The last thing that you would want to discover is that your furnace is not working during the coldest months of winter. When your furnace fails, it’s not just a disruption; it can leave your home cold and uncomfortable. But wait! You can do something before the furnace repair in Austin, TX takes over.
To begin with, go through these steps at a glance and maybe determine what the problem is.
- Listen for Normal Operation Sounds: When your furnace starts up, it should make a few sounds. You should hear the blower fan running and a soft whooshing sound as the burners light up. If you don’t hear anything, it might not be starting.
- Check the Thermostat Settings: Be sure your thermostat is set to heat and make sure that the thermostat temperature is slightly higher than the room temperature. When you turn up the heat and listen to the furnace fire up, then you know it is working. In case nothing occurs, there may be a problem with the thermostat.
- Feel the Airflow: Stand in front of a vent and check if warm air is blowing out. When the air is not warm, then you know that the furnace is not on, and you should investigate more.
When you have done all these three things and your furnace is still not functioning, then it is time to troubleshoot even more. Note what you have already checked in order to make sure that once you call a professional HVAC technician, he will be aware of what you have already done. This would assist them in diagnosing the issue and fixing it faster.
You have already done some preliminary research. We are going to get down to furnace troubleshooting!
10 Common Reasons & Their Solutions for a Furnace Not Working
Here are some of the most common reasons your furnace might not be heating properly, along with practical solutions to fix them.
1. Thermostat Troubles
The first most common product to check is the malfunctioning thermostat. When the thermostat is not operational, it is not able to control the furnace in order to keep the correct temperature at home.
Solution:
- Examine the batteries of your thermostat and change them when necessary.
- And in case it is a programmable thermostat, ensure it is set right.
- You might have to change the thermostat in case of issues.
2. Dirty or Clogged Air Filters
Stuffed air filters can obstruct the flow of air. This forces your furnace to use additional energy to heat your house. This may overheat it and lead to the complete closure of the furnace.
Solution:
- Periodically (1-3 months), clean or replace the air filters used in the furnace to maintain a good amount of airflow.
3. Ignition or Pilot Light Problems
In the case of your heating system working on a pilot or electronic ignition system, the problems in this area may prevent the furnace from starting. With older models, it can put out as the pilot light is on. In the case of new models, an error code may exist.
Solution:
- Test to make sure that the pilot light is on and relight it where needed.
- For electronic ignition, look for error codes and consult your furnace manual.
4. Lack of Fuel Supply
In the case of a gas furnace, a shortage of natural gas may result in the cessation of heating in the furnace. If the gas valve is closed, your furnace won’t ignite.
Solution:
- Check the gas valve to make sure that it is open
- In case of a problem with the supply of gas, contact a professional furnace repair service in Austin, TX, immediately.
5. Dirty or Faulty Flame Sensor
The furnace can not remain on due to a dirty or faulty flame sensor. When the sensor is not clean, it will be able to read the flame incorrectly, and the furnace will be turned off.
Solution:
- Also, clean the flame sensor with a fine abrasive pad.
- In case the problem remains, change the flame sensor.
6. Blower Motor Problems
Without a properly functioning blower motor, you will have a possibility of a lack of good air, uneven heat, or possibly the shutting down of the furnace altogether.
Solution:
- Inspect the blower motor and make sure that it is well lubricated.
- If issues continue, call furnace repair services in Austin, TX, for repairs or replacement.
7. Blocked Vents or Ductwork
Blocked vents or clogged ducts can restrict airflow, making your furnace less efficient. This can lead your furnace to overheat and shut down.
Solution:
- Ensure that there is no blockage of vents with furniture or carpets.
- Clean ducts if necessary to ensure proper airflow.
8. Electrical Issues
Electrical problems can also stop your furnace from working. The furnace will not be fed in case of a fuse blow or disconnection by the circuit breaker.
Solution:
- Turn on the electrical board behind the house and look for any blown fuses or tripped-out electrical breakers.
- Restart the circuit breaker or change the fuse where necessary.
9. Overheating
Overheating can trigger your furnace’s safety feature, causing it to shut down. This commonly happens as a result of blocked vents, dirty filters, or a broken motor.
Solution:
- Make sure that there is adequate air circulation by emptying the vents and changing the air filters that are dirty.
- In case the overheating persists, seek professional heating repair services in Austin, TX, to check the furnace.
10. Age and Wear and Tear
An old furnace will have a higher chance of having issues when it is worn out. Older units are not as efficient in heating your home, and they are also most likely to break down.
Solution:
- Look into the possibility of updating the furnace to the new, more energy-efficient one.
- If your furnace is over 15 years old, it may be time to replace it.
Call a Professional Team for Furnace Repair in Austin, TX
In the event that these solutions fail or you are not sure of undertaking any of these measures, then you are better off calling in a professional heating services in Austin, TX. They possess the equipment and skills to diagnose and repair furnace issues within a short time.
Why You Should Call a Professional:
- HVAC specialists are able to conduct a good inspection and general cleaning.
- They are capable of solving complicated issues that might not be apparent.
- By employing an expert, you will avoid additional destruction of your furnace and unnecessary costs of repair in the future.
Final Thoughts
It’s dreadful to know that your furnace is not working properly. But don’t worry, with the help of the above guide and timely consultation with a professional furnace repair Austin, TX, you can mitigate the situation pretty cleverly. Moreover, with proper care and regular service, your furnace will keep your home comfortable through the coldest months.
Don’t let your Austin home feel like an igloo. Keep your family snug and cozy with Covenant Air Conditioning & Heating! Our skilled HVAC team is ready to provide expert furnace repair or maintenance service. Our HVAC company in Austin works on all makes and models, restoring the warmth to your home swiftly. Call us at 512-710-2694 or fill out an online form to book a consultation with our team now!