Your furnace is an integral part of your home. A good working central heating unit provides reliable heat to the house, improves indoor air quality, and saves energy costs by running efficiently. It’s not uncommon for a unit to encounter these situations. These Fall home furnace problems may arise due to several factors, such as normal wear and tear, poor maintenance, or air flow issues.
As this golden season settles in, homeowners must be aware of the five typical potential Fall home furnace problems they can face and how to fix them quickly.
1. Dirty Air Filters
One of the most common Fall home furnace problems is a dirty or clogged air filter. Dirty filters cause the central heating unit to work harder than necessary, leading to overheating.
The fix: Thankfully, dirty air filters can easily be fixed by getting them replaced. A furnace repair technician in Chesterfield County can select the correct size filter, quickly replace it, and even diagnose any other potential issues you should watch out for.
2. Malfunctioning Thermostat
Signs of a malfunctioning thermostat are often evident. A malfunctioning thermostat can lead to a heating/cooling system that won’t turn on or off, inaccurate temperature readings, and increased energy bills.
A malfunctioning thermostat can be due to various factors, such as loose wiring, low batteries, or a faulty sensor.
The fix: Firstly, replace the batteries if you have a digital or programmable thermostat. For hardwired thermostats, check the circuit breaker to see if it tripped.
Additionally, check the settings on your thermostat to ensure they are correct. If everything checks out, call a technician who can quickly identify why your thermostat is malfunctioning.
3. Pilot Light Concerns
Other common Fall home furnace problems that property owners encounter are ignition and pilot light issues. Modern heating systems rely on electronic ignitors, while older central heating units use a standing pilot light. The unit will not ignite or produce heat when the pilot light is out or the electronic ignition fails.
The fix: While there are some basic troubleshooting steps you may be able to perform to address pilot light issues, such as relighting the pilot light, it is not always advised to do so.
Pilot light issues can indicate a more serious issue, such as a gas leak or a carbon monoxide problem. A technician who offers furnace maintenance in Richmond can quickly and efficiently diagnose situations with your central heating and ensure that your unit isn’t experiencing more critical issues.
4. Short Cycling
This common issue occurs when the heating system turns off and on repeatedly in a short period. Short cycling is typically caused by restricted airflow and overheating, stemming from dirty air filters, closed vents, or troubles with the thermostat.
The fix: If your system is short-cycling, you can do a few simple things to resolve it. Homeowners can check and replace the air filter, inspect their thermostat, and clear any debris around the outdoor unit. If short cycling continues after following these steps, consider furnace maintenance.
5. Noisy Furnace
While central heating units produce some noise, it shouldn’t be too loud or unusual. If your system starts making unusual sounds, this could be due to a failing blower motor, loose parts, electrical issues, or ductwork issues.
The fix: If your heating system suddenly becomes noisy, replace the air filter if it is dirty. Additionally, check for blocked air vents and tighten any loose access panels. If these steps don’t resolve the issue, calling a technician is the best solution to quickly identify the source of the problem.
Address Fall Home Furnace Problems With Capital City Comfort Solutions Today!
An efficient central heating unit is critical for your home’s comfort and safety. Whether you’re experiencing an issue with your heating system or want confidence that your unit is operating efficiently, schedule your Fall furnace tune-up today with Capital City Comfort Solutions.