Usually, when homeowners ask about the most common heating repair problems, they’re not asking for a friend. When you are aware of the most common problems your furnace can have, more often than not, you’re trying to find out if your own furnace problem is fixable.
Whether you have an emergency furnace repair issue or just some questions about the condition of your furnace or any problem you might have, call Ambient Edge. We’re here to help in any way we can.
HVAC Filters
Failure to change the HVAC system filter (also called the air filter) on a regular basis, or at all, can cause more than just a dirty filter.
- When your filter is clogged, your furnace has to work a lot harder to pump air through it and throughout your home. That costs you money when your energy bills start to rise.
- When your furnace is constantly trying to work through a dirty filter, its excessive efforts can tax the system and cause rapid wear and tear. This can damage individual parts or even the entire system which can lead to costly repairs.
- The purpose of an HVAC filter is to remove dirt, dust, pollen, allergens, and other pollutants to improve your indoor air quality. A clogged filter can’t perform this task efficiently.
How often you need to change your filter depends on the manufacturer’s recommendations. A good rule of thumb is to change the filter every one to three months. You should make yourself a calendar reminder to at least check the air filter every month to determine whether or not it needs to be changed.
Thermostat
If your furnace stops heating, seems to be cycling off and on very frequently, or is heating very inconsistently, there may actually be a problem with the thermostat.
Some simple troubleshooting steps you can take include:
- Make sure the power switch on your furnace is turned to ON
- Make sure the thermostat is turned to HEAT
- Replace the batteries in the thermostat
- If you have an older mechanical thermostat (a round model with a dial), gently remove the cover and brush away dust with a feather duster or a can of compressed air
- Check your fuses and make sure none of the circuit breakers have been tripped
If you suspect a problem with your thermostat may be to blame for your heating issues, and none of the above solutions does the trick, call the pros at Ambient Edge. You may need a replacement thermostat, or the problem could be with your HVAC system instead.
Furnace Won’t Turn Off
When heated air is continuously blowing out of your vents and you can’t get it to stop, it can be alarming. Your first step should be to make sure your thermostat is set to AUTO and not the ON setting. When in AUTO mode, your furnace will turn off as soon as it reaches the temperature you have set on the thermostat.
If this doesn’t solve the problem, there could be an issue with the blower or the thermostat. Call Ambient Edge before it starts to get uncomfortably hot in your home!
Furnace Won’t Turn On
If your furnace won’t turn on, check the usual suspects: Make sure it is turned on, make sure the thermostat is set to HEAT and AUTO, and check to be sure the circuit breaker has not been tripped. If none of those prove to be the solution, your pilot light could be out, there could be an issue with the thermostat, or the furnace motor could have stopped working.
Burning Smell
The first time you turn your furnace on for the season, there is frequently a burning smell as the system heats up and burns away accumulated dust. If you’re not just firing up your furnace for winter, you should check your air filter and change it if it’s dirty.
If the burning smell does not go away, turn off your furnace and call a professional. The system may simply be in need of a thorough internal cleaning or there could be a larger, more serious issue.
Not Enough Heat or No Heat at All
You’ve checked all the power options mentioned above and made sure your filter is new or clean. Your furnace is still heating insufficiently or not at all.
This could be due to a problem with the ignition control or pilot light or your system may even be too small for your home.
Continuously Running Fan
If your thermostat is set to ON or CONTINUOUS, this may cause the fan to run without stopping. Simply switching the setting to AUTO can solve the problem. If that doesn’t do it, you may have a faulty fan limit switch.
Unusual Noises
Banging, tapping, buzzing, or other loud or strange noises can be due to a dirty air filter. If you’ve changed the filter and the furnace is still making noise, call in the pros from Ambient Edge.
Having Heating Issues? Call Ambient Edge Today
Call Ambient Edge for answers to your questions about your furnace or HVAC system, to schedule a repair, or with any heating emergencies. We offer 24-hour service when you need it.
From simple issues to full system replacement, our experience and reliability make us a valuable resource to have in your corner when you need heating or cooling assistance.