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Common Furnace Problems
Want your house to run efficiently?
If your furnace isn’t running smoothly, neither is your energy budget. Between inefficient heating and sky-high utility bills… It’s no fun. And here’s the worst part…
Most homeowners don’t realize there’s a problem until it’s too late.
Let’s face it, furnace issues are annoying. They’re also incredibly preventable. Performing annual maintenance and addressing problems early is one of the best ways to extend the life of a furnace AND keep energy bills low.
Here’s what you’ll learn:
- How Furnace Problems Affect Energy Performance
- Common Furnace Issues To Look Out For
- Simple Maintenance Tips To Extend Furnace Life
- When To Call A Professional
How Furnace Problems Affect Energy Performance
Did you know heating and cooling make up approximately 52% of a home’s energy consumption? That’s right.
If your furnace goes haywire, you’re looking at spending way more money each month on utilities.
When a furnace runs inefficiently, it has to work harder to heat your home. This leads to longer run times and more fuel being used.
Don’t think this adds up to much? The U.S. Department of Energy states that older furnaces can have efficiency levels as low as only 56% to 70%.
Modern high-efficiency furnaces can reach up to 98.5% efficiency. That’s a massive gap. A furnace that’s only working at 60% efficiency is literally wasting 40% of your money on energy.
That’s why regular furnace maintenance is important. Keeping your furnace running smoothly for as long as possible is one of the best ways to save money on your energy bills.
But once problems start popping up, it’s hard to avoid higher energy consumption. If you suspect your furnace is having issues, call for Heater Repair right away to nip the problem in the bud.
Simple enough, right?
Common Furnace Issues To Look Out For
While some problems are easy to recognize, others creep up on you over time. Sneaky problems that lower your energy performance without you even realizing it.
Let’s take a look at some of the most common issues.
Dirty Filters
This is by far the most common issue. When your filter is dirty or clogged, your furnace has to work harder to circulate warm air through your home.
The solution? Replace or clean your filter every 1-3 months.
Leaving a dirty filter alone can decrease your system’s efficiency by up to 15%. Who wants to pay for that?
Faulty Thermostat
A malfunctioning thermostat can cause your furnace to run continuously or short-cycle. Both waste energy and damage your furnace.
Here are some signs of a thermostat problem:
- Hot and cold spots throughout your home
- The furnace turns on and off too frequently
- The temperature on the thermostat doesn’t match how your house feels
If the issue is minor, you can sometimes fix it by replacing the batteries. Otherwise, your thermostat may need to be replaced.
Damaged Blower Motor
If your furnace’s blower motor is dying, your heated air isn’t going to circulate as it should. Your furnace has to work longer and harder to push warm air throughout your home.
A damaged blower motor uses up more energy and delivers less heat. It’s bad news for your energy bill.
Listen for strange noises when your furnace is running, and pay attention to the airflow coming from your vents. Weak airflow and inconsistent temperatures are both signs of a faulty blower motor.
Cracked Heat Exchanger
A cracked heat exchanger is bad for your furnace’s efficiency and your family’s safety. Not only does a cracked heat exchanger cause your furnace to work harder, but it can also cause carbon monoxide poisoning.
When heat can’t transfer from your furnace to the air correctly, your furnace consumes more energy and costs you more money.
Moral of the story: If you think your heat exchanger is cracked, call a professional immediately to have it checked.
Ignition Or Pilot Light Issues
Some furnaces use an electronic ignition system, while older furnaces use a pilot light. Ignition problems can cause your furnace to turn on and off frequently or have trouble starting.
Short cycling wastes energy every time your furnace turns back on. It also decreases the overall life of your furnace.
Leaky Ductwork
Your furnace might be working perfectly, but if your ducts have holes or leaks, the heated air never reaches your rooms. Did you know leaky ductwork wastes 20-30% of heated air?
While this doesn’t technically involve your furnace, sealing and insulating your ducts can drastically improve your home’s energy efficiency.
Simple Maintenance Tips To Extend Furnace Life
The best way to keep your furnace running efficiently for years is by performing annual maintenance.
Think of it like taking your car to the shop for regular oil changes. Prevention is the best way to stop costly repairs and keep your furnace running smoothly.
Every homeowner should:
- Replace their air filters regularly. Every 1-3 months, depending on use.
- Schedule annual furnace inspections. Technicians can detect problems before they turn into disasters.
- Keep furniture away from vents. Vents and registers covered by furniture or rugs will impede airflow and decrease efficiency.
- Never let clutter build up around your furnace. Lint and dust can decrease efficiency and cause fire hazards.
- Check your thermostat. Make sure your thermostat is set to the correct temperature for the current season.
Maintaining your furnace will ensure it runs longer and saves you money on those energy bills.
When To Call A Professional
While some furnace problems are quick fixes, others require a little more knowledge. It’s important to know when to DIY and when to call a professional.
Here are some instances where you should contact a professional:
- You hear strange noises when your furnace is running. Banging, squealing, or rattling are all signs that there could be a bigger problem with your furnace.
- You’ve noticed a sudden spike in your energy bills. If your energy bill doubles for no reason, something is wrong.
- Your furnace is over 15 years old. Older furnaces are less efficient than newer models. If your furnace is over a decade old and losing efficiency, it’s time to call for repairs or consider replacement options.
- You have cold spots or inconsistent heating throughout your home. There could be a problem with your furnace or your ductwork.
- Your furnace turns on and off too frequently. Short cycling wastes your energy and decreases the life of your furnace. Don’t wait for your furnace to break down to schedule repairs.
It’s always best to be safe than sorry. Don’t hesitate to call a professional if you think there’s something wrong with your furnace.
Wrapping Up
Just like your car, your furnace isn’t going to run forever. But when it starts having problems, that’s when your energy budget takes a hit.
There are lots of hidden issues that could be lowering your home’s energy performance.
Dirty filters, faulty thermostats, cracked heat exchangers, and leaky ducts are only some of the many problems that can cause higher energy bills.
Here are the most important things you can do to keep your furnace running for years:
- Perform annual maintenance
- Tackle issues early before they become costly repairs
- Have a professional inspect your furnace every year
- Replace your furnace with a high-efficiency model when the time comes
A maintained furnace improves your comfort, lowers your energy bills, and keeps your furnace running longer than you’ll expect. Don’t wait until it’s too late. Ensure your furnace is operating at its best.