It is impossible to list all the reasons why a home heating system or furnace may go on the fritz. However, there are a few common reasons. Whatever the reasons may be, a qualified and experienced HVAC technician can provide excellent diagnostic and repair solutions. The most common furnace problems include:
Lack of Maintenance
Just like a car needs regular service to run well, so does a furnace. Without regular maintenance and check-ups, homeowners may end up paying more for heating and repair bills than they would like. Lack of regular maintenance may cause a wide range of furnace problems, which may lead to a shortened working life, loss of overall efficiency and a decrease in comfort level. Common furnace problems caused by lack of maintenance include:
• Dirty air filters
• Broken igniter
• Internal components wear and tear
• Stopped blower motor
• Dirty flame sensors
Ignition Control Issues
A faulty ignition control can cause intermittent heat or no heat at all. There are two types of ignition systems:
• The hot surface ignition system
• Electronically controlled or intermittent pilot system
The hot surface system may fail due to improper handling, dirty air filter, improper igniter, excessively high electric current and normal wear and tear. The intermittent pilot, on the other hand, may fail due to lack of power, faulty control module, broken spark electrode, loose connections, faulty thermostat and more.
Dirty or Clogged Furnace Filters
Dirty and clogged filters are a major cause of poor heating system operation and increased utility costs. Dirty filters can cause many problems, including:
• Poor air flow
• Increased operating costs
• Accumulation of dirt inside the duct system
• Reduced system efficiency
• Poor indoor air quality
• Reduced equipment working life
Air Flow Problems
Poor airflow is one of the most common furnace problems; in fact, many homeowners have one or more rooms in their homes that do not receive sufficient airflow. A leak or obstruction in the ductwork or an obstruction at the vents may cause airflow problems, which may cause the furnace to overheat and lose efficiency.
Thermostat malfunctions
When heating goes out, panic is a common reaction; however, the major cause of heating system malfunctions is a faulty thermostat. A damaged thermostat can cause no heat, intermittent heat, and insufficient heat transmission throughout the home.
It is always better to prevent a problem than to fix it; therefore, homeowners should always have a maintenance plan to prevent the above and many other problems. Call your local HVAC Contractors for heating system and furnace service.
