When it’s cold outside, a working furnace is key to keeping your home warm. Regular maintenance is crucial for peak performance. But, furnace troubles can pop up unexpectedly. This guide from Mr Reliable Heating & Air in Houston, Texas, covers common furnace issues and fixes to keep your home cozy this winter. Did you know?? About 40% of furnace problems are due to the unit not turning on, often because someone turned off the emergency shutoff switch by mistake. Not changing the filter often enough can raise energy bills by as much as 15% and lower system performance. Ignition problems, like a pilot light not lighting, make up around 20% of furnace issues. Electrical problems that make the furnace trip the breaker are about 10% of common furnace issues. Regular maintenance and quick troubleshooting can prevent as much as 70% of common furnace problems, keeping your system efficient and lasting longer. Troubleshoot Common Thermostat Issues When your home’s heating system isn’t working right, check the thermostat first. It controls the indoor air temperature and when the furnace runs. Making sure your thermostat works well is key to fixing furnace problems. Checking Thermostat Settings and Batteries First, make sure your thermostat is set to “Heat” and the temperature is higher than the room’s. If it’s wireless, check the batteries. Dead batteries can stop the thermostat from working until you replace them. Addressing Smart Thermostat Connectivity Glitches For smart thermostats, look for any wireless or software problems. Try restarting it to fix any connection issues. Problems with the control board can also cause communication issues with the HVAC system. Evaluating Thermostat Placement and Wiring The thermostat’s spot can affect its temperature readings. Make sure it’s not near heat sources, drafts, or sunlight. Also, check the wiring for damage or loose connections. Issues with the wiring can mess up the thermostat’s signal to the HVAC system. Examining a folded dirty air filter in the HVAC furnace system in basement of home Furnace Repair Tip: Change the Air Filter Regularly If your heater or furnace has an air filter, it’s important to check it often. Keeping your furnace’s air filter clean is key for its performance and your home’s air. A dirty filter can block airflow, making your system work harder and costing more to run. Experts say to change your furnace filter at least every three months or twice a year. This depends on your home’s needs. Things like pets, how many people live there, and pollution can make filters dirty faster. When it’s time for a new air filter, look for dirt, longer HVAC cycles. Choosing a good HVAC maintenance filter with a high MERV rating catches more dirt, making your air cleaner. Changing the filter can be done by most homeowners, but turn off the system first to avoid problems. Regular furnace filter changes keep your system efficient and extend its life. This can save you money on energy and repairs. By prioritizing HVAC maintenance, your home stays cozy and healthy all year. Check Power Supply and Circuit Breakers First, check the main power switch on your furnace. Make sure it’s turned to “ON”. Also, check if the circuit breaker for the furnace has tripped. If the breaker is off, just flip it back on. But if it keeps tripping, you should call a pro HVAC tech, like the team at Mr. Reliable. They can find and fix any serious furnace issues. This might mean a short circuit or too much power – both need to be assessed and fixed by a licensed pro. Checking the Furnace Power Switch and Breaker Before you call for help, do these easy steps: Find the main power switch on your furnace and make sure it’s “ON”. Look for the circuit breaker that powers your furnace and check if it’s tripped. If the breaker is off, turn it back on and see if your furnace works again. If the breaker keeps tripping, don’t keep trying to reset it. This could make the problem worse. Doing these basic checks might fix simple furnace problems. But if it doesn’t work, it’s time to get an furnace pro like the licensed technicians at Mr. Reliable Heating & Air. They can check your system and find the real cause of the problem. Furnace Repair Tip: Inspect Vents and Registers It’s important to keep your furnace’s vents and registers clear. This helps with airflow and keeps your system running well. Make sure to check all vents and registers in your home. They should be open and free from any blockages. Clearing Obstructions from Vents and Registers Big furniture or rugs over the furnace registers can block heat. This makes your furnace work too hard and might fail over time. Walk around your home and make sure all vents and registers are clear. They should not be covered by furniture or decorations. Maintaining Outdoor Intake and Exhaust Vents Outdoor vents are key for your furnace’s air flow. Keep these vents clean of dirt, leaves, or snow. Blockages can hurt your furnace’s air flow and efficiency. Check the outdoor furnace vents often and clear any debris. This helps your furnace work its best. Inspecting and keeping your furnace’s furnace registers and vents clean is crucial. It prevents expensive repairs and keeps your heating system running well all season. Gas burning in a heating appliance. A stainless steel burner heats a copper heat exchanger Addressing Ignition and Starting Problems Ignition and starting problems can cause a furnace to malfunction. This affects its ability to heat your home. Issues like a faulty ignitor can stop the furnace from working. Mr. Reliable’s skilled HVAC technicians can fix these problems. They’ll check the ignition system and solve pilot light issues. Our team quickly finds and fixes the problem, ensuring your furnace works well. Furnace Troubleshooting FAQ What should I do if my home isn’t heating properly? Start by checking the thermostat. Make sure it’s set to “Heat” and the temperature is higher than the room’s current temperature. If it’s a wireless unit, check the batteries. Also, check smart thermostats for any connection or software issues. Heat pump being repaired in Houston Texas How often should I replace the furnace filter? Our HVAC experts suggests replacing the furnace filter every two to three months if your unit has a filter. This keeps the air inside your home clean and helps your furnace work better. What should I check if the furnace is not generating heat? First, check the main power switch on the furnace. Make sure it’s turned on. Also, check the circuit breaker feeding power to the furnace. If it’s tripped, turn it back on. If the breaker keeps tripping, it’s best to call a professional HVAC technician. They can find and fix any electrical problems. What can impact the performance of my furnace or heat pump? Make sure all vents and registers are open and not blocked. Large furniture or rugs can stop heat from flowing. If your furnace gets air from outside, check the intake and exhaust for debris. What can prevent the furnace from operating? A safety switch can stop the furnace if the front panel door isn’t closed. Check the panel door to make sure it’s shut before starting the furnace. What can cause ignition and starting problems with my furnace? Ignition and starting problems can stop your furnace from working. These issues can be due to a faulty ignition system or a bad ignitor. Fixing these problems quickly is key to keeping your furnace running well.
