A broken-down furnace can bring your winter to a screeching halt. Not only is it uncomfortable, but depending on the outdoor temperatures, a broken furnace can become dangerous.
Knowing the possible reasons behind your broken-down furnace can help you find the right solution. Read the latest blog post from Schebler Heating and Air below to learn more, and contact us for furnace services in the Quad Cities today.
Broken Thermostat
The thermostat acts as the point of communication between yourself and the heating system. A common reason for a furnace to stop working as effectively as usual is a broken thermostat.
If this system fails, it can prevent your home from reaching your desired temperature. Regardless of how well your furnace is performing, it will only be as effective as the thermostat allows it to be.
Whether it’s incorrectly reaching temperatures or not properly communicating with your furnace, any thermostat issues can cause serious comfort issues. Regular maintenance and prompt replacement or repair of faulty thermostats and components can help prevent this issue.
Clogged Filters
All furnaces have replaceable filters that pull dust, dirt, and debris out of the air before it circulates around your home. This keeps your home free from pollutants that could worsen your indoor air quality.
Over time, filters become dirty and clogged and will need to be replaced. If the filter isn’t replaced, airflow will become very poor or even stop completely.
Regular filter replacement is essential to maintain efficient furnace operation and prevent avoidable breakdowns. If you haven’t changed your furnace’s filter in a while, make sure to do so before checking for other issues.
The Pilot Light is Out
The pilot light serves as the ignition source for the furnace burner. If the pilot light has gone out, the furnace won’t be able to produce heat.
This could be due to issues with the thermocouple, gas supply, or simply a draft blowing out the flame. Regular inspection and re-ignition of the pilot light can resolve this problem.
However, if the pilot light is out due to internal issues, the furnace itself may need to be repaired or completely replaced to restore your home’s access to heat.
Cracked Heat Exchanger
A heat exchanger is responsible for moving heat from one medium to another. Not only will a cracked heat exchanger prevent your furnace from operating correctly, but it can also cause a dangerous carbon monoxide leak.
Professional inspection and repair are crucial if a cracked heat exchanger is suspected. Catching a cracked heat exchanger early can protect your family from dangerous carbon monoxide exposure, in addition to comfort issues.
Ductwork Problems
Your ductwork allows conditioned air to move from the heating system to your home’s vents. Ductwork problems, such as leaks or blockages, can impede the proper distribution of heated air throughout the home. This can lead to comfort issues and higher energy bills.
Regular inspection and maintenance of the duct system can help identify and address such issues, ensuring optimal furnace performance.
Short or Over-Cycling
Short cycling or over-cycling can be attributed to problems with the furnace’s ignition system, thermostat, or limit switch. Short cycling refers to the furnace turning on and off too frequently, while over-cycling involves prolonged periods of operation without a break.
These issues can strain the furnace components and reduce overall system efficiency. Identifying and addressing the root cause of cycling problems is essential for maintaining a reliable and efficient heating system.
If you notice irregular furnace cycles, contact a professional for furnace repair or replacement services.
Schedule Furnace Repairs With Schebler
Residents throughout the Quad Cities area can count on Schebler for the area’s leading furnace services. Keep your heating equipment running smoothly all winter long with furnace services from Schebler. Contact us today to get started.