Furnace Problems You Can And Can’t Fix On Your Own

Winter is coming, or depending on where you live, already here. In these cold times, it is critical to have a working and reliable furnace to keep your home warm. Ordinarily, most of your maintenance issues would have been addressed in the summer or fall, before you needed your heater. But, work, life, and family often derail the best-laid plans. Even the most diligent homeowner sometimes makes a mistake and can’t control external factors. Staying on top of furnace maintenance can help you keep it in great running condition. If your furnace is giving you problems, many quick fixes don’t require a professional. But, there are many that will need a professional’s experience and knowledge.

Furnace problems you can fix on your own

The following are some furnace issues you may be able to fix on your own.

Clogged air filters

Air filters are one of the biggest culprits for furnace issues. The air filters catch particulates and cycle them out of the air. If you notice that your heater turns on but doesn’t blow hot air for very long, that indicates that there is an issue with air flow. The restricted air flow can cause your furnace to shut down.

If you’re unclear about what type of HVAC filter your furnace uses, consult the manufacturers guide. If you can use different types of filters, the following is a summary of the various types. There are four options: washable, fiberglass, polyester and pleated, and high efficiency.

• Washable filters are among the cheaper options. Washable filters are not ideal for residential systems because they collect fungus, bacterium, and other microorganisms that can escape and get into your air.

 

• Fiberglass filters are designed to protect your unit from damaging particles, not to improve indoor air quality. If you or a family member suffer from allergies, you may not want to use this type of HVAC filter.

 

• Polyester and pleated filters are more effective at trapping particulates than fiberglass. They are rated at removing nearly 45 percent of air pollutants. These filters are relatively inexpensive and can remove particulates without restricting air flow.

 

• High-efficiency filters are the best on the market but also the most expensive. These filters are often used in industrial facilities and hospitals.

The circuit breaker tripped

Sometimes, something can cause your circuit breaker to trip, which shuts off the furnace. If you check out your heater, there is ordinarily a switch that can turn the breaker on and off. Make sure no one in your house accidentally turned it off before doing anything else. You may want to try sticking a post-it note over the switch or some other indication to alert people not to touch the switch.

Thermostat issues

Another common issue that is quickly resolved is the thermostat being incorrectly set. If you have a programmable thermostat, you may have set it in spring and forgot to update it for winter. Confirm the thermostat is set for “heat” rather than “air” or is off. If you’re unsure how to program your thermostat, consult the owner’s manual.

It is worth it to learn how to use your thermostat for every season. If the thermostat is programmed correctly but you’re still experiencing issues, it could be a sign that the wiring or other part is broken. Consult with a professional before replacing your this component if that is the case.

Furnace issues that should be fixed by an HVAC company

For these issues, you should consult a professional HVAC company.

Ignition problems

Ignition problems refer to the ability of your furnace to ignite and generate heat. Older furnaces use a pilot light, while new ones use intermittent pilot lights or surface ignition. An ignition issue refers to a problem with the hardware, like safety switches, computer boards, or other malfunctioning parts. These are components that only trained and experienced technicians should work on.

Issues with the burner

Once the igniter is working, the burner makes the air warm and blows it throughout your home. If you can ignite the pilot light, but the air still is uneven or not distributed efficiently, that could mean you need to adjust your burner. There are safety concerns when doing this, so don’t try to fix the burner on your own.

Blower and belt problems

Third, the blower moves the air throughout your home. Common blower problems occur with the belt. If you hear high pitched whining, that indicates an issue with the blower. This part of your furnace should always be inspected and repaired by a trained technician.

HVAC services in Amarillo, Texas

If you are having problems with your furnace, call the experts at Allen’s Tri-State Mechanical Inc. in Amarillo, Texas today. We can help with all of your Residential and Commercial HVAC needs. You can reach us at (806) 376-8345 or Contact Us by email to learn more about our services. We are open 24 hours a day for emergency service.