There are many reasons why the furnace in your home may fail. It could be anything from an small issue with the thermostat such as low batteries to a much larger problem such as the blower motor in the furnace. In either case getting furnace repair in Monroe County Michigan quickly is important so that you don’t need to spend a night in the freezing temperatures that a Michigan winter can bring. In this blog post, we’ll discuss some of the most common issues and how to troubleshoot them.
Troubleshooting Common Furnace Problems in Monroe County Michigan
Most home furnace systems are designed to work with minimal maintenance. In fact, most furnace manufacturers recommend getting maintenance done once per year. And other than changing the air filter, this maintenance should be done by qualified HVAC technicians. That’s not to say you can’t determine why your furnace isn’t working properly. Here are some problems that can cause your furnace to stop working.
Thermostat Issues
One of the most common causes of furnace failure is an issue with the thermostat that controls the furnace. If your furnace is not turning on, it could be because the thermostat isn’t working properly or someone has adjusted the settings on the thermostat. Fortunately, this is one of the easiest issues to diagnose and fix. Make sure that the thermostat is set to “heat” mode and that its batteries are still good. If these don’t solve the problem, you may need to replace your thermostat entirely. Keep in mind simply changing the temperature on the thermostat isn’t going to make the unit start immediately, it can take a few minutes before you actually feel heat coming from the vents.
Blower Motor Issues
The blower motor in your furnace helps circulate air throughout your home, so if it’s not working properly, your furnace won’t be able to heat your house effectively. The most common cause of blower motor failure is a lack of lubrication; if it’s been too long since you’ve had your blower motor serviced, it may begin to fail due to wear and tear. To remedy this issue, simply have a professional come in and lubricate all moving parts in your furnace. You may hear a grinding or squeaking sound coming from the furnace before problems with the blower motor occurs. This is typically because the bearings in the motor are seizing and on the verge of failing. This will also lead to higher energy consumption of the furnace.
Clogged Filters or Duct Work
Another common cause of furnace failure is clogged air filters. Over time, dust and other debris can build up in your air filters, blocking airflow and making it difficult for your furnace to do its job efficiently. This is especially true if you have pets in the home. To prevent this from happening, make sure that you’re regularly changing out or cleaning your air filters as recommended by the manufacturer’s instructions. This will help keep your system running at peak efficiency and minimize any unexpected breakdowns or failures in the future.
Tripped Circuit Breaker
If your furnace isn’t turning on at all, there could be a problem with the circuit breaker that is supplying power to it. Make sure to check your home’s main circuit breaker box and ensure that everything is still switched on. If you’re unsure of how to do this, consult a professional electrician for more help.
Frequent Cycling of the Furnace
If your furnace is turning on and off more frequently than normal, there could be an issue with the limit switch or fan motor. The limit switch is a safety device that regulates the temperature in your home; if it’s faulty, it can cause your furnace to cycle on and off too frequently. Since this can affect the safety of your home furnace it’s best left to a professional HVAC contractor for servicing.
Homeowners should always be aware of potential issues that may arise with their furnaces so they can act quickly when needed. The most common causes of furnace failure are related to problems with the thermostat or blower motor; however, clogged filters can also contribute to breakdowns over time if they aren’t changed out or cleaned as needed. Stay on top of regular maintenance for your furnace for best results and if you have any problems or need an inspection of your furnace in Monroe County Michigan be sure to call the experts at J&K Heating and Cooling. They can inspect, repair, or replace your furnace quickly. Call today at (734) 587-3184 for more information.
