5 Common Gas Furnace Problems and Solutions

As cold weather sets in, a functioning gas furnace becomes essential for comfort. However, common issues can often disrupt this comfort, leaving many in the cold. In this blog, we will explore the top 5 common gas furnace problems and solutions, providing you with the knowledge to tackle or prevent these issues. For challenges beyond a quick fix, Sanks Mechanical is here to help. Our expert technicians are equipped to handle any furnace problem, ensuring your home stays warm and cozy throughout the chilly season. Our HVAC pros are always here to offer expert advice, and you can feel confident choosing Sanks as your ally in home heating maintenance.

Common Problems & Solutions

1. Furnace System Malfunctioning

If your furnace isn’t generating heat, potential culprits could range from a malfunctioning thermostat, incorrect thermostat settings, or an extinguished pilot light, to issues with fuses, circuit breakers, the gas valve, or the furnace’s electronic ignition.

Solutions vary based on the root cause: ensure the thermostat is set to heating mode and increase the temperature slightly; reignite the pilot light; replace any blown fuses or reset tripped circuit breakers; perform thermostat checks; or address any electronic ignition issues.

2. Insufficient Heating

When a furnace fails to produce adequate heat, it’s often due to restricted airflow or issues with the gas burners, such as them being dirty or improperly aligned. A common airflow obstruction is a clogged air filter.

Addressing this issue may be as simple as replacing the air filter. If the problem persists, professional servicing may be necessary to clean or adjust the burners and ensure unimpeded airflow to the combustion air chamber.

3. Constant Blower Operation

A continuously running blower can result from the thermostat being set to keep the fan on or a malfunctioning fan limit control switch in systems without a fan setting on the thermostat.

To rectify this, adjust the thermostat’s fan setting or reset or replace the furnace’s fan limit control switch.

4. Frequent Cycling

Frequent on-and-off cycles can be attributed to an improperly adjusted heat anticipator in the thermostat, issues with the blower motor, or a dirty air filter.

Begin with an air filter replacement. If the issue remains, adjustments to the thermostat’s heat anticipator or blower motor troubleshooting might be necessary, including lubrication, belt adjustment, or replacement.

5. Loud Furnace Noises

The nature of the noise can offer clues to the problem: high-pitched sounds may suggest the need for oiling shaft bearings or a slipping blower belt; whereas, low-pitched noises could indicate an improperly adjusted pilot light or dirty gas burners.

To address these noises, lubricate the blower motor’s ports, check and adjust the blower belt, adjust the pilot light, or have a technician clean or adjust the gas burners.

Contact Sanks for All Your Furnace Needs

Navigating through common furnace problems can be a straightforward process with the right knowledge and approach, however, it is best to contact a professional instead of dealing with the issue yourself. Our experts at Sanks Mechanical are just a call away, ready to provide you with reliable, efficient furnace repair and maintenance services. Contact us online today for more information, or if you still have questions regarding the top 5 common gas furnace problems and solutions.