Common Furnace Problems & How To Fix Them

Dealing with a malfunctioning heating system can be quite stressful, especially when it gives up on you in the middle of a cold day or night when you need it most.  

While getting help from a professional to fix your heating system is recommended, it never hurts to learn the common issues and how to troubleshoot them. Here’s a look at 10 of the most common furnace problems and how to fix them.

The furnace isn’t turning on.

When the furnace does not turn on, don’t panic yet. Unless you have an old furnace, you won’t need a replacement. 

A furnace may not turn on for various reasons. So before finding and calling a contractor offering heating repair near or in Marshall, TX, try checking these first:

• The furnace switch – It looks like a light switch and is often located on the side of the furnace. It should be in the “on” position for the furnace to work. So go and check this part to ensure it’s flipped in the “on” position.
• Circuit breaker – When the circuit breaker that controls your furnace trips, the equipment won’t kick on. So check your breaker box and see if the tripped circuit breaker is the issue. If it is, flipping the tab may do the trick.
• Gas valve –  Another reason a furnace may not turn on is an issue with the gas supply. To check, locate the valve and make sure it’s open.
• Thermostat batteries – When the thermostat runs on batteries, they can run out of juice and prevent the furnace from running. So change the batteries and see if that resolves the issue.  

There are many other possible reasons your heating system won’t turn on. If you’ve done what’s on the list above, but your furnace still won’t turn on, the problem is likely more serious and requires help from a licensed technician that can handle heating repair near or in Marshall, TX. 

The furnace is running, but there’s no heat.

It sure is frustrating to have your furnace running without any heat. What’s the point of having a furnace if it can’t do its job and keep your home cozy? But don’t worry, as this problem can generally be fixed fairly quickly unless there’s a serious root cause.

So what could be causing your furnace to run without generating any heat? Here are some possible culprits:

• Wrong thermostat settings – To address this, ensure your thermostat is set to “heat” and not “cool.” 
• Dirty filters – If your furnace filter is clogged, it can prevent air from properly entering and exiting the system, resulting in a lack of heat. So try changing your filter to see if it solves the issue.
• Closed vents – Make sure all the vents in your house are open and not blocked by furniture. If you’ve recently rearranged your home, then it could be the cause of this problem.
• Broken blower – If the blower is not working, it can prevent heat from circulating throughout your home. So make sure the blower is in good condition.

If your furnace still isn’t producing heat after doing all the above, then it’s time to call a contractor offering heating repair near or in Marshall, TX. A licensed technician can inspect the system and determine what is causing the issue.  

The furnace isn’t generating enough heat.

Does your home feel chilly even with the heater on? The problem may be any of the following:

• Dirty or Blocked Filters – Dirty or blocked filters can prevent your furnace from working efficiently. Check and replace the filter regularly (every 1–3 months) to ensure that your furnace runs efficiently.
• Insufficient Fuel Supply – If the fuel supply to your furnace is inadequate, it will not be able to generate enough heat. Check the fuel source and add more if necessary.
• Blocked Air Vents – If your air vents are blocked, air will not be able to pass through them freely. Make sure that all of your vents are clear and unobstructed.
• Malfunctioning Thermostat – If your thermostat is not working properly, it may prevent the furnace from generating enough heat. Check the thermostat settings and replace any faulty parts.
• Faulty Pilot Light – A faulty pilot light can prevent your furnace from generating heat. Check the pilot light and replace any faulty components if necessary. 
• Clogged Burner Assembly – If your burner assembly is clogged, it can prevent the furnace from working properly. Clean or replace the burner assembly if necessary.

If you have tried all these solutions and your furnace is still not generating enough heat, you may need to call an HVAC company offering heating repair near or in Marshall, TX for further diagnosis.

The pilot light won’t stay lit.

The pilot light is the flame that ignites the burner when the gas is turned on. If the pilot light doesn’t stay lit, it could indicate a problem in the gas line, a faulty ignition switch, or clogged burner jets.

The first step is to identify the cause of the issue. Here are a few possibilities:

• Closed gas valve –  If the gas valve has been closed all the way, it won’t allow enough gas to reach the pilot light and keep it lit. In this case,  you should gently open the gas valve and try again.
• Thermocouple issues – The thermocouple is a safety feature that shuts the gas off if the flame isn’t lit. If the thermocouple isn’t working properly, the pilot light won’t stay lit. Sometimes, the solution is as simple as cleaning the thermocouple.
• Dirty pilot light orifice – A  clogged pilot light orifice can also prevent the pilot light from staying lit. Cleaning the orifice should help restore proper operation.

If the reason for the pilot light not staying lit is unclear, it’s best to call an expert in heating repair near or in Marshall, TX to inspect and repair the unit. 

The flames are yellowish/orange.

The flames of your heating system should burn blue, as this indicates a proper mix of fuel and air. If the flames are yellow or orange, there’s poor combustion caused by insufficient air.

• To correct this, you will need to adjust the air supply for your heating system. This is often done through a knob on the side of the heater. Turn it anti-clockwise to open up more air supply and clockwise to reduce it.
• You should also check for any blockages in the air intake system, such as dust buildup or a blocked filter. If your heating system is equipped with an air inlet filter, check and replace it if necessary.
• Once you have adjusted the air supply and checked for any blockages, you can relight the pilot light and check the color of the flames. 

You may need to contact assistance from a contractor offering heating repair near or in Marshall, TX if the flames are still yellow or orange.

The unit is making weird sounds.

Any strange noises coming from your heating system should be investigated as soon as possible. If you hear odd sounds, it could mean a problem with the heating system, such as an issue with the blower motor, a low refrigerant level, or a faulty thermostat. If you hear any strange noises coming from your heating system, you should take the following steps: 

• Turn off the power to the system. If you hear a loud rattling or banging, turn off the system immediately to prevent further damage.
• Check all accessible heating system parts, such as the blower motor and thermostat.
• If you can’t identify the source of the noise or if it doesn’t stop after turning off the power, then it’s best to call a contractor offering heating repair near or in Marshall, TX for a professional inspection.

After the technician has finished inspecting your system, they will be able to tell you what needs to be done in order to fix or replace any damaged parts, and they can ensure that your heating system is running safely and efficiently. 

Never attempt to fix a problem with your heating system yourself, as even a seemingly minor issue can have serious consequences.

There’s a foul odor from the furnace.

The smell of a furnace, especially one that is dirty or has not been maintained properly, can be unpleasant and potentially hazardous to your health. Fortunately, there are some steps you can take to get rid of the smell and keep your furnace running safely and efficiently.

• Check for a dirty air filter – A dirty air filter is one of the most common causes of a bad smell from your furnace. Check and replace your air filter regularly to ensure that the air circulating in your home is clean and odor-free.
• Check for gas leaks – If you smell gas coming from your furnace, you should shut off the unit and call a contractor offering heating repair near or in Marshall, TX for an inspection. Gas leaks can be dangerous and should always be addressed by a technician.
• Clean the vents and ducts – Another common cause of bad odors is a buildup of dust, dirt, and debris in the air ducts and vents. Make sure to check these areas regularly and clean them as needed. You can hire a professional for this job – there might be animals stuck in these components.
• Inspect the exhaust flue – Another potential cause of a smelly furnace is an exhaust flue that has not been properly ventilated. A technician can inspect the flue and make necessary repairs or adjustments.

By following these steps, you should be able to get rid of any foul odors coming from your furnace and enjoy a safe and comfortable home. Make sure to contact a professional technician if you suspect any serious issues with your furnace.

The blower motor runs constantly.

Depending on your age and type of furnace, there can be a few different reasons why your furnace blower motor may be running constantly. It could be an issue with the fan limit switch, a wiring issue, or a problem with your furnace’s control board. If you suspect any of these issues, it’s a good idea to call in a professional HVAC technician to diagnose and repair the problem. 

Do You Need Heating Repair Near Or In Marshall, Tx? Call Napps Today!

No matter the issue, our certified and experienced technicians at Napps Cooling, Heating & Plumbing can help you get your furnace back up and running in no time. Schedule heating repair near or in Marshall, TX, or get a quote today by filling out our online form or calling our team at 903-758-6482.