1. Ignition Issues

If the furnace is not starting up, either the electronic ignition or the pilot light may be facing issues. If you have an older unit that has a pilot light, check to see if the flame is burning, and relight it if it is blown out. Newer systems with an electronic ignition will generally need to be inspected by a professional technician to diagnose the problem.

2. Thermostat Issues

The function of the thermostat is to switch the heater on when the desired temperature is lower than the set temperature, and vice versa. Therefore, the thermostat is like the brain of the entire heating unit. If it acts faulty, the heating system will operate erratically, causing the temperature in your house to fluctuate sporadically. Ensure that your thermostat has sufficient battery power to operate accurately. If the problem persists, we recommend calling a professional technician to calibrate your thermostat.

3. Poor Airflow

At times, you might notice that the heating unit is not delivering an adequate amount of warm air into the house. This can be attributed to a blocked or dirty filter, which can lead to poor airflow. Alternatively, poor airflow can also be caused by closed air vents, mechanical problems in the air handler, or leaks in the ductwork. All of these issues either restrict the smooth flow of air, or result in a loss of heated air generated by the furnace, delivering less heat to your home.

4. Cracked Heat Exchanger

Cracks can develop due to temperature fluctuations that the heat exchanger experiences over time. This is highly dangerous, as it can lead to carbon monoxide seepage into your home. Generally, this is inspected during the annual maintenance of the furnace. However, you should call a professional technician immediately if the carbon monoxide detector is giving you warnings.

5. Noisy Furnace

Rattling, squeaking, and rumbling noises aren’t normal. These sounds could be due to an internal mechanical problem, clogged burner, or airflow restrictions. If the actual furnace is noisy, chances are that the motor parts need oiling. Alternatively, the noise could also be due to the air whirling around the ductwork. In this case, the ductwork may need to be insulated to reduce the noise.

6. System Malfunction

All parts of the heating unit need to work in synchronization to deliver an adequate amount of heat and maintain the desired comfort level in the home. If a single part does not play its role, it can create a domino effect that can cause the heating unit to smell funny, make noise, short cycle, or produce insufficient heat. In any of the above scenarios, it’s wise to have the heating unit immediately inspected by a licensed technician.