Nine Common Furnace Problems You Should Not Ignore

Do you want to avoid early furnace replacement in Louisville, KY? By understanding the common furnace problems, you can call A1 Mechanical at the first sign of trouble.

Delaying repairs prevents your air conditioner from lasting its full life expectancy. Keep reading to learn about the nine most common issues that require immediate attention.

Nine Furnace Problems That Require Immediate Attention

When homeowners notice the following problems, they’ll save money in the long term by calling for prompt repairs.

1. The Device Won’t Turn On or Cycles Quickly

Power problems always indicate a serious issue, as they prevent the furnace from keeping the home safe and comfortable. During the coldest months, it can even pose a safety hazard.

Homeowners often overlook a phenomenon called rapid cycling. This happens when the device turns on and off every few minutes without completing the heating process. Frequent cycling on and off often occurs from loose power connections or overheating.

An HVAC technician can find and fix the issue, restoring your system into proper working condition.

2. The Fan Never Turns Off

The furnace fan should only run during the heating process. When it operates constantly, it wastes significant energy and makes the home feel dry. Homeowners may feel frequently dehydrated or develop skin irritation.

This is one of the most common furnace problems that possibly offers an easy fix. First, check the thermostat and determine if you switched the mode to “on” rather than “auto.”

If that doesn’t fix the problem, the furnace likely has an issue with the limit control switch, which shuts off the furnace when it reaches a certain temperature. If it accumulates dirt or experiences damage, it won’t shut down the fan.

3. You Hear Concerning and Unusual Sounds

Furnaces usually run quietly, and any sounds, like the clicking or whoosh of activation, shouldn’t persist for long. The following unusual noises indicate problems that require professional attention:

• Scraping and grinding: Scraping and rubbing indicate a lack of lubrication or worn-out ball bearings. Not addressing the issue will lead to more serious problems.
• Squealing: Does the furnace sound like it’s screaming? Blame a slipped blower belt, which requires disconnecting the motor wires to replace it.
• Rattling and knocking: Loose pieces often manifest as various banging sounds. A professional can tighten them to address the issue.
• Excessive rumbling: If you have a gas furnace, a rumbling sound indicates left-over fuel that could lead to a serious gas leak.

4. The Pilot Light Changes Colors or Diminishes

While newer gas furnaces don’t use a pilot light, if you have an older model, the system still uses it to ignite the fuel. The light should remain blue and have a tip about a half-inch tall.

A yellow flame indicates a sub-optimal mixture of oxygen and fuel and is one of the most common furnace problems in gas models. In some situations, it functions as a sign of gas or carbon monoxide leaks. 

Various damaged components, such as a flame sensor or gas valve, cause pilot light or ignition failure. Because it deals with a possible leak, shut off the furnace until a technician from A1 Mechanical can diagnose and fix the problem. 

5. A Dirty Air Filter Causes Widespread Issues

Clogged furnace filters cause various issues throughout a home’s HVAC system. If a homeowner doesn’t change it at least every month, it can cause the following problems:

• Blocked filters reduce airflow and lead to weak distribution and lukewarm temperatures.
• It creates a serious lack of comfort in the home.
• Homeowners see a significant rise in their energy expenses.
• A system that works harder increases wear and tear and causes blower motor issues and more.
• It reduces the life expectancy of the device and leads to early replacement.

6. The Furnace Has a Cracked Heat Exchanger

What does the heat exchange do? It transfers the heat produced from the combustion process into the air that circulates through the home.

A cracked exchange can leak carbon monoxide into the home and have serious consequences for your family. Look for soot inside the furnace or water pooling around the base of the device. Broken heat exchange may also give off a distinct chemical odor.

7. You Smell a Concerning Scent

Besides the chemical smell of a broken heat exchanger, what other scents indicate that furnaces and boilers have an issue? Pay attention to the following common furnace problems and the associated smells:

• Prolonged burning: You may detect burning dust for a few minutes after not using the furnace for a while. If the problem persists, check for a dirty air filter.
• Sulfur or rotten eggs: Utility companies add the smell of rotten eggs to natural gas so homeowners can detect it. If you smell it, exit the house immediately and call for help.
• Must or mold: If moisture invades the furnace, mold can start growing within 48 hours. Address the issue to avoid toxic exposure that can create chronic health issues.
• Metallic: The scent of burning metal can indicate electrical problems or overheating that may eventually cause a fire.

8. The Heating System Frequently Trips the Circuit Breaker

Occasionally, tripping a circuit breaker isn’t a cause for concern. However, if it happens frequently when the furnace activates, you may have an electrical issue on your hands.

9. You Only Feel Lukewarm Air From the Vents

If the furnace doesn’t produce hot air, you may have a faulty thermostat. The system may also have ignition difficulties or a dirty air filter that reduces how quickly the air reaches the vents. Only a certified technician can accurately diagnose the issue.

Schedule Emergency Repairs for Your Furnace Today

A1 Mechanical in Louisville, KY, can expertly fix the most common furnace problems. Whether your furnace has a burning smell or you don’t feel comfortable in your home, we rely on four decades of experience to find the most cost-effective solution. You’ll benefit from upfront and transparent pricing that never exposes you to unwelcome surprises.

Schedule an emergency appointment by calling 502-708-2247.