As we transition from the warmth of the summer to the chilly breeze of the fall months, homeowners commonly start using their heating systems to stay comfortable. Unfortunately, you may experience a problem with your heating system during the fall months when you first start using it. We’re going to discuss some of these common problems below so you can have a better understanding of what may be wrong with your heating system.
Thermostat Not Working
One frustrating issue you may deal with is a malfunctioning thermostat. If the display screen is completely blank, check that the circuit breaker wasn’t tripped and that the batteries in the thermostat are fresh. If neither of these is the issue, then you either have a thermostat that needs to be replaced or loose wiring that needs to be fixed.
Blower Continuously Running
When your heating system kicks on, you undoubtedly hear the blower fan running and blowing air throughout your ductwork. Your heating system should only run for about 10 to 15 minutes at a time and roughly three times per hour. If you notice that the blower fan continues to run, check that you don’t have your thermostat set to the on position instead of auto. If your thermostat is in auto mode, then the issue is likely with a stuck relay, safety control failure, or a faulty limit switch.
Not Starting
One annoying issue you may run into is that your furnace won’t turn on. If you’ve checked to ensure that your thermostat is working and you have an appropriate temperature setting, then the failure likely lies in the ignition components of your heating system. Pretty much all newer furnaces are going to have an electric igniter that’s responsible for igniting the burner. If the ignitor isn’t doing its job, then it’s not going to light the burner.
Keeps Turning Off
If you have a furnace that burns natural gas, heating oil, or propane, it will have a safety mechanism known as a flame sensor. This sensor is positioned at the burner to maintain an active flame. If it does not sense a flame, it will shut off the fuel supply to your furnace as a safety measure to prevent excess fuel from entering your furnace. Unfortunately, if the flame sensor is faulty or is covered in soot, it may trip the safety mechanism and prevent your furnace from staying lit.
Short cycling
If you notice that your furnace tends to turn on and off very frequently, it’s a cause for concern. Short cycling is typically an indication that you have restricted airflow somewhere throughout your system. The source could be as simple as a dirty air filter or more invasive like a pest infestation inside of your ductwork. Either way, you’ll want to get a pro in to take a look.
Weird Noises
Over time, you’ll get used to the normal sounds that your furnace makes. You’ll hear a clicking sound and a burst of air as it lights up and starts to run. Additionally, you’ll hear the sound of the blower fan circulating air throughout your ductwork. If you notice any other sounds that are out of the ordinary, they should be evaluated by an HVAC technician. Typically, the tone of the noise will give you some insight into what’s causing the issue. For example, a rattling noise could mean that one of the components inside of your furnace is loose.
Abnormal Smells
The only time your furnace should be putting off a smell is when you turn it on at the beginning of the heating season. However, that musty smell should dissipate within a few minutes of running your system. If you start to notice a weird smell coming out of your supply vents, it’s a signal that something’s wrong with your furnace. Typically, a musty smell will indicate mold or mildew growth while a metallic smell will indicate an electrical problem.
Trustworthy HVAC Repair Services
AAA Brothers Heating & Air Conditioning offers trustworthy HVAC repair services for the entire Huntingdon Valley, PA area. We’re more than happy to help with all your water heater, indoor air quality, heating, cooling, heat pump, and home generator needs. Call our office today to book a consultation with one of our helpful technicians.