5 Common Furnace Problems & How to Fix Them

If you’re not feeling the warmth you need on a cold winter’s day, you need some troubleshooting tips and strategies to get your Severna Park heating system working again.

Just like any appliance, furnaces experience problems that can disrupt your indoor oasis. The Severna Park HVAC experts at Abend Services are here to share our pro tips for the most common furnace problems and how to fix them.

And don’t forget, we’re always here for furnace service in Severna Park, MD, Brooklyn Park, MD, and beyond!

Call (410) 618-3115

1. Your Furnace Won’t Turn On

There are few things during the winter months more frustrating than a furnace that won’t warm up your home during a cold spell. Before the stress and panic settle in, here are some basic steps to fix the problem: 

• Thermostat Settings: Make sure your thermostat is set to “heat” and higher than the current room temperature. Double check any programmable settings from a.m. to p.m. weren’t accidentally changed. You can also try replacing the batteries as needed and resetting the system.
• Power Supply: Check that the furnace switch is on and that the circuit breaker hasn’t tripped.
• Safety Switch: Many furnaces have a safety switch on the door. But if the door isn’t shut securely and snugly, the furnace won’t turn on at all. 

If you’re not making any progress, you may have a faulty ignition system, blower motor, or a bad electrical component. Don’t suffer through a cold night when you can call the team at Abend Services to come out for furnace repair or maintenance. We’ll get your home warmed up in no time!

2. Insufficient Heat

When your furnace is running but the heat isn’t warming up your home properly, there could be a few problems going on:

• Dirty Air Filter: A clogged filter will quickly restrict the airflow in your home and make it difficult for your furnace to evenly distribute the heat.
• Blocked Vents: Make sure all of your vents are open and your curtains and furniture aren’t blocking the warm air trying to circulate in your home.
• Thermostat Issues: Your thermostat may not send the right signal to your furnace if it’s not calibrated and working correctly. 

Try replacing your air filter if it’s dirty, clear away any obstructions, and check your thermostat settings or resetting it altogether. If these quick fixes don’t restore the warmth of your home, you could have a failing heat exchanger or blower motor. Give our technicians a call, and we’ll diagnose the problem and get your furnace working again before the next cold snap.

3. Strange Noises

Strange noises are never a good sign. Your furnace should operate quietly with a gentle hum or soft whooshing sound. Banging, screeching, rattling, or other unusual noises are red flags that need immediate attention.

• Banging or Popping: Your ductwork could be expanding, or you may have a dirty burner that’s causing your ignition to delay.
• Squealing or Screeching: These sounds are usually caused by a worn-out belt or motor bearings in need of lubrication.
• Rattling: Loose, rattling panels or components may cause rattles and create issues.
• Solution: Tighten up your loose panels, clean up your burners, or lubricate the parts if you’re comfortable with the process. More complicated problems, including a failing blower motor, require a service call from the pros.

4. Furnace Short Cycling

Short cycling occurs when your furnace repeatedly turns off and on before completing a full heating cycle. These cycles are inefficient and can cause your energy bills to spike and shorten the lifespan of your furnace. 

• Dirty Air Filter: Dirty air filters are often the culprit of short cycling and can cause your furnace to overheat and shut down prematurely.
• Thermostat Placement: Thermostats that are located near a sunny window or appliance may trigger your furnace to shut off too soon.
• Oversized Furnace: Furnaces that are too large for your home may heat up your space too quickly and cycle on and off. Although it warms up your space temporarily, it’s inefficient and can lead to uneven heating.

Leaving any of these issues for another day can just lead to unnecessary wear and tear and skyrocketing energy bills. Try replacing the air filter, relocating the thermostat if possible, or consulting one of our heating experts to figure out what size furnace you actually need.

5. Pilot Light or Ignition Issues

If you have an older furnace, you may have a problem with your pilot light flame going out. Or, a more modern unit may have trouble igniting. No matter what’s going on, some of the common causes with your pilot light not lighting include: 

• Dirty Pilot or Sensor: Dirt and debris interfere with proper ignition and can cause issues with your furnace.
• Faulty Thermocouple: When your thermocouple is faulty, it can cause your pilot light to stop working and fail over time.
• Gas Supply Issues: Double-check that your gas valve is open and the gas supply isn’t interrupted.

If possible, carefully clean the pilot light or flame sensor by following your furnace’s manual. If the pilot light still won’t stay lit or the electronic ignition fails, call a professional to inspect the system right away. We have the tools and expertise to restore your furnace’s ignition quickly and safely.

Call Abend Services for All Your Furnace Service Needs

The good news is most of the common furnace issues are easily preventable with a little attention and regular heating maintenance. Scheduling a professional tune-up every year also keeps your system running efficiently while reducing the risk of breakdowns and extending its lifespan. 

Give the team at Abend Services a call, and one of our furnace technicians will inspect the components, clean your system, run tests, and make any adjustments to keep your furnace in peak condition. From maintenance calls to repairs and new installations, our Severna Park and Brooklyn Park, MD HVAC company is your one-stop solution to all of your furnace needs. Schedule your appointment today!

Call (410) 618-3115