7 Common Problems With Furnaces—What to Do (Part 1)

A furnace plays a vital role in keeping your house warm during the cold months. This winter, you will expect it to function and perform optimally so that you and your family will be comfortable. But nothing can be more annoying than a malfunctioning heating unit just when you need it the most. Typically, the problem may be caused by a handful of reasons, yet it’s crucial to know the underlying cause, so you can get it fixed as soon as possible.

In this article, we will share three common furnace problems encountered by many households and how you can remedy the issues:

1. Switch on issue

There is nothing more alarming than a furnace that just won’t start. As there are several causes, you need to get to the bottom of the problem to know what to fix. 

First, the issue may have to do with the thermostat where the fan doesn’t turn on, and an error code is displayed. Second, it may be caused by the gas line where the fuel isn’t supplied to the heating unit due to broken valves. Third, your unit has a clogged air filter that prevents it from turning on. Fourth, the switch may have been accidentally turned off, causing it not to start.

If your furnace isn’t starting after checking its various components, it’s best to have a furnace inspection. Here at Legacy Heating, we perform furnace cleaning, maintenance, and repair to ensure it will start and keep working!

2. Water leak

Sure, the furnace may burn the gas to heat your home. However, you may be confronted with a water leak or condensation leak if your highly efficient unit causes the gases to cool down, condense, and accumulate in the floor drain. This issue is common with furnaces with high-efficiency capability as they use heat from combustion gases for a longer time.

When faced with this problem, there are a few steps you can take. One, clean out your condensation drain if the tubing is clogged. Two, get your condensation line fixed if there are damages to it. Three, address the condensate pump problem, particularly if it is attached to your furnace. If the water leak persists, it will be best to contact a Legacy Heating and Cooling technician to troubleshoot the problem.

3. Not heating at all

The main purpose of your furnace is to heat your home and keep the whole household warm. But this will not be achieved if the heating system doesn’t heat at all.

There are a number of things you can check first before you get it inspected. First, check to see if the heat registers are open, as they may have been accidentally turned off. The next thing to check is the thermostat settings to see if the fan is set to “auto” and “heat”—not “cold.” Finally, ensure that your unit is receiving enough power, as the problem may be brought by your batteries, fuses, and circuit breakers, among others.

Conclusion

A furnace is supposed to run and work efficiently, particularly during the winter months. Yet, it may have some issues that need to be addressed as soon as possible. For this reason, be sure to note the common furnace problems mentioned above and schedule a regular furnace inspection and maintenance. By hiring an HVAC professional, you can ensure your heating system will be working the whole year round! Legacy Heating and Cooling carry and install the Goodman, Lennox, Trane, and Coleman brands of Furnaces, with units always in stock!

Are you looking to have furnace repair or maintenance? Let Legacy Heating & Cooling’s professional HVAC technicians handle your heating unit! Legacy Heating & Cooling provides heating and air conditioning services in Calgary and Edmonton and the surrounding areas, whether HVAC repair, installation, and maintenance. Connect with us today for a free quote!