In the summer months, your air conditioning unit is your favorite appliance. When the winter months rush in, you need the furnace to create warmth and keep your home cozy. This is why it is so important to look after your furnace and make sure that it is in good condition when you need it during the winter. So, what are the most common furnace repairs? Knowing about this can save you from the hassle of dealing with an unnecessary breakdown.
What Are the Most Common Furnace Repairs?
Keeping your home warm requires proper care and maintenance of your furnace. Make sure you know about common issues that might arise so that you can fix them or call in a professional.
1. Faulty Thermostat
This is one of the most common issues that you will likely encounter with a furnace. One of the primary indicators that there is something wrong with the thermostat is when your fan is running continuously.
A faulty or non-working thermostat is an issue because it can cause damage to the fan. It can also affect the furnace’s ability to maintain a comfortable temperature inside your home. It could end up producing heat you do not need or stop producing heat altogether.
You need to consult an HVAC technician to check the issue with the thermostat. It could be a hardware or software issue. Only an expert will be able to diagnose the problem and fix it accordingly.
2. Dirty Ductwork
This furnace repair or issue might seem simple and straightforward. However, debris and dust can easily collect in the heating ducts, preventing it from being able to produce enough heated air.
If you notice that your furnace is unable to produce the amount of heat you need or the level of heat that you are used to, then it might be time to clean the ducts. Use your hand and place it against the vent to feel the air come through the vents.
If there is not enough air flow, you should contact your HVAC technician. They can thoroughly clean the ducts for you to ensure that you won’t encounter the same issues again.
3. Clogged Filters
Clogged furnace filters can cause the system to run inefficiently. It could also put your furnace at risk of damage, specifically your limit switch. The best way to maintain your filters is to replace them with a new one every quarter. This will ensure peak performance for the entire system.
The filter plays an important role, not just in keeping your home warm, but also in terms of blocking out dirt, pollutants, and allergens. Make sure to call in a professional to help change the filter, especially if you have not done this before.
4. Faulty Starting Mechanism
A mechanism that is designed to kick-start its heating cycle is installed into the furnace. It varies from one furnace to another. For example, new furnace models use electric ignitions, unlike the pilot lights used in older models.
When the starting mechanism fails, it should be repaired or replaced. If you are unable to turn the furnace on, call a professional technician immediately.
5. Replacement of Heat Exchanger
The heat exchanger is one of the most important components of a working furnace. The heat exchanger is made up of a coil of heated tubes. Air is pushed into these tubes causing it to warm up before it is distributed to your home. Essentially, this is responsible for producing the heating effect from your furnace.
Since these tubes are exposed to a lot of heat, it is important to give them proper maintenance so they function properly. Without maintenance, the heat exchanger can crack over time.
You need a professional technician to replace the heat exchanger. While this is an expensive repair, it is cheaper than buying a new furnace.
6. Repair of the Limit Switch
Next on the list of the most common furnace repairs is the limit switch. It is an important part of a working furnace because it ensures that the furnace is functioning properly and that it is safe to use.
The limit switch is responsible for detecting the amount of heat within the furnace. When it reaches a certain temperature, it prompts the blower fan to automatically switch on, helping to regulate the heat within the system. The limit switch is essentially a safety tool that can prevent potential fire coming from an overheated furnace.
Given the complexity of this function, it is important that you call in a professional technician to diagnose and repair the limit switch.
When to Call in the Professional
The above-listed issues are pretty common and you have to deal with them when you own a furnace. However, these issues should not be taken lightly as they can cause a great deal of damage that would be more expensive in the long run. If you see any sign of problems or issues, call in the professional immediately.
It is also important to give your furnace regular maintenance with the help of a professional to ensure that it is functioning properly, or to keep it in good shape to avoid future problems.
