Top 10 Signs That Your Furnace Needs A Tune-up

Posted on January 7, 2021

A faulty thermostat, furnace blower, clogged filter, worn-out circuit breakers, damp furnace are common reasons for a furnace malfunction

Very few problems can cause nightmares to homeowners, like furnace malfunction. If it’s a cold winter night & your furnace has stopped functioning, there can be no worse scenarios than this. That said, it’s crucial to check the longevity of your furnace before it’s too late.

The furnace provides you warmth when it’s freezing outside. However, as a thermo-mechanical instrument, it decays over time. Hence, a regular follow-up about the condition of the furnace can save you a handsome amount. If you keep ignoring those little grinding sounds, chances are you may end up with a malfunctioned furnace.

As these instruments are not cheap, look for the below-mentioned signs for tuning-up your furnace

1. Inadequate Maintenance

Negligence can cost you big times in this case. You should never take any weird sounds for granted. These may be the sign of a probable breakdown of your furnace.

There is no other alternative to regular maintenance to avoid facing a furnace malfunction. Some severe issues like the furnace stop heating, operating errors, etc. can also happen if timely care is not taken.

The main reason behind other malfunctions is also a lack of maintenance.

It’s better to check up your furnace by a professional technician once every six months to be on the safe side. Otherwise, your annual maintenance cost will be huge.

While doing a thorough check-up, make sure your HVAC contractor or a reputable furnace repair service does a close inspection, so he can identify the pressing issues that can become a severe headache for you in the future.

2. Clogged Filters

Filters getting clogged is one of the most common furnace problems. The main reason behind a clogged filter is the accumulation of dirt, dust & debris.

The furnace functions correctly if the airflow is smooth & right. However, over time dust and dirt gets trapped between the furnace filters. It hampers the airflow & results in several problems to arise.

A clogged filter is the primary reason behind a furnace not producing sufficient heat.

You need to clean this dust, dirt once a month to keep it functional.

3. Thermostat Failure

Thermostats are the core part of a furnace. They keep your house warm & comfy. However, if you ignore the maintenance of your thermostat for quite a while, you may have a malfunctioned thermostat soon.

There are two basic reasons behind a thermostat’s malfunction. First, if you feel your furnace is not generating enough heat, check the thermostat switch. Chances are, the switch was off & you didn’t notice.

Turning on the switch may solve the issue. However, if you notice the same problem again, contact a professional before it’s too late.

4. Furnace Blower

Furnace blowers are one of the most crucial parts of a furnace. They make sure the flow of heat is evenly spread out. They are also responsible for the proper circulation of hot air. However, if the blower wears down, you have two major issues to look into.

First, you have to replace or change the blowers. Both the processes can be very expensive repairs. Besides this grave concern, you may face an enormous electricity bill. It can happen if you have a malfunctioned furnace blower in the house.

You need to call in a professional to solve the issue. The technician usually checks the current supply, hot air circulation, leaks in the vents, etc.

5. Pilot Control

If you possess an old furnace, you may have a pilot light, which is primarily an indicator. Having a faulty pilot control incurs various risks. There can be several reasons why your pilot light is behaving weirdly. The probable causes are:

Flame setting too low
A jammed pilot orifice
Faulty safety switch, etc.

If you notice any issue with your pilot, don’t intervene by yourself. Before solving the pilot light issue, it’s pivotal to look at the gas indicator, whether there’s flame built-up or not.

Also, the electric igniting option needs proper attendance. Often pilot control accumulates gas all around & upon flipping the switch, there may be a severe burst of fire.

6. Cleanliness Of Furnace Surrounding Areas

The furnace is usually located in the basement of most houses. As a result, bags of dust, debris & specks of dirt clog around the furnace area. These are harmful to the metallic parts of the furnace as they wear out the components & reduce the longevity significantly.

Also, there can be a build-up of moisture around the furnace area & hence, it poses a tremendous hazardous risk. So, while cleaning the furnace, don’t forget to clear out the surroundings too.

7. Circuit Breaker Malfunction

You will notice a circuit breaker in the house. These circuit breakers cut the supply of electricity if it’s overloaded. So, if your furnace requires more power than the older circuit breaker is supplying, replace them.

You can open the circuit breaker & read the required settings. Change if it’s too old. Again find out why your furnace is consuming so much power.

8. Inconsistent Heat Cycles

Installment of a furnace system depends solely on the size of your house. As a general principle, heat will form in the furnace & through the furnace blowers, heat will circulate all around the house. Usually, this heat generation & circulation doesn’t happen rapidly.

But if you feel the house is dropping temperature all day, it means the cycle is getting hampered. The insufficient size of the furnace may be the reason.

9. Absurd Noises

Weird noises mean something is not functioning correctly in the furnace. Inspect the mechanical belts if they are loose. Any loose belt poses a great threat to the furnace. So replace them immediately.

10. Malfunctioned Oil Burner

Oil burners are available in the old furnaces. This problem is somewhat easier to solve. Just clean the dirt-clogged filter or install a new one & you are good to go.

Final Thoughts

Regular furnace maintenance can save you a handsome amount. Also, it prevents the total breakdown of your furnace. Look into these issues to identify the problem before it’s too late.