With our chilliest month upon us, it goes without saying that we all need our heaters to work as effectively and efficiently as possible.
And yours will! As long as you’ve kept up on your maintenance visits and followed up with recommended repairs. If you haven’t scheduled maintenance yet, it’s not too late. Yes, it is most ideal to schedule it in the early fall, before you need your furnace the most. But it’s more important that you schedule this service consistently—once a year—than it is the time of year you have it done.
Still though, even with maintenance, things can go wrong with your furnace—particularly if it’s aging or if it was poorly installed. Read on as we uncover some of the most common furnace problems we get called for and explanations for what’s happening.
What furnace problems can be prevented with regular maintenance?
Regular furnace maintenance can help prevent issues like thermostat malfunctions, poor airflow due to dirty filters, and pilot light failures. It also reduces the risk of strange noises, frequent cycling, and uneven heating, ensuring your system runs efficiently and reliably throughout the winter season.
Furnace Runs Too Long or Fails to Start: Causes & Fixes
The good news here is that you might not be looking at a furnace problem at all. What could be going on instead is a problem with the “brain” of your heating system—the thermostat. The thermostat essentially serves as an “on-off” switch to your furnace, signaling it to turn on and shut off when the desired temperature is met.
If the thermostat malfunctions, is set incorrectly by a household member, or is even outdated, it might not be sending the right signals. Fortunately, this is a very easy fix and may not even require a call to our pros—check to see that the thermostat is switched to “heat” or “auto” instead of “on” and that the desired temperature is where you thought it would be. If this doesn’t resolve the problem, then yes please give our team a call!
Common Furnace Issue: Restricted Airflow Explained
You may be dealing with clogged air filters. When is the last time you changed your HVAC air filters? There’s a fairly common misconception that these are in place to protect your indoor air quality. But they’re actually intended to protect the furnace system itself from dust, dirt, and other debris that can settle on the components and hurt efficiency.
The problem with restricted airflow is that it may result in you turning up the thermostat—making your furnace work harder than it should have to in order to do its job, and not resolving the actual problem. Fortunately, changing your air filters is something that you can and should be doing on your own—every 1-3 months depending on the type of filters and the level of contaminants in your home.
Furnace Not Heating? Check the Pilot Light
Whether it’s an automatic pilot light or a manual one, this is a vital component of gas furnace systems. Without it, the fuel won’t ignite, and no heat will be distributed through your living space. If you find your furnace is blowing cold air, check your pilot light to see that it’s lit. Even if you suspect a pilot light problem, the best thing you can do is call our team for help.
Frequently Asked Questions
Question: What common furnace issue might not actually be a furnace problem?
Answer: If your furnace runs too long or fails to turn on, the culprit might be your thermostat, not the furnace itself. Check that the thermostat is set to “heat” or “auto” and that the temperature settings are correct.
Question: How does restricted airflow affect my furnace, and how can I fix it?
Answer: Clogged air filters restrict airflow, forcing the furnace to work harder and potentially overheat. Replace the filters every 1–3 months depending on usage to protect your furnace and improve efficiency.
Question: What furnace issue arises when the pilot light isn’t working?
Answer: If the pilot light is out or malfunctioning, the fuel won’t ignite and your furnace may only blow cold air. This issue typically needs professional attention.
Question: Why is regular maintenance more important than timing when scheduling service?
Answer: While early fall is ideal, it’s even more critical to book furnace maintenance annually rather than fixating on the exact timing. Consistent yearly tuneups help prevent issues, especially in older or poorly installed units.
For quality furnace services in Toledo, OH, contact AW Heating & Cooling today!