If you’re having furnace problems, check out these common issues and their solutions. Plus, find out when to contact an experienced heating professional like Cape Cod Heat Pumps.
1. There’s Not Enough Heat
If your furnace runs but doesn’t heat your space completely, try cleaning or replacing your filters to improve airflow.
2. You Don’t Have Any Heat
If cold air is coming out of your vents instead of warm, check if your pilot light is out and needs to be relit.
3. Your Energy Bills Are High
If your bills are getting higher but you’re not using more heat, get a professional tune up to check for what might be causing your furnace to run inefficiently.
4. You Have a Potential Gas Leak
Do you smell an odor of sulfur or rotten eggs coming from your furnace? Turn off your master gas supply and call your gas company.
5. Your Ductwork Has Cracks
If there are cracks or holes in your ductwork that allow warm air to escape, you can use duct tape or mastic to cover small openings. Better yet, have a professional clean, inspect, and seal your ducts.
6. Your Filters Are Clogged
If your indoor air quality is low and your space doesn’t get as warm as it used to, the first thing to try is replacing or cleaning your filters to remove hair, dust, and other harmful particulates.
7. Your Furnace Isn’t Combusting All Its Fuel
If you suspect that your furnace isn’t burning all the fuel that comes through the system, turn off your gas and look for blockages in your flue that could be preventing ventilation.
8. There Are Inconsistent Temperatures Throughout Your Space
Are some rooms much warmer or colder than others? Check the size of your furnace to make sure it has enough power to heat your space. You may need to upgrade if it’s too small.
9. Your Furnace Starts Overheating
If your furnace gets too hot and shuts off, you should check your filter and vents for blockages that may be restricting airflow and call a pro if that doesn’t resolve the problem.
10. You Smell Unpleasant Odors
If the air coming from your furnace smells like something is burning or melting, shut your furnace off and have the electrical connections and wires inside your furnace checked before turning it back on.
11. You Hear Strange Noises
If you hear odd noises like rattling, banging, or hissing when you turn your furnace on, there may be loose or broken parts that need to be repaired.
13. Your Furnace Displays an Error Code
If the numerical display on your furnace shows an error code, you can consult your owner’s manual for the code. If it’s not something you can do yourself, like clean the filters, contact an HVAC professional.
14. Your Furnace Is Short Cycling
If your furnace turns on and off too much, this can lead to short heating cycles that do a poor job of keeping your space warm. Check the size of your furnace to see if it’s too large for your space, and consider downgrading if needed.
15. Your Pilot Light Keeps Going Out
Does your pilot light go out and need to be relit often? Have your furnace checked to make sure it’s getting enough fuel. You may need to have your gas regulator or gas valve repaired.
When to Contact a Cape Cod Furnace Expert
Are you struggling with a furnace that isn’t working right? Or worse, one that is showing signs of a dangerous gas leak or electrical issues? Cape Cod Heat Pumps is here to help. Our expert HVAC professionals can come to your location for a diagnostic evaluation and will recommend next steps to take, so you can get your furnace fixed as soon as possible. Get in touch with us today by calling 508-833-4822.
