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Furnace Repair: 11 Common Problems You Can Fix Yourself

Whether your furnace is aging or you just bought your first home, there’s a good chance it will experience some type of problem during its lifespan. While some issues will require a professional, others can be dealt with on your own. This article covers 11 of the most common Furnace Repair problems, as well as some DIY solutions to address them.

1. Ignitor:

The ignitor is responsible for creating the spark that heats the gas to fire the furnace system’s blower motor, which then pushes hot air throughout your home. If the ignitor isn’t working, your heating system will stop working. An HVAC technician can examine your ignitor and either repair it or replace it.

2. Thermostat:

If your thermostat isn’t functioning properly, it can cause a host of furnace repair issues. It may be triggering the blower to turn on and off at irregular intervals, or it could simply be unable to maintain your desired temperature. Depending on the issue, it could be as simple as replacing the thermostat or as complicated as repairing or replacing your furnace’s limit switch or flame sensor.

3. Leaks:

When it comes to your home’s furnace, water leaks are a serious concern that should be dealt with immediately. The water may be coming from your condensation drain or humidifier, a clogged vent pipe or even the heat exchanger itself. A professional can determine the source of the leak and fix it right away to avoid additional problems down the line.

4. Noisiness:

If you’re experiencing banging, rattling or other odd noises from your furnace, it’s time to call in an HVAC technician. Continuing to ignore these signs will only put your furnace at risk of malfunctioning or even causing a dangerous carbon monoxide leak.

A healthy furnace will usually emit a quiet whirring sound, so unusual noises are a clear sign that something is wrong. The problem may be as simple as a clogged or broken filter, but it could also be a faulty blower wheel, scraping noises or other mechanical problems.

5. Filter:

A clogged or dirty furnace filter can block airflow, which reduces your home’s heating efficiency and causes strain on the system. Check your filter regularly and replace it whenever it shows signs of wear and tear, or according to the manufacturer’s user manual.

6. Detecting Odd Smells:

If your furnace is generating an unpleasant burning smell, it’s likely that it’s overheating. This can happen when layers of dust build up inside the system, resulting in the system overworking itself. You can avoid this problem by having a professional tune-up every year, which will help your system operate smoothly and efficiently.

7. Checking for a Warranty:

If you’ve recently purchased your furnace, be sure to contact the contractor or manufacturer to confirm that you’re still under warranty. In many cases, manufacturers and contractors will offer an extended warranty that adds another 5 to 10 years onto your existing parts and labor warranties.