When it comes to heating your home, it’s not a matter of if but when you’ll have some kind of problem. Knowing the common problems you’ll face can both help you when an issue arises and help you prevent many of them.
Airflow Restrictions
The most common problem property owners face with their furnaces is airflow restriction. Of all the possible sources of restriction, a clogged air filter is the most common. Other common issues include closed or blocked vents. Check your vents to make sure they are open and they are at least 6 inches clear above and around them. Plan to check your air filter once a month. Most filters are designed to last anywhere from 30 to 90 days if you have the common 1- or 2-inch filter.
Faulty Sensors
Your furnace has several sensors to keep it safe while heating your home. The two primary sensors that tend to have problems are the flame sensor and the upper limit switch. The flame sensor ensures that there’s enough heat in the burn chamber to ignite the fuel and prevent a dangerous buildup. The upper limit switch prevents the system from overheating, which is a common cause of a cracked heat exchanger.
Mechanical Failures
As a mechanical system, your furnace is susceptible to various failures. One of the most common is the circulating fan motor, which can suffer anything from seized ball bearings to an off-balance circulating fan wheel or damaged wheel spindle. Smaller issues with the blower motor include loose mounting hardware and electrical connections.
Other potential mechanical issues include a problem with the starting mechanism, a cracked heat exchanger, a tripped circuit breaker, and an aging or faulty thermostat. A technician will review and test most of these components during routine maintenance, helping you to avoid a mid-season breakdown.
When homeowners around Idaho Falls need help keeping their homes comfortable, they’ve turned to Conan Heating & Air Conditioning since 1947. Our team provides air conditioning and heating repair, maintenance and installation, together with water heater installation and indoor air quality solutions. Call to schedule your furnace repair appointment with one of our expert technicians today.
