Millions of Americans rely on gas furnaces to heat their homes each winter. Natural gas is a clean, affordable, efficient and safe option that can save you money on your monthly energy bills. But like all appliances and HVAC equipment, gas furnaces will break down over time due to a variety of reasons.
Common Reasons Gas Furnaces Break Down
- Ignition problems: Newer gas furnaces use an electric ignition system that lights only as needed. If the ignition system fails, the furnace will not start.
- Clogged or dirty HVAC filter: A clogged furnace filter can restrict airflow and damage internal components. It is important to check and replace your HVAC filter regularly, especially during the winter months.
- Unusual noises: Loud noises are not normal and should be inspected by an HVAC technician immediately. Noises such as rattling, rumbling, squealing, or screeching indicate that something is wrong with the heating system.
- A lack of maintenance: Regular maintenance can help to prevent future repairs. During an annual tune-up, technicians can catch small furnace problems before they lead to bigger, more expensive repairs.
- Thermostat malfunctioning: A malfunctioning thermostat can prevent the furnace from turning on or from heating your home properly.
- Short cycling: Short cycling is when the furnace turns on and off too quickly without properly heating your home. This can be caused by a dirty furnace filter, a bad flame sensor, or a furnace that is too large for your home.
- Furnace isn’t heating or it’s not heating enough: If your furnace isn’t heating at all, common culprits include the thermostat, a power issue, or a problem with the pilot light or electric ignition system. If your furnace is working but not adequately heating your home, start by checking if the filter is clogged or blocked. Your furnace could also be the wrong size for your home if it’s giving out too much or too little heat.
- Its age: Older furnaces often experience general wear and tear. If you’re frequently calling for furnace repair service, or you’ve been noticing that your furnace isn’t working like it should be, it’s probably better to replace the furnace with a newer, more energy-efficient unit.
- The blower runs continuously: If the blower motor won’t shut off, your thermostat’s fan setting may be set to “on” instead of “auto.” Make sure to switch your thermostat to “auto” to see if that takes care of your blower motor not turning off. If not, other issues causing this could be a faulty thermostat or a control board that is stuck in closed position.
If you are experiencing any of the above problems with your gas furnace, contact a qualified HVAC technician for assistance.
Contact Edwards Royal Comfort for Furnace Repair Services
If you experience any of the mentioned gas furnace problems, contact the trusted technicians at Edwards Royal Comfort. At Edwards Royal Comfort, we’ve provided the wonderful residents of West Central Indiana with reliable heating services – including installation, maintenance and repairs for gas furnaces – for decades. When you hire Edwards Royal Comfort, we treat you like family. We guarantee you’ll be 100% satisfied with our service, or we’ll do whatever it takes to make you happy. We look forward to hearing from you! Contact us today to learn more about our offerings of gas furnaces to see if it’s time to upgrade to a newer, more energy-efficient model.