3 Common Causes of Furnace Problems

When the sun is shining and the temperature is warm, many homeowners don’t want to think about performing household tasks like maintaining heating and cooling systems. But just because it’s summer doesn’t mean you don’t need to be thinking about your furnace. On average, furnaces can last about 15 to 18 years — but lack of maintenance and furnace repairs can cause furnaces to fail much sooner. This is why it’s important for homeowners to know some common problems that can warrant furnace repair.

Clogged filters: One of the most common causes of a furnace that isn’t working properly is a clogged air filter. As the furnace runs, dust and other air contaminants can get trapped in the filter. In turn, this can then reduce airflow and cause the furnace, and entire heating and cooling system, to run efficiently. A great way to prevent this from happening is to check and replace the air filters on a regular basis. But if a filter goes too long without being cleaned, it can lead to other issues and may need furnace repair services.

Strange noises: When something that is normally pretty quiet starts making strange noises, that’s usually a good sign that something isn’t right. Unfortunately, it can be difficult to tell what’s wrong based on the sounds a furnace is making. Strange noises could mean a number of things — a clog or reduction in airflow, mechanical problems, electrical problems, and more. So if your furnace begins making strange noises, it’s a good idea to contact local experienced professionals to check it out.

Ignition issues: While today’s ignition processes are more efficient than older pilot lights, there are still a lot of problems that can occur. Malfunctioning parts, broken safety switches, and failing computer boards are all common causes of ignition issues. If your furnace isn’t turning on and nothing else seems to be wrong, it could be a problem with the ignition. This is not a problem that should be handled by someone without experience, so make sure to call for professional furnace repairs.

The furnace is an essential part of a home’s heating and cooling system. So if there seems to be anything wrong, big or small, make sure to have a professional look at it sooner rather than later.