Furnace Repair – How to Avoid Furnace Breakdowns
Furnace breakdowns happen in the most inconvenient times, and often it's a surprise to homeowners. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to avoid having your furnace break down out of the blue, as well as ways to diagnose and fix your furnace before it breaks down.
The first step is to make sure your furnace's ignition and pilot light are functioning properly. These two devices are what ignite your furnace and start the heating cycle.
Thermostat Issues
Thermostats are essential pieces of your home’s HVAC system that help you regulate the temperature in your house. When your thermostat stops working properly, it can cause the rest of the system to break down as well.
The most common problem with thermostats is that they don’t detect the temperature of your house correctly. This can lead to a variety of issues.
Dirty sensors: Over time, dust and dirt can collect inside your thermostat. This can block the sensors that tell your thermostat when to turn on your furnace.
Faulty wiring: Thermostats use a network of wires to communicate with your furnace and other heating and cooling equipment. If the wiring is loose, dirty or damaged, it will not work properly and your thermostat won’t function at all.
If you are having trouble with your thermostat, it’s best to contact an HVAC professional. These professionals will inspect the entire thermostat and identify any possible problems that may be causing the issue. They can also help you reset your thermostat to ensure it is working properly again.
Loose Parts
If you hear a rattling or whirring sound from your furnace, it could be a sign of loose parts inside the unit. These can range from a blower wheel to the motor mount, and will require the attention of a heating repair technician to fix.
The rattling noise can also be caused by ductwork that expands and contracts as the furnace heats and cools your home. If this sounds like it is happening, you might need to have the ductwork replaced.
Lastly, metal components in the furnace can make a crackling sound as they cool off after running. This is usually not a problem, but it is a good idea to check them regularly as part of your maintenance.
Some furnaces also produce a burning smell when the system overheats, which may be caused by motor bearings that are worn or blocked airflow. To resolve this issue, turn off your furnace and call an HVAC professional.
Burning Smell
When it comes to home heating and cooling, your furnace is a necessary piece of equipment. However, like any other machine, it can fail.
When your furnace malfunctions, it may produce a burning smell. While it’s usually harmless, this smell is a signal to be concerned and call a professional for help.
First off, it’s important to identify the source of the smell. Dust buildup is one of the most common reasons for a burning smell from your furnace.
Another common reason for this smell is a clogged air filter. When this happens, your blower motor will work overtime and overheat, producing the burning smell.
In either case, changing the filter will fix the problem and eliminate the smell. But, if the furnace still emits a burning smell even after replacing the filter, it’s time to get an HVAC technician in to inspect the unit.
Corrosion
Corrosion is a gradual deterioration of a metal through chemical or electrochemical reaction with the environment. The type of metal and the environmental conditions determine the form and rate of deterioration.
All metals can corrode, but some, such as iron, corrode more quickly than others. Stainless steel, on the other hand, tends to corrode slower than iron and is more commonly used in applications where corrosion is a concern.
The SSPC estimates that corrosion of metals costs US $276 billion annually. It is also a significant safety and environmental concern, so it's important to avoid corrosion on your equipment as much as possible.
There are a few ways to help prevent corrosion, such as routine filter replacement and regular cleaning. However, if you notice signs of rust, call in an expert to look at your furnace.
Furnace breakdowns happen in the most inconvenient times, and often it's a surprise to homeowners. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to avoid having your furnace break down out of the blue, as well as ways to diagnose and fix your furnace before it breaks down. The first step is to make sure your…