Why Is My Furnace Not Heating Properly?
Posted by Moore Home Services
HVAC Basics
Like most homeowners, you depend on your furnace to keep you warm. So, when your furnace is not heating properly, it can cause quite an upset! Furnace problems are a pain, but they’re also fixable. Here are some common reasons you may asking why is my furnace not heating properly and how some furnace maintenance can fix them.
Thermostat Issues
A thermostat can get messed up in several ways, so it’s a good place to start when checking out your heating system.
Fan is Set to On
Furnace fans aren’t designed to continuously blow out warm air. If your fan is always on, it will reach the desired temperature and blow cool air. Many people think that setting their thermostat to “fan” will keep things even. Instead, set your thermostat to auto. This will keep your home warm and toasty.
The Thermostat has Been Changed
Many families have trouble getting everyone on board with the same temperature setting. One person will put it up, and another will put it down. Ask the family to stay clear of the settings and see if that helps the furnace.
Battery is Low
A low battery can also cause a thermostat to reset itself. This means that any programming for the day or week is lost and needs to be reset.
A Clogged or Dirty Air Filter
If your furnace is not heating properly, you may have a dirty or clogged air filter. This common problem can be quickly resolved by cleaning or replacing the filter. If you aren’t sure how to carry out a filter change, contact a professional for a furnace tune-up.
High Limit Switch Failed
The high limit switch on a furnace shuts the unit down if it overheats. It is a safety feature that ensures your furnace does not overheat and cause a fire.
If your high limit switch breaks, it can cause problems with your heating system’s performance. Contact a furnace maintenance and repair professional if you think this may be the problem.
Clog in the Condensate Drain Line
The purpose of this line is to direct any water that collects in the bottom of your furnace out to the outside world.
If this drain becomes clogged with dust, debris or rust, it can prevent your furnace from heating up properly. If you’re having issues with your furnace not starting, you might want to check and see if there’s any water in the bottom of the unit. If so, you may have a clog in your condensate line and need to take care of it immediately.
A Problem with the Fuel Source
It could be embarrassing to call a technician only to find you have an empty oil tank. Check your fuel source first. A fuse may have blown, or you may have an issue with your gas supply.
Leaking Ducts
A cold draft, an unexpected drop in temperature, or even seeing your heating and cooling bills rise can all be signs that your ductwork needs to be repaired or replaced. Ducts are lined with insulation to protect against hot or cold temperatures and keep the system running smoothly.
But when there are leaks in those channels, cold air can seep into the house through voids in the insulation or gaps between walls and floors where ductwork runs.
Pilot Light Isn’t On
If your pilot light is not working, it’s time to call in a professional to have your furnace maintenance. During the winter months, you need to ensure that your heating system is working properly.
Without a pilot light, your furnace won’t operate efficiently, and you may experience issues with your heating system. In addition, if you don’t have a working pilot light, you can run into costly repairs and replacements down the line.
Burner Issues
A blocked burner is usually caused by dust, debris, and lint accumulation in the burner assembly. Remove any blockages so that gas can flow freely through the system again. If you’re not sure how to do this yourself, contact an HVAC technician who will be able to fix your furnace’s problem quickly and easily.
Flame Sensor Issues
A dirty or worn flame sensor can cause a furnace to shut down. The flame sensor is a device that detects heat. When the flame is extinguished, it sends an electric signal to the furnace blower motor. If the flame sensor is dirty or worn, it will not be able to give an accurate reading and will send a signal to shut down your furnace.
Always Call a Professional for Furnace Maintenance
Several things can go wrong with your furnace — from gas leaks to electrical issues — and they can be dangerous. It’s always best to call in a professional who knows what they’re doing.
A professional HVAC technician will keep track of all necessary maintenance for your system.
Schedule a furnace tune-up with the pros at Moore Home Services and keep your home warm and cozy this winter,
