Common Gas Furnace Problems And Solutions
If you have a gas furnace to heat your home in the winter, it's important to ensure that the unit is working properly in order to keep you and your family warm. When it comes to a gas furnace, there can be several reasons why it is not operating properly or causing issues. Before you contact your local HVAC contractor, read the following common issues and find out how you may be able to correct them yourself.
Thermostat Problems
Most modern heating and cooling systems use a digital thermostat to read the home's indoor temperature. This thermostat sends a signal to the unit to tell it when to turn on and off. Check your unit and make sure the batteries are good, and that no wires behind the unit have come loose. Loss of power to the thermostat is the most common reason it is not working correctly. If you've checked the power source and it's not the cause of the problem, you may need to replace the thermostat.
No Heat Coming Out
If your gas furnace is not producing heat, it could simply be because the pilot light has gone out. Look inside your unit and check to ensure that the pilot light is on. Sometimes a draft can blow it out and it just needs to be re-lit. Be sure you read the manual for your furnace to ensure you light the pilot light correctly. Most newer furnaces use a simple ignition switch to turn it back on easily, but check to make sure before you light it, since some require you to use a flame from a match or lighter instead. Make sure the room where your furnace is located has no windows or doors open to help prevent drafts from blowing the pilot light out unexpectedly.
Unit Continues Cycling
If you've noticed that your gas furnace continually cycles on and off more frequently than normal, it could be an issue with a clogged filter. Take a look at your furnace's filter and make sure it is clean and free of debris. Gas furnace filters don't need to be replaced as often as air conditioner filters, but you should at least replace yours annually before the next winter season. If the unit is still cycling, make sure the thermostat is on the correct heat setting and that the indoor temperature is reading correctly.
Mechanical Issues
If you hear sputtering, loud noises, or it sounds like the unit is working too hard to produce heat, you should not attempt to make any repairs yourself. Mechanical issues should be reserved for professionals only. Make sure your furnace is still under warranty and get all of your warranty paperwork ready to show the technician if it's still covered. While most simple problems can be resolved with these simple fixes, the more technical issues should be reserved for professionals to ensure that everything gets repaired safely and correctly.
Visit a website like http://www.belairplumbing.com to learn more.
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