How to Troubleshoot Common Furnace Repair Problems
There are a number of common furnace repair problems, many of which can be fixed easily without requiring a service call. Keep an eye out for these issues and try the furnace troubleshooting tips below before calling a technician for help.
Pinging, rattling and squealing noises can be a sign of loose panels or belts needing tightening. Or a grinding sound could mean the ball bearings are worn out and need to be replaced.
1. Thermostat Issues
The thermostat is a great place to start when troubleshooting your furnace. Check to make sure that it is set to heat and the temperature is set at least five degrees above room temperature.
If your thermostat is powered by batteries, check to see if the battery level is low. If so, replace it.
Another common problem with thermostats is that they often have loose connections. These connections can cause problems with the furnace, so it is important to have a professional take a look at them.
Thermostats are a complex system, so it is always best to have a professional repair it if there is any reason to believe that it could be malfunctioning. However, there are some issues that homeowners can do themselves as long as they understand the basic mechanics of the furnace.
2. Overheating
When your furnace overheats, it can cause a host of problems. Inadequate airflow is one of the most common causes, but it may also be a result of a component failure.
Dust and dirt accumulate on the internal components of a furnace over time, blocking proper air exchange and flow. This can cause the furnace to overheat and damage components, requiring expensive repair work.
The first step is to ensure that the vents are not blocked by furniture, rugs or other objects. A blockage can bottle up hot air, causing the furnace to overheat and possibly even releasing dangerous carbon monoxide into the house.
3. Short Cycling
Short cycling is a problem that many homeowners encounter and is caused by a variety of factors. In general, it causes your furnace to start and stop a lot more frequently than it should be, which can waste energy, strain your system and increase wear and tear.
This is why it’s so important to encourage furnace service as soon as a problem is suspected. It can save you a lot of money in the long run and prevent a host of other issues from developing.
A short-cycling furnace can be caused by a number of issues, including a clogged air filter. This restricts airflow to the heat exchanger and triggers the high limit switch, which shuts down the system.
5. Ball Bearing Issues
The ball bearings in your furnace's blower mechanism help keep the fan motor running smoothly and can wear out over time. When this happens, you'll hear a scraping or grinding sound, and the unit should be turned off until a HVAC technician can replace the worn bearings.
Proper lubrication is key to the life of any bearing. Insufficient lubrication, poor lubricant selection or improper relubrication intervals can seriously degrade the performance of your bearing.
Overheating is also a common cause of bearing failure. This can be the result of using a lubricant that's not rated for high speeds, or operating a bearing at a higher temperature than recommended by the grease manufacturer.
Another common issue is improper mounting, which can lead to misalignment of the shaft and housing. This can happen for a number of reasons, including dirt or burrs on the shaft shoulders, misaligned locknut faces, and out-of-round housings.
There are a number of common furnace repair problems, many of which can be fixed easily without requiring a service call. Keep an eye out for these issues and try the furnace troubleshooting tips below before calling a technician for help. Pinging, rattling and squealing noises can be a sign of loose panels or belts…