A furnace is an essential appliance in a home, particularly during the winter. It provides warmth and comfort when temperatures outside are at their coldest. Imagine the stress of returning home to a chilly house only to find that your furnace has broken down, necessitating the need to call a furnace repair service. If this happens to you, don’t panic! Below are five common reasons why furnaces stop working and how you can fix them.
Thermostat Issues
A thermostat issue is one of the most prevalent causes of furnace failure. There are a variety of causes of thermostat malfunctions, including old age, weak wiring, and low battery power. Try changing the batteries if you think the thermostat is the issue. If it doesn’t work, a new thermostat may be required. If you don’t feel confident handling the job, call a heating technician from a trusted furnace repair service for a more thorough diagnosis.
Pilot Light Issues
Your furnace may not be working if the pilot light used to ignite the burner has gone out. The furnace won’t produce heat if the pilot light is out. You can inspect the pilot light through the access panel on the side of the furnace. You can attempt to manually relight the pilot light if it goes out by carefully following the directions in your user’s manual. Contact a licensed HVAC specialist to do it for you if you don’t feel comfortable handling it yourself.
Clogged Air Vents
Clogged air vents are another typical issue that can stop a furnace from functioning. Blocked air vents can result in decreased efficiency and reduced airflow. Turn off and restart your furnace after clearing debris from the air vents. After the dust and dirt are gone, clean the area using a brush or a vacuum with a hose attachment. Once you’ve finished cleaning the vents, switch on your furnace to ensure it’s properly operating.
Gas Leakage
It is among the dangerous reasons for furnace malfunctions. If you smell gas when turning on your furnace, there may be a leak, and you should immediately leave the area. Don’t try to re-light the pilot light because that might start a fire or cause an explosion. Avoid attempting to tackle the problem on your own. Once you are safely outside the house, call your gas company so they can send someone out to fix the leak.
Faulty Blower Motor
If your furnace includes a blower motor, that could be the root of the problem. The furnace’s blower motor pumps air around your home. Its damage or failure could result in less efficient operation and reduced airflow. To check for damage, open the access panel on your furnace and look directly at the blower motor. Get a new one if there is any damage, such as cracks or missing pieces. Since it requires specialized equipment and training, you should hire a licensed furnace repair service specialist to handle this for you.
Conclusion
While furnaces can last, something will eventually go wrong, which could mean repair or replacement. Knowing some of the most common causes of furnace failure might help you avoid wasting time and money when your furnace ultimately decides to quit. When all else fails, what? As a last resort, you should always call a licensed heating technician!
Call Professor Gatsby’s Heating and Cooling at 856-885-2231 for more details on how we can help with your furnace and heater repairs and maintenance. We offer skilled and reasonably priced furnace repair services. You can contact us by using our online form, and we’ll get back to you immediately.
