Furnace Repair: 5 Common Furnace Problems (And How To Fix Them)

5 Common Furnace Problems And How To Fix
These For A Warm SW Oklahoma Home

Issues That Could Affect Your Warm And Toasty
Home This Year

When the weather gets cold in SW Oklahoma, the last thing you want to find is that your furnace is not heating your home correctly. Being cold while in your home can be miserable.

The good news is that some of your furnace problems could be an easy fix. With a little know-how from the professionals, you can ensure your home is warm and cozy all winter long.

Check out these five common furnace issues and what options you have for fixing them!

1. Furnace Not Producing Enough Heat

Have you ever turned up your thermostat only to find that your furnace is not producing enough heat? If so, you may need to check the filter. A clogged air filter can restrict airflow, resulting in an inefficient furnace.

The solution is to clean or replace the air filter regularly. The frequency for replacing your filter will depend on the type you have installed – but we recommend at least every six months. If you’re having issues with your heating levels, consider replacing them more often – especially if you have pets.

If you check your filters and they seem clean and in good condition, you should check your registers. Ensure they are open, free from blockages, and ready to let out heat.

2. Furnace Will Not Turn On

One of the most common issues we encounter is when a furnace does not turn on at all. Many homeowners find that when the cold weather hits and they turn their heat on for the first time all year, their furnace is non-functional.

While there are a host of potential issues, we have compiled a few common problems and fixes:

• Double-check that your thermostat is on and that the levels are set appropriately
• Check your breaker to ensure there is power running to your system
• If you have a gas furnace, ensure enough gas is present to run the furnace (if you are not hooked up to natural gas lines).
• If you have a digital thermostat, check the batteries to ensure they are sending a signal.

3. Cold Air Is Blowing

There’s nothing worse than your furnace blowing cold air when you need to heat your home. While some cold air at the beginning and end of a heating cycle is normal – continuous cold air is cause for concern.

If you find the air is always cold – it is a cause for concern. To fix the issue, here are some ideas you can try:

• Make sure that the thermostat is set to heat and not cool. We know it’s obvious, but we can’t tell you how many times this has been the problem!
• Go to your breaker box, shut down the furnace, then restart it. Sometimes, a hard reset can correct the problem.
• Ensure your thermostat is set to auto and not just “on.” When set to “on,” it could result in the air blowing through the vents constantly.

If none of these fixes work, it could be a more severe issue, such as a cracked or faulty igniter – which will need professional expertise. Working on furnaces is dangerous, and you should never attempt a DIY fix.

4. Furnace Is Constantly Running

Do you ever find that your furnace is running even when the house isn’t cold? If your system is constantly blowing cold or hot air, it’s an issue that needs your immediate attention.

The fixes you can try yourself include:

• Restarting the entire furnace from your breaker box to give it a hard restart.
• Check to ensure the thermostat is not set to the “on” setting — which tells the furnace to run continuously.
• Change the furnace filter, as a dirty filter can cause the furnace to overheat and continuously run to cool down.

In some cases, the problem could be a fan limit switch. This is a small part that controls the fan and sends the message to the furnace as to when to stop and start. It is a part that you will want a professional to change out for you.

5. Noise Coming From Furnace

Some noise emanating from your furnace is normal, but if you hear something unusual, it can indicate a problem. Depending on the type of noise, you could have a serious problem on your hands.

Some of the problem noises people report hearing are:

• Banging sounds in a gas furnace could be a small gas explosion at the ignition time. When dealing with any aspect of the burners and gas – a professional is a must!
• Shrieking noises can be due to a damaged belt, indicating the need for a professional HVAC repair technician.
• A whistling noise is often due to restricted airflow. Luckily, you can remedy the situation by changing out your air filter.
• Any rattle or rumbling noise could be due to a part becoming loose. Check the doors to the furnace first to ensure they fit well. If the noise continues, then having a full inspection from a professional is recommended.

Get Professional Furnace Repair For Your
SW Oklahoma Home

If you have any problems in your SW Oklahoma furnace, then it may be time for a professional to step in. While you can fix some issues — others require a qualified technician.

Get a free estimate by contacting us or calling us today at 580-699-5760.