• Furnaces require regular attention to keep your home warm. Signs like blowing cold air, strange noises, and frequent cycling indicate potential problems.

• Perform regular maintenance, such as checking and replacing filters for optimal furnace performance.
• Seek professional help for persistent issues so that your furnace runs safely and reliably throughout the winter.

Nothing’s worse than coming home to a cold house on a chilly day. Your furnace is one of the most vital appliances to keep you comfortable throughout the colder months. It usually runs quietly in the background, and you hardly notice it. But when something goes wrong, it grabs your attention right away. Knowing how to spot common issues before they become big problems can save you time, hassle, and money.

Let’s explore the signs to watch out for and what to do about them so that you can stay comfortable throughout the season.

1. Furnace Blowing Cold Air

When your furnace starts blowing cold air, several things could be causing the problem. It might be the thermostat setting, a clogged air filter, a faulty fan switch, or something else. It is always better to call a technician to fix this issue, but before that, you can look into the following:

The Thermostat

First, make sure your thermostat settings are correct. Set the FAN to AUTO, not ON. If it’s in ON mode, the air will keep blowing even when there’s no heat. Also, double-check that it is in the HEAT, not the COOL option. Sometimes these settings change abruptly and cause issues.

The Air Filter

A dirty air filter blocks airflow to the heat exchanger. When airflow drops, the heat exchanger overheats, tripping the furnace’s limit switch and shutting off the burners. Check your air filters and replace them when they get dirty to keep things running smoothly.

The Vents

Go through your home and make sure every vent is open and clear of obstacles. Even in unused rooms, closed vents can disrupt airflow and lead to issues.

2. Strange Noises from the Furnace

Furnaces don’t run completely silent, but they shouldn’t produce loud or unusual sounds. If you hear banging, grinding, or even a persistent buzzing, it means there is a serious issue. Here are some potential causes of these noises:

• A damaged blower motor belt
• A nicked fan blade
• Loose bolts or other components lodged in the blower fan or motor
• A broken blower mount, causing the blower motor to lean or fall
• Worn bearings that need inspection and lubrication

If you have an older furnace, rust or corrosion on metal parts can also produce noise. Replacing an older model with a newer, more efficient one may be your best option. Whenever you hear strange sounds, turn it off immediately to prevent further damage and contact an HVAC expert.

3. Thermostat Problems

A faulty thermostat can cause major problems for your furnace during the cold months. When the thermostat malfunctions, it can’t measure your home’s temperature accurately. This issue leads to inefficient heating and higher utility bills.

Start by resetting the thermostat or replacing the batteries if needed. As winter approaches, it’s wise to have a professional check the thermostat to ensure everything works properly. If these steps don’t resolve the problem, contact an HVAC technician.

4. Furnace Cycling Too Often

If your furnace cycles on and off too frequently, something is wrong. This issue usually means the unit is either getting too much or too little airflow.

Start by checking all ducts leading into and out of the furnace. Look for blockages or leaks that could cause this problem. If you find any such issues, address them by consulting a professional.

5. Dirty Flame Sensor

When your furnace looks operational but fails to produce heat, a dirty flame sensor could be the culprit. Cleaning the sensor often resolves this issue. To clean it, remove the front panel and use steel wool to gently clean the electrode until it shines. This simple maintenance task can help restore its heating efficiency.

6. High Energy Bills

A sudden surge in your energy bill signals a serious problem that requires immediate attention. Several factors can contribute to this fluctuation, such as:

• Lack of Maintenance: Without regular maintenance, your furnace can’t operate at peak efficiency. Regular check-ups help it run smoothly.
• Know the Age: If your furnace is over 15 years old, consider upgrading. Newer models offer advanced technology that saves energy and improves indoor air quality.
• Check and Change Your Clogged Filter: A clogged furnace filter can lead to numerous problems, including inefficient heating. When the filter gets dirty, it restricts airflow to the burner, forcing it to work harder to produce heat.

Tips to Take Care of Furnace Filters

A clogged furnace filter can significantly impact your home’s comfort and energy efficiency. By following a few simple maintenance steps, you can help your furnace operate at its peak performance. Here are the best practices for caring for different types of furnace filters.

Disposable Furnace Filters

To assess their condition, remove the filter and hold it up to a light source. If the filter looks clogged, you need to replace it, regardless of its age or how long it has been in use.

Regular maintenance of disposable filters maximizes airflow and improves your furnace’s overall efficiency.

Reusable Furnace Filters

Unlike disposable ones, you don’t need to toss these out; instead, you can rinse, clean, and reuse them for multiple seasons. They tend to clog less frequently than disposable filters, helping the furnace run more efficiently and saving you money on energy bills. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions when cleaning a reusable filter to make sure you don’t damage it.

Electronic Air Filters

The electronic air filters feature a pre-screen filter and an electronic cell. Cleaning both components with warm water works best, but check the manufacturer’s recommendations first.

If you’re noticing any issues with your furnace or just want to get ahead on regular maintenance, our team at Quality Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electric has got you covered. We specialize in keeping furnaces in top shape to keep your home warm and comfortable all season. Contact us today to learn more!