Gas Forced Heating
To keep toasty warm in your home in winter, a home inspector will check the health of the furnace so it’s for the first temperature drop. Most furnace problems are easily fixed; although sometimes, it’s simply that the furnace has reached the end of its lifespan and will need a replacement.
Here are some common gas furnace problems, and how to fix them:
- Dirty filters: clogged air filters impede airflow, which makes a furnace work much harder to circulate air. This can cause overheating, which damages the furnace. It’s an easy fix – simply replace the filter!
- Faulty electric ignition or pilot light: usually caused by thermocouple problems, clogs, or drafts. An HVAC technician should handle these problems, as you’re dealing with electricity and natural gas.
- Malfunctioning thermostat: the thermostat battery can be easily replaced to solve most thermostat problems; otherwise, call an HVAC professional.
- Low or no heat output: can be caused by the wrong thermostat settings, pilot light, clogged filters, or simply a furnace that isn’t big enough for the space. The problem can also be due to a tripped circuit breaker if the furnace overloads it – this will require an electrician.
- Blower runs continuously: can be caused by a faulty limit switch, which requires the help of an HVAC professional.
- Too-frequent cycling: faulty thermostats and clogged filters are the main culprits.
- Excessive noise: any rattling or squeaking indicates something has come loose, airflow reduction, clogged burners or other mechanical problems – best left to an HVAC professional.
While it may be tempting to take on many of these repairs yourself, remember you’re dealing with electricity and natural gas – so if you’re uncomfortable with that, hire a licensed professional.
