Common Furnace Problems

At Elite Heating & Air Conditioning, we understand how important your home can be to you. Our goal is to take care of your Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) needs promptly and thoroughly to spare you from Edmonton’s cold winter and hot summer nights.

When it’s cold, it’s all about furnace issues. To help you recognize common furnace problems, here are a few to look for before the cool fall and winter weather arrive. By knowing what the most common furnace problems are, you can take proactive measures to prevent them.

Lack of maintenance and dirty filters top all lists. Routine inspections and replacing your filter every 60 to 90 days when in use allows you to stay on top any mechanical changes and keep the air healthy inside your home.

A faulty thermostat can lead to problems with the fan or comfort levels in your home - check the battery and thermostat settings. Cycling between the “On” and “Off” modes may indicate a clogged filter, improper airflow, or a bad thermostat setting. If the furnace stops working or the thermostat’s screen is blank, check if the circuit breaker tripped or blew a fuse. If it requires replacing, make sure any new thermostat matches your furnace in regards to capability and capacity.

If your furnace is rumbling, squeaking, or rattling - the sounds may indicate a mechanical problem, airflow reductions, or a clogged burner. It may also be an issue with the blower or the limit switch, which a professional may need to replace.

Normal wear and tear can cause airflow problems, heat control-related problems, or even overheating. A faulty ignition or pilot light, thermocouple problems, drafts or clogs in the appliance may result in an unlit pilot light. A furnace that doesn’t perform its main task may have problems with the thermostat setting, power, gas, or the pilot light - leave ignition issues to the experts.

When troubleshooting your appliance doesn’t solve your furnace issues, never hesitate to contact a trained HVAC contractor. Unless you have received training to repair furnaces, let professionals handle problems related to mechanical wear and tear. Otherwise, you may void the warranty on the appliance or accidentally cause a larger problem.