Be Aware of the Top Furnace Problems In the Winter

There are few things worse than having furnace trouble in the middle of a cold, Ohio winter. What will it take to fix it? How long will you be without heat? These questions can drive a person crazy. That’s why it’s important to be aware of what can go wrong—and what you should do about it. Here are some of the top furnace problems you may have to deal with.

• Your furnace won’t turn on. First check the obvious factors: Is the unit switched off? Did the circuit breaker get tripped? Does the thermostat need new batteries? If it’s not any of these issues, it could be a problem with the pilot light or an electrical issue. Call your HVAC technician to check it out and see if one of the top furnace problems is the culprit.
• Your furnace won’t turn off. When your furnace runs continually, it wastes huge amounts of energy. First, check to see if it’s the furnace itself or the air handler. If the air is blowing hot, it’s the air handler. If it’s blowing cool, it’s the furnace. Check both the thermostat and the pilot light as well.
• There is poor airflow. One of the top furnace problems is not enough air coming from your vents and registers, so it takes forever to warm the house, wasting energy and wearing out the furnace in the process. The most likely culprit is the air filter. Check to see if it’s clogged and change it if necessary. You may also have leaks in your ductwork, allowing the air to escape before it can reach your home. Check for pinhole leaks, tears, and other damage. Repair them with metal tape or mastic sealant.
• The condensate line is clogged. If you have a high-efficiency furnace, it may have a drain line, like your AC. Much like your AC, that line is subject to clogging. Check the line to see if the drain is stopped up and call your HVAC technician for help unclogging it.

If you’re having furnace problems this winter and need help solving them, contact us at Energy 1 Heating & Air Conditioning. We take care of all of Lorain’s, Elyria’s, and Oberlin’s top furnace problems.