Why Isn’t My Furnace Working? Common Problems and Fixes
Anyone living in Wichita knows that when winter hits, you need a furnace that can keep up with the sudden ice storms and biting winds. But what do you do when your furnace isn’t working? Hardware like your thermostat, dirty air filters, and minor electrical issues are typically the cause of most furnace problems, but are often overlooked by homeowners. If your furnace isn’t working in Wichita, don’t panic. In this guide we’ll help you identify common furnace problems, explore furnace troubleshooting for Wichita homes and help you decide when it’s time to call a professional.
Common Furnace Problems & Troubleshooting
- No heat at all
- Blowing Cold Air
- Strange Noises
- Furnace turns on and off frequently (short cycling)
No Heat at All
Cause: The thermostat and air/furnace filter are two of the most common causes of furnace problems. If a thermostat is set to any other setting than “heat” or the temp is set lower than the room’s temperature, it won’t allow the furnace to kick on. Additionally, a dirty filter restricts airflow. This restriction ultimately prevents hot air from circulating through your home’s vents and ducts, making it seem like your furnace isn’t producing heat.
Thermostat Solution: To solve these problems, we recommend starting with your thermostat. First, make sure the thermostat is set to ‘heat’. If there still isn’t any heat, replace the batteries and make sure the heating temperature is higher than the current room temperature. Heat still not working? Move on to the air filter.
Furnace filter Solution: Typically located on the side of your furnace, it’s best to replace furnace filters every 90 days at the maximum. If you notice that the filter holds a lot of dust and dirt and it’s hard to see through the mesh fibers, replace it with a clean one.
Other Solutions: If the thermostat and filter work correctly, you can check your circuit breaker and gas valve for problems. Check if the circuit breaker for your furnace has tripped – flip it completely off and then back on to reset it. If it trips again, call a professional immediately, as this ‘short cycling’ can be dangerous. For gas furnaces, make sure the gas valve near your furnace is in the “on” position (parallel to the gas line).
When to Call a Technician: Safety should always be your top priority. So, it’s always best to call a technician when unsure or unsafe. When it comes to electrical and gas leak problems, never attempt repairs yourself. Always call a professional electrician, gas company, or HVAC technician for help.
Furnace is Blowing Cold Air
Cause: If your furnace is blowing cold air it’s likely the result of an issue with the furnace fan/blower. The most common reason is that the fan is set to ‘on’ instead of ‘auto’. This simple setting causes the fan to constantly circulate air, even if it’s not properly heated. Additionally, the blower motor is responsible for pushing air through the furnace to be heated. If it malfunctions, it might circulate air before it has a chance to warm up.
In gas furnaces, a faulty pilot light or ignition system may also prevent the gas in your furnace from being lit. Other causes like blocked air vents or a dirty air filter can also contribute by restricting warm air flow, making your home feel cooler.
Possible Solutions:
| Solution | Additional Info |
|---|---|
Make sure the gas supply is open | * Make sure the handle is parallel to the gas pipe. |
Change air filter as needed | * We recommend checking your filter once a month. The most you should wait before replacing is 90 days. |
Open vents throughout your home | * Closed vents can prevent air circulation and trap hot air in unused rooms. |
Inspect blower motor | * If the blower wheel spins freely or is making strange sounds it’s time to replace it with professional help. |
Check pilot light or ignition system | * If either the pilot light or the electrical ignition system isn’t working, contact an HVAC pro for furnace replacement. |
When to Call a Professional: Since many problems with a furnace blowing cold air are complex it’s typically best to leave any furnace repairs to a qualified professional. Any problems involving gas leaks or lines, electrical components, or the ignition system require immediate expert attention. If you detect gas odors, hear unusual noises, or notice electrical issues, turn off your furnace and contact a licensed HVAC technician right away.
Strange Noises
Causes: Most abnormal furnace noises are typically a sign that something is wrong with the hardware in your furnace. We’ve detailed some of the most distinct sounds and their root causes.
| Sound | Cause |
|---|---|
| Loud banging or booming | Often the result of dangerous gas build-up in the combustion chamber, a dirt ignition system or expanding and contracting ducts. |
| Metal scraping against metal | This could mean the blower fan has come loose and is now scraping against the furnace housing – a situation that needs immediate attention. |
| Rattling sound | May indicate a loose screw or, more seriously, a leak in your heat exchanger. |
| High-pitched squealing, screeching or whistling sound | Typically an issue with the belt-driven motor, loose blower belt, or dry moving parts. |
Solutions: Some furnace noises have simple DIY solutions. Rattling sounds might be fixed by tightening loose panels or screws, while whistling noises could mean it’s time to replace your air filter. However, exercise caution: never attempt to fix banging, booming, or metal scraping sounds yourself, as these typically indicate serious problems requiring professional repair. When in doubt, prioritize safety and contact a licensed HVAC technician.
When to Call a Professional: Don’t take chances with strange furnace noises. While some have simple fixes like a loose screw or a filter change, the majority of noises will need professional inspection and repair. Remember, any strange sounds accompanied by gas odors need to be fixed immediately for your safety.
Furnace Turns On and Off Frequently (Short Cycling)
Causes: Furnace short cycling happens when your heating system repeatedly turns on and off more frequently than normal, typically running for only brief periods before shutting down. This common problem not only reduces heating efficiency but can significantly increase your energy bills and cause premature wear on your system. Several issues can cause short cycling, including an oversized furnace, dirty air filters, faulty thermostats, or malfunctioning flame sensors.
| Solution | Additional Info |
|---|---|
Check and replace your air filter | * If the airflow is still restricted due to the dirty filter, the cycle of overheating and shutting down will repeat, leading to short cycling. |
Clean your flame sensor | * Use extreme caution and make sure the gas supply and power to your furnace is off. Check your owner’s manual for specific cleaning instructions and location. |
Inspect and clean your thermostat | * Make sure heat setting is ‘on,’ turn fan to ‘auto,’ replace batteries and check for error codes. |
Examine your vents and registers | * Check for airflow blockages, make sure furniture curtains and other objects aren’t blocking the return air vents. |
When to Call a Professional: Don’t ignore a persistently short cycling furnace – this behavior often signals serious problems requiring professional attention. Prompt professional intervention can prevent expensive system damage and keep your home and family safe.
Important Furnace and Energy Saving Tips to Consider
Preventive Maintenance
Wichita winter weather can be unpredictable as it is harsh. With that in mind, it’s always best to practice routine furnace maintenance. Fall furnace tune-ups are one great way to get a head start on any furnace problems. Technicians can spot problems early, clean equipment and replace and parts as needed before those frigid temps roll in. Keep in mind that a little work early on can save you hundreds in repairs later on.
Efficient Home Additions and Equipment
Wichita’s charming older homes present unique heating challenges. Many of these historic properties still operate with aging furnaces that struggle to maintain consistent temperatures and energy efficiency. Upgrading to newer equipment, such as smart thermostats and high-efficiency furnaces, can significantly improve your home’s comfort while reducing energy costs.
Other Furnace FAQs
Why are my heating bills abnormally high?
– High heating bills can stem from inefficient furnaces, poor insulation, or outdated thermostats. Regular maintenance, smart thermostats, proper insulation, and sealing air leaks are simple ways to significantly lower your energy costs.
Why are some rooms colder than others?
– Uneven heating can be caused by poor airflow, blocked vents, uneven insulation, or an improperly sized HVAC system. Before costly repairs, try DIY fixes like opening vents and changing air filters. For a more permanent solution, consider zone control devices.
How often should I change my air filter?
– While manufacturers typically recommend changing your air or furnace filter every 1-3 months, factors like pets and allergies can impact frequency. A clean filter boosts efficiency and improves indoor air quality. Check it monthly and replace as needed to avoid higher energy bills and potential repairs.
Your Trusted Source for Wichita HVAC Service
While some furnace issues have simple fixes like changing filters or checking thermostat settings, most heating problems require professional attention. Remember, never attempt to repair gas lines, electrical systems, or mechanical parts yourself. And if you need expert furnace repair in Wichita, contact Mike Watson Heating & Cooling for next level care.