Tips for Troubleshooting Common Gas Furnace Problems

If you live in one of the tens of millions of homes in the United States that depend on a gas furnace for heating, then you are aware of what a lifesaver it can be during the cold winter months. You are probably also aware that your gas furnace is susceptible to certain problems, which may prevent it from functioning properly or even create safety hazards.

So that you’re prepared the next time you have an issue, here are some top tips for troubleshooting gas furnace problems and a little guidance to help you to determine when it’s time to call the professionals:

A Word of Caution Before We Begin

It’s important to note that troubleshooting furnace issues at home should only be considered if it can be done so safely. If you cannot quickly and safely ascertain the source of the issue, it’s always best to contact your HVAC professional. It is possible the system’s safety controls have automatically shut the igniter off due to the presence of a leak or other potential problem.

If this is the case, a trained technician should perform a thorough inspection to ensure your equipment can be operated safely. Contact an experienced technician with a safety certification from a leading program like North American Technician Excellence (NATE). Companies such as All Weather Heating & Cooling in northeast Ohio are trusted by their communities to perform repairs safely and reliably.

The Problem: Unusual Noises

A well-maintained gas furnace should be fairly quiet when it operates. It should produce a consistent “white-noise” sound, perhaps coupled with a few clicks and hums as its various inner operations take place. If your HVAC system is making any unexpected sounds, such as banging, clattering, or grinding noises, then you may be facing a mechanical problem.

The Solution: Mechanical Repairs

There are many moving parts in a forced-air HVAC system, including a large mechanical fan that transports heated air throughout the home. If you hear unusual noises coming from your furnace, it’s possible that the machinery has become damaged in some way, such as a broken fan blade, a snapped belt, or any number of other issues. When this happens, you will need to replace any damaged elements or contact your HVAC professional for large-scale repairs.

For safety, before you attempt any repairs, remember to shut off all power to your furnace.

The Problem: Ignition Issues

If your furnace is only blowing cold air, even after it has been running for a while, then it’s possible an ignition issue could be the problem. You may also notice a repeated clicking sound as the igniter in your system attempts to light the burner unsuccessfully. If the burner is unable to light, no fuel combustion can take place. Therefore, if the igniter is faulty, the furnace will be entirely unable to reliably generate heat.

The Solution: Check Your Connections

There are several reasons why an HVAC system may encounter ignition problems, depending on the type of furnace and its age. Older machinery will likely utilize a pilot light, which is a small, continuously burning gas flame. Newer models utilize an electronic ignition system, which remains inactive until the furnace is switched on, at which point it generates temperatures high enough to begin combustion.

For a furnace that utilizes a pilot light to trigger combustion, the issue may be with the gas supply itself. Make sure the valve is open and receiving a steady flow of gas. You may also need to relight the pilot light itself—make sure to shut the system off for a while before doing this to prevent flooding the area with gas.

For a more advanced modern electronic igniter, an electrical problem may be the culprit. Ensure that the circuit breaker connected to your machinery is connected and operating properly. Call your HVAC contract if everything seems to be in order but it still isn’t working like it should.

The Problem: Strange Odors

One telltale sign of a problem with your furnace is the presence of a strange odor. There are many different smells that may emanate from an HVAC system, each of which can indicate a different problem with a different potential solution. You may detect a musty odor, for instance. You may notice the unmistakable scent of decay or the worrying smell of sulfur or rotten eggs. In any of these cases, you will need to take steps to remedy the problem.

The Solution: Depends On the Smell

Odors from your furnace must be addressed, as several of them can be signs of something dangerous. For example, a sulfurous, rotten-egg smell may indicate a dangerous gas leak. If you notice this, vacate the house and call a professional. The home must be secured before it is once again habitable.

Other odors may not be as serious, but you shouldn’t ignore them. A musty or moldy scent can indicate the presence of mildew or potentially toxic mold in the home. If this is the case, a thorough cleaning will be required.

A smell like burning rubber or plastic can indicate an electrical problem and a potential fire hazard. Contact your HVAC contractor or licensed electrician to investigate the issue.

The Problem: Inconsistent Heating

If your HVAC system is operating correctly, in the sense that it is producing heat, but not heating your home consistently, then the issue is likely to be with your insulation or ventilation, rather than the furnace itself. Signs of this problem might include drafts or certain areas of the home that seem to always be cold, no matter how often you run the furnace.

Most homes in the United States make use of forced-air heating to transport heat energy throughout the building. With this method, heated air is circulated through a series of ducts, finally entering each room through a vent. If a problem occurs that prevents air from entering or flowing effectively throughout the room, or if heat energy is allowed to escape through poorly insulated areas, then certain areas may not be able to achieve the same temperatures as others.

The Solution: Check Your Ventilation and Insulation

To prevent drafts and keep air from seeping outside, you must ensure that the doors and windows are properly sealed. You can do this yourself with inexpensive foam weatherstripping from a hardware store. To improve the ventilation in your home, you should periodically invest in a thorough duct cleaning.

The best way to ensure your furnace operates properly year after year is to invest in preventative maintenance. Your HVAC technician will go through a thorough checklist to determine any problems that may be present and repair them before they become worse. This will help save you money by preventing catastrophic breakdowns and keeping the system running efficiently, helping you to remain safe and comfortable during the worst winter has to offer.