Greenwood homeowners know they need a furnace that’s in good working order to get through our chilly Indiana winters. But your furnace can throw you a curveball, especially with daily use through the colder months.
From thermostat troubles to blower motor issues and pilot light concerns, understanding the signs of common furnace repair problems can help you address small issues before they grow into big heating system problems and keep your furnace functioning properly this winter.
Let’s look at some of the most frequent furnace problems that Greenwood homeowners encounter, ways to troubleshoot them, and when it’s wise to bring in a professional from Brewer Heating & Cooling for furnace repair in Greenwood, IN.
1. Pilot Light Issues
If you have an older gas furnace, it probably has a pilot light—this ignites the burners that generate heat. If your furnace pilot light won’t stay lit or flickers, it may signal an issue with the gas supply, thermocouple, or draft around the flame. A pilot light that goes out frequently or burns a color other than blue (such as yellow) is not something to ignore, as it may indicate a carbon monoxide risk.
Troubleshooting Tips:
- Relight the Pilot: If the pilot light has gone out, follow the instructions in your owner’s manual to relight it.
- Inspect for Drafts: Sometimes, strong air drafts can blow out the pilot light. Check for gaps around the furnace that could be blowing air toward the pilot.
When to Call a Pro:
If you’ve attempted basic troubleshooting and the issue persists, it’s time to call in an expert for gas furnace repair service. Fixing the pilot light involves working with gas, which should be left to professionals for safety reasons. Brewer Heating & Cooling can quickly identify and resolve the underlying issue to make sure your furnace is operating safely.
2. Blower Motor Problems
The blower motor is responsible for circulating warm air through your home. If you notice reduced airflow, strange sounds (like banging or squealing), or that the furnace seems to be constantly cycling, the blower motor might be to blame.
Troubleshooting Tips:
- Listen for Unusual Noises: If you hear a high-pitched squealing, this could mean that the blower belt is worn or slipping. If you’re comfortable doing so, you may be able to change this yourself—be sure to replace it with the right blower belt.
- Inspect the Air Filter: Clogged air filters can make the blower motor work overtime, eventually causing it to overheat. Replacing the filter regularly (every 1-3 months) can prevent this issue.
When to Call a Pro:
If the motor is overheating or making unusual noises, it’s best to call an HVAC system technician. Professionals can perform the furnace repair or component replacement you need safely and efficiently to prevent further wear or damage.
3. Thermostat Malfunctions
A thermostat that’s on the fritz can make it impossible to regulate the temperature in your home. You might notice that your furnace isn’t responding to temperature changes, you don’t receive enough heat, or that the heat isn’t kicking in at all.
Troubleshooting Tips:
- Check the Power Source: First, check the batteries if your thermostat runs on them. Low batteries can cause the thermostat to stop working, so replace them if needed. If your thermostat is hardwired to your electrical system, make sure the breaker has not tripped, and reset it if it has.
- Clean the Thermostat: Dust and dirt buildup can interfere with the thermostat’s sensors. Open the cover and carefully clean any debris with a soft brush or cloth.
- Confirm the Settings: Make sure the thermostat is set to “heat” and that the temperature is high enough to trigger the furnace. A simple switch from “cool” to “heat” can sometimes solve the issue!
When to Call a Pro:
If your thermostat still isn’t working correctly after troubleshooting, you may have a wiring issue or a problem with the furnace control board. Brewer Heating & Cooling can diagnose and repair more complex thermostat problems, ensuring your home stays comfortable.
4. Furnace Cycling On and Off
If your furnace cycles on and off just a few minutes after starting, it could be due to several issues, including a dirty air filter, a thermostat malfunction, or an overheating problem. A frequently cycling furnace is also called “short cycling.”
Troubleshooting Tips:
- Air Filter Replacement: Clogged filters restrict airflow, causing the furnace to overheat and shut down prematurely. If you have a clogged filter, replace it with a new one.
- Inspect for Obstructions: Ensure that vents and registers are open and free from blockages to maintain proper airflow.
When to Call a Pro:
If you’ve checked for obvious issues and the short cycling continues, it’s best to bring in a professional for furnace repair. A Brewer Heating & Cooling technician can determine if a more technical issue with your home’s heating system, like a malfunctioning limit switch or heat exchanger, is to blame.
5. Strange Noises Coming From the Furnace
Rattling, banging, or squealing noises can indicate loose parts, a failing blower motor, or other mechanical issues. Ignoring these sounds can cause more serious problems to develop down the road, and possibly create the need for an emergency furnace repair.
Troubleshooting Tips:
- Identify the Sound: Different sounds point to different issues. A squeal could mean a worn belt, while a rattle might indicate loose screws or panels.
- Check for Loose Panels: Sometimes, the solution is as simple as tightening a loose panel on the furnace.
- Inspect for Debris: If you see any debris near the blower or fan, carefully clear it away.
When to Call a Pro:
For any persistent or loud noises, it’s best to have a technician inspect your furnace. Any strange sounds from your heating and cooling system can signal worn-out parts or components nearing failure, which require professional attention.
6. No Heat or Insufficient Heat
If your furnace is running, but the heat output is low (or nonexistent), the issue could stem from several sources: a malfunctioning thermostat or flame sensor, dirty air filters, or a problem with the gas line.
Troubleshooting Tips:
- Make Sure the Thermostat Is Set Correctly: A thermostat that’s set too low or programmed incorrectly can be the simplest fix.
- Replace the Air Filter: As with other issues, a dirty or clogged filter can prevent proper airflow, leading to poor heating performance.
- Inspect for Obstructions: Restricted airflow due to closed or blocked vents can reduce the effectiveness of your furnace.
- Inspect Your Ducts: Leaks or blockages in the ductwork can reduce airflow, causing rooms to feel colder. Look for any visible gaps or disconnections in exposed ducts and seal them, or have a professional take care of this for you.
When to Call a Pro:
If you’re unable to identify the cause, or if you suspect a gas line issue, it’s important to call a professional for safe and thorough furnace repair service.
7. Carbon Monoxide Detector Goes Off
If your carbon monoxide (CO) detector goes off, it’s a serious warning that there may be a dangerous buildup of carbon monoxide in your home. This can occur due to furnace issues like a cracked heat exchanger or faulty flue pipe.
What to Do:
- Evacuate Immediately: If your CO detector sounds, get everyone outside to fresh air right away. Do not ignore the alarm, even if you don’t notice any symptoms.
- Open Windows and Doors: If it’s safe to do so, open windows and doors on your way out to help ventilate the area.
- Call Emergency Services: Once you’re outside, call 911 or your local fire department. They have the equipment to detect and measure CO levels and can advise you on next steps.
When to Call a Pro:
After the emergency responders give you the all-clear, contact Brewer Heating & Cooling for a thorough furnace inspection. Our technicians will check for faulty parts, improper ventilation, or other issues causing CO buildup, like damage to your furnace’s heat exchanger, and make the necessary repairs so your furnace operates safely.
When It’s Time to Call Brewer Heating & Cooling for Furnace Repair
Furnace repair issues can be intimidating, but you don’t have to go it alone. Brewer Heating & Cooling provides reliable, professional repairs for Greenwood homeowners experiencing furnace problems. Whether you’re dealing with an erratic pilot light, a noisy blower motor, or malfunctioning thermostat, or something more serious, our team is equipped to handle it.
For peace of mind, regular maintenance can also help catch potential issues early. But when problems do arise, don’t hesitate to reach out. Professional diagnosis and furnace repair can save time, money, and discomfort during the colder months.
If you’re experiencing any of these heating system issues, contact Brewer Heating & Cooling for furnace repair in Greenwood, IN.
