You may not think much about planning ahead for furnace repairs, but it’s a good idea to give the topic some thought. The best way to stay ahead of a total breakdown is to pay attention to the early signs of furnace problems and get them fixed sooner rather than later.
Why Is Regular Furnace Maintenance Essential?
- It prevents common issues like thermostat miscalibration, airflow blockages from dirty filters, and pilot light discoloration.
- Maintenance addresses worn parts—such as fraying blower belts—to avoid squealing noises or belt failure.
- It ensures safe operation, improves efficiency, and helps catch minor problems before they lead to major repairs.
When you need furnace repair in Butler, PA you can give our team a call to schedule service. Whether you know what the problem is or not, we can figure it out. We’ll troubleshoot and get down to the root issue to fix it so it doesn’t happen again. You can keep reading to learn more about common furnace problems and the associated repair needs.
Thermostat Issues
One of the most common furnace problems doesn’t actually have anything to do with your furnace at all. Instead, the problem lies within your thermostat. For heater operation, you select heat settings on your thermostat. Then, your thermostat has to communicate with your furnace to heat your home to your desired temperature.
If your thermostat is miscalibrated or some of the connections are not communicating the way they should, your heater will not work to heat your home. Your heater may stay on for too long, turn on and off repeatedly, or even heat your home too much or too little. Luckily, thermostat problems are usually very easy to troubleshoot. We can clean out your thermostat, re-calibrate it, and even replace it completely if it is outdated.
Lack of Airflow
It’s also possible that lack of airflow can contribute to heater problems. Usually, we see airflow problems when air filters are not changed out as they should be. But it’s also possible for blockages to happen within your furnace that prevent exhaust air from channeling outside of your home or that trap heated air so it cannot move through the system the way it needs to.
If hot air gets trapped and your furnace begins to overheat, the system will shut off as a safety precaution. Our team can check your air filter, review the inside of your system, and ensure that airflow is not a problem. For deeper issues, we’ll assess what’s wrong with your furnace and recommend the best fix. If we have recommendations that can improve operation, we can talk to you and even offer usage tips.
Pilot Light Changes
You also want to pay attention to the color of your pilot light if you have a gas furnace. The pilot light should always burn bright blue. If it is any other color, that is a problem. You may be thinking that a light blue or even yellow/orange flame is not a problem since that’s a pretty standard color for fire.
But when it comes to your pilot light, bright blue is the only color you should see when the flame is burning. Any other color can mean that there is too much gas in the chamber, that the chamber is dirty, or that other problems are contributing to unusual heating operation. If your system behaves erratically, it may be time for furnace troubleshooting when it’s malfunctioning.
Blower Belt Wearing Down
We also see a lot of problems with blower belts. Since the blower belt is rotating consistently during operation, it can fray and stretch out. This results in the blower belt making a squealing noise during operation. If you hear any unusual sounds while your furnace is on or notice changes and heating output, it is important to schedule service.
Replacing a worn-down blower belt with a newer version is a very easy fix. However, a broken blower belt that snaps and knocks around inside of your furnace can do even more damage and result in more significant repair needs. If that happens, your furnace blower motor might fail, and professional attention will be needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Question: What thermostat issues commonly affect furnace performance?
Answer: Miscalibration or faulty connections in the thermostat can cause your furnace to run too long, short cycle, or heat improperly. These issues are usually straightforward to fix with recalibration or a thermostat replacement.
Question: How does poor airflow impact my furnace?
Answer: Poor airflow, often due to clogged filters or blockages, can cause the furnace to overheat and shut down. Replacing filters and clearing obstructions helps maintain safe and efficient operation.
Question: Why is the color of my pilot light important?
Answer: A healthy pilot light should burn bright blue. If it turns yellow or orange, it may signal dirty conditions or an incorrect gas-to-air ratio, which can compromise efficiency and safety.
Question: What role does the blower belt play, and what happens when it wears out?
Answer: The blower belt moves heated air through your home. When it becomes worn or stretched, it can cause squealing sounds or airflow issues. If it breaks completely, it may lead to more serious furnace problems.
Contact Kennihan Plumbing & Heating, Inc. today to schedule an appointment with our professionals. We treat your home like it’s our grandma’s home.