Winter is the time of year when furnaces see the most use, which means it\u2019s also the time of year when furnace problems are the most common. Since furnace problems tend to get progressively worse the longer they are allowed to continue, the sooner they get repaired the better off the system is. You should familiarize yourself with the most common furnace problems, and their warning signs, so that you know when to call for repairs. Let\u2019s take a look at some of those problems now.<\/p>\n
Short cycling is caused by heat becoming trapped in the furnace, either due to a clogged air filter or a malfunctioning air handler. As the temperature in the furnace rises, the limit switch activates and shuts the furnace down as a safety measure. The limit switch cannot address the core problem, however. When the furnace cools down enough to start up again, it will overheat again and be shut down again. This cycle will continue until the furnace breaks down from the strain. If you hear your furnace turning on and off every couple of minutes, shut it down and call for repairs.<\/p>\n
If you use a gas furnace, then you have a pilot light of some kind. The pilot light is the device that ignites the stream of natural gas in the burner assembly. Without it, the furnace wouldn\u2019t be able to turn on and generate heat. The pilot light can be a standing gas flame, or a more modern device like an electrode or heating element. Regardless, the furnace needs the pilot light to function. If your furnace doesn\u2019t seem to be turning on at all, you may need to have your pilot light fixed.<\/p>\n