If you’re like most people, you probably don’t think about the inner workings of your furnace until something goes wrong. When you are experiencing electric furnace problems, you’ll want to get it fixed right away, especially if it happens during the winter. Here are the eight most common furnace problems to help you identify your issue and some ways that you can do gas furnace troubleshooting.
Clogged Filter
Your furnace’s air filter prevents dust and debris from getting into the blower motor, but it needs to be changed periodically. Over time, all of the dust that it catches builds up, and the filter can no longer do its job. Once dust gets into your blower motor, you’ll need to replace that as well, so it is best to change the filter before it ever gets to that point.
Loose Wire
When your furnace is running, it generates vibrations. Over time, those vibrations cause the internal wires to loosen. If the wires are no longer connecting properly, your furnace won’t be able to turn on. Fortunately, this is a relatively easy fix. Your furnace maintenance professional can find the loose wire and repair or replace it. The technician will likely tighten other wires for you in the process to prevent this issue from happening again.
Water Damage
Like any other piece of electronic machinery, furnaces and water don’t mix. Although this is a relatively uncommon occurrence, it can still happen. For example, if your furnace is located in your attic, it could get wet due to a leak in your roof. Use extra caution if you find water under or around your furnace; you don’t want to get electrocuted!
Wrong or Dirty Fuse
Not all furnaces require the same fuses. Just as some furnaces are more powerful than others, the same is true for fuses. If you replaced the fuse yourself, you may have inadvertently chosen a fuse that is too weak to power your furnace. A furnace repair technician should be able to identify and address this problem in no time. If you have the right fuse but it still isn’t working, the contact points could be dirty. Take out the fuse, clean it with a dry cloth, and you should be good to go.
Capacitor Issues
Just like about every other furnace component, starting capacitors don’t last forever. If you are experiencing power problems on occasion, this is likely the culprit. Luckily, this is an easy fix, so a furnace technician should be able to have you back up and running in no time.
Transformer Failure
The transformer is the part of your furnace that converts the power input from your electrical system into the correct voltage for your furnace. When it isn’t working properly, the system will short out. Replacing the transformer is a quick and easy fix to address this issue.
Bad Blower Motor
The windings in your blower motor can deteriorate over time. The result of this is that it will need to draw more power to get the same output, resulting in a shortage. If a bad blower motor is the culprit, you’ll need to decide whether to replace just the motor or the entire furnace. Your furnace service technician should be able to advise you as to which course of action makes the most sense for you.
Failing Valve or Control Wire
Gas furnaces have valves that vent internal heat. When one or more of your valves isn’t functioning properly, the entire system can overheat or blow a fuse. Replacing the valves should correct this issue at minimal expense. In an electric furnace, you’ll have a control wire instead of valves to regulate internal temperature. If it isn’t doing its job, your furnace could blow a fuse or short out. Typically, you can try gas furnace troubleshooting by rearranging the internal wires to fix this problem.
Furnace Repair Phoenix
Here at Day & Night, we have helped thousands of homeowners in the Phoenix Metro area with their furnace and air conditioner issues. Our technicians are experts at what they do and can handle just about any problem you are experiencing.
If your furnace is having the above issues or any others, we’ll be happy to help. We’ll always answer any questions you have and provide you with a detailed price quote before we begin any work. Once we have fixed your furnace, we’ll be glad to come back at any time to help with your ongoing furnace maintenance. Proper care is the best way to extend the life of your furnace as much as possible.
To learn more about our air conditioning and furnace repair services, get in touch with us right away. The best time to address furnace issues is before they become major problems, so don’t delay!