Home Furnace Problems You Shouldn't Ignore

As the weather starts to cool off, you'll likely be firing up your furnace for the first time in months. And while it may seem like everything is working fine at first, there's a chance you could start running into problems as you use it more and more. 

 

Ignoring furnace problems is never a good idea. Not only will they just get worse over time, but they could also lead to much bigger (and more expensive) issues down the road. So what are some of the most common furnace problems that homeowners should be on the lookout for? Let's take a look.

 

1. Noisy Furnace 

If your furnace starts making strange noises—squealing, banging, or popping—it's definitely something you should investigate further. In most cases, these noises are caused by worn-out parts that need to be replaced. However, they could also indicate a bigger problem with your furnace that will require professional assistance to fix. 

 

2. Yellow Pilot Light 

Take a look at your furnace's pilot light—if it's yellow instead of blue, that's not a good sign. A yellow pilot light means that your furnace is not burning fuel as efficiently as it should be, which could lead to decreased heat output and an increase in your energy bills.

 

This is usually caused by dirty burners, so you may be able to fix the problem yourself by cleaning them with a stiff wire brush. 

 

3. Irregular Cycling 

Does it seem like your furnace is constantly shutting on and off? That's not normal. Furnaces typically cycle on for about 15 minutes before shutting back off again, so if it seems like yours is cycling more frequently than that, something is probably wrong. This can be caused by a number of different issues, from a dirty air filter to a faulty thermostat, so you'll want to have a professional take a look to diagnose the problem. 

 

4. Lack of Heat 

Perhaps the most obvious sign that something is wrong with your furnace is if it stops producing heat altogether. If this happens, there are a few potential culprits—including a blown fuse or tripped circuit breaker, dirty burners, or even a clogged flue pipe. Many of these issues can be fixed relatively easily (although you may want to call in a professional if you're unsure), but others could indicate a more serious problem that needs to be addressed right away. 

 

5. Temperature Swings 

If you notice that the temperature in your home fluctuates wildly throughout the day, with no real pattern or rhyme or reason, there's probably something wrong with your furnace. In most cases, this issue can be attributed to an incorrectly calibrated thermostat—but it could also signal bigger problems, like leaks in your ductwork or even cracks in your heat exchanger (which is a very dangerous situation). 

 

6. Excess Humidity 

If you start noticing excess moisture in your home—condensation on windowsills or walls, for example—it could be due to your furnace running too frequently. This usually happens when the unit isn't sized correctly for your home (meaning it's too big or too small), so you'll want to have someone come out and take a look at it.

 

The key is to always keep an eye out for any potential problems and address them as soon as possible; otherwise, they'll only get worse over time. You don't want to have unprecedented heater installation Anthem, AZ in the middle of winter, so take care of your furnace now and you'll be thanking yourself later.

 

Need Expert Heater Installation Anthem, AZ? Contact Mountainside Air Today!

For dependable heater installation Anthem, AZ, be sure to reach our friends at Mountainside Air. They'll make sure your unit is correctly sized and installed so you can enjoy efficient, hassle-free heating all winter long! Give them a call today at 623.280.1859 or visit their website to schedule a consultation.