is dirty, it will automatically shut the system down to avoid safety risks. A professional can clean or replace the sensor to ensure the system operates correctly, preventing unnecessary shutdowns.
Thermostat problems can also be caused by faulty programming, running on the wrong temperature schedule, or bad connections. These issues can all be fixed with the help of HVAC professionals.
Another easy fix for thermostat issues is to check the power switch, which looks similar to a light switch and is usually on the wall near the furnace. Make sure it’s on a HEAT setting and the display screen isn’t blank. If it is, simply adjust the settings to a higher temperature. It’s also possible that the battery in a digital thermostat needs to be replaced. To change the batteries, refer to the device’s owner manual for precise instructions.
More serious issues may require major repairs to the furnace system. These repair services address problems that seriously limit or inhibit the system’s performance and are often more expensive than simple tune-ups. It’s important to schedule these repairs as soon as possible to minimize damage and avoid more costly repairs in the future. A good rule of thumb is to have a professional service the system every year for preventative maintenance and efficiency checks. A clogged filter can also be a cause for poor performance, and replacing the filter is one of the most cost-effective repairs a homeowner can do to improve their gas furnace’s efficiency.
Faulty Blower Motor
The blower motor is the component that powers the fan that circulates warm air through your ductwork and into your home. If the blower isn’t working correctly, it can lead to poor airflow and leave your home feeling cold and uncomfortably dry. The good news is that the blower is fairly easy to troubleshoot, and you can often fix it yourself without needing professional help.
First, check to make sure the blower has power by checking the breaker box in your home. If the breaker is blown or tripped, replace it and turn the power back on to the furnace. Next, look at the blower’s air filter to ensure that it isn’t clogged. If it is, remove the filter and clean it out with compressed air or a rag. Finally, check to see if the vents around the blower are open and free of obstructions.
If your blower motor is producing squealing or screeching noises, it may be time to replace it. These sounds can indicate that the motor is experiencing bearing problems in direct drive systems or is nearing the end of its life in older belt-driven systems. Rattling and knocking sounds can also signal that the blower motor needs to be replaced.
The good news is that you can often avoid these common issues with routine maintenance and by keeping your furnace at the right temperature. Major repairs, however, should be addressed by a professional as soon as you can. This will save you money in the long run and keep your home comfortable. For best results, always have your system checked during regular heating tune-ups to catch any potential problems before they escalate into costly repairs.
Faulty Pressure Switch
This switch monitors furnace pressure, allowing the system to shut down if it detects dangerous levels of carbon monoxide. It is typically a mechanical switch that can be manually reset by pressing the button on the unit, but it is also possible for an electronic switch to get stuck in an open or closed position.
This can happen if the unit overworks and causes a circuit breaker to trip. If this is the case, it will require a professional to troubleshoot and determine the cause of the problem and fix it.
Using a multimeter, check the voltage on the incoming terminal of your pressure switch. You should see 24 volts. If you do not see this, the switch is probably stuck in an open or closed position.
It is also possible that water could have accumulated in the hose leading to the pressure switch. This can prevent the switch from closing, causing the furnace to go into safety lockout mode. If this is the case, the hose will need to be replaced.
The above tips are meant to help you troubleshoot your furnace and save yourself from needing an expensive repair. However, it is always recommended to hire a certified technician for more complicated repairs and maintenance tasks such as fixing condensate drainage systems and replacing advanced control boards. These tasks often require specialized tools and knowledge that only an experienced professional can handle. In addition, they are not safe for you to complete on your own due to the risk of faulty electrical connections and potential fire hazards. It is important to remember that your home’s air filter should be replaced regularly and correctly. This can significantly improve your furnace’s performance and prolong its lifespan.
Faulty Electrical Connections
Regardless of how well you maintain your system, sometimes electrical connections become loose or damaged. When this happens, a wire can cause an electrical short and blow the fuse. You can usually get the problem fixed by replacing the blown fuse or turning off and then back on the breaker. If this doesn’t work, you should call a professional.
An electric furnace needs a transformer to convert 120-volt electricity to the correct voltage required for the system. A faulty transformer can prevent the system from turning on or may cut the power to the controls, igniter, and timers. This is a serious issue that requires the attention of a qualified technician.
The blower motor in an electric furnace uses a significant amount of energy, so it can heat up and burn out over time. This will also require a professional to replace the motor.
Over time, vibrations in the system can cause wires to become loose. If the wires aren’t tightened or replaced, they can cause a short and blow the fuse. It’s important to keep your furnace tuned up regularly to avoid this issue.
Any furnace problems can reduce the air quality in your home, so be sure to have any issues checked out by a qualified professional as soon as you notice them. Taking the time to perform regular maintenance and have your system serviced regularly will also help you avoid expensive repairs in the future.