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. If you’re asking yourself “Why is my gas furnace not working?,” don’t hesitate to contact the NATE-certified heating and cooling experts at Edwards Royal Comfort Heating, Air & Plumbing.
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. 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.
Common Reasons Gas Furnaces Break Down
The last thing you want to experience during the middle of a bitter Indiana winter’s night is for your home’s furnace to quit working on you. This is not only a frustrating and uncomfortable scenario, but it can be a dangerous one, too, when temperatures dip below freezing and into the single digits.
Gas furnaces, also referred to as forced-air furnaces, typically last about 15 to 20 years, so if your furnace breaks down and it’s only a few years old, contact a qualified HVAC provider for gas furnace repair services. If you have an older heating system that is frequently breaking down, on the other hand, it might be time to replace it.
Here are some common reasons why your gas furnace might stop working or performing at optimal efficiency.
Ignition Problems
A newer gas furnace – typically manufactured from about 2010 and later – does not have a pilot light that stays lit all the time. Instead, these gas furnaces use an electric ignition system that lights only as needed. If you have a furnace with a traditional “standing pilot,” some common furnace problems can include a loose or faulty thermocouple, a defective safety cutoff valve or a clogged pilot orifice.
If you’re experiencing issues with the electric ignition system, try turning off power to the unit and switching it back on to reset the ignition control module.
Clogged or Dirty HVAC Filter
One of the simplest ways to keep your forced-air furnace running in tip-top shape is to make sure that you regularly check and replace HVAC filters, typically every two to three months. A clogged furnace filter cannot properly trap dust, dirt and other particles that can restrict airflow and damage internal components.
Unusual Noises
Loud noises are not normal and should be inspected by an HVAC technician immediately. Noises such as rattling, rumbling, squealing or screening indicate something is awry with the heating system, and it’s not operating properly.
A Lack of Maintenance
Scheduling regular furnace maintenance in the fall before the arrival of cold weather is one of the best ways to prevent future repairs. During an annual tune up, technicians can catch small furnace problems before they lead to bigger, more expensive repairs. Regular tune ups will help prevent your gas furnace from breaking down in the middle of the night when you need it the most.
Thermostat Malfunctioning
A malfunctioning thermostat is another common problem our HVAC technicians see that leads to a lack of heat or no heat at all. First, check that the thermostat is “on” and set to “heat.” If that’s not the problem, contact a technician to come and look at your thermostat, as replacement may be necessary.
Short Cycling
When your gas furnace short cycles, it’s turning on and off too quickly without properly heating your home. This problem can be caused by a dirty furnace filter, bad flame sensor, a furnace that is too large, etc.
Furnace Isn’t Heating or It’s Not Heating Enough
If your gas 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,” which will cause it to run continuously. 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.
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. 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!