A furnace is a very expensive, very necessary piece of equipment for most homes, which is why it’s important to make sure it stays in great condition for as long as possible. However, as with any piece of machinery, it still pays to know what the most common furnace problems are, and have at least a little insight into how to fix them – that way you can save yourself as much time and money as possible. So what are some of the most common problems and solutions? Just take a look below.

Is It On?

It may seem like the most ridiculous solution, but more people than would care to admit have found their furnace problems magically solved by simply double-checking that the thermostat is actually set to “heat,” and that the desired temperature is set to a number above normal room temperature. In fact, it’s so common, that’s usually the first thing a technician will ask when someone calls in about issue they’re having. If it is set correctly, however, you may also want to check if there is dust clogging the thermostat, or if the batteries/electric supply is sufficient. Lastly, if all that checks out, try to reset the circuit breaker to see if a fuse may have been tripped or blown accidentally – all you have to do is locate the right one and flip it back and forth, making sure it find its way back to the “on” position.

Clogs & Blockages

If it seems like your furnace just isn’t keeping up as far as producing enough warmth for everyone, you may be having more of an airflow problem than anything else. This, of course, can also be a particularly dangerous problem to have since anything flammable that becomes an obstacle for a furnace can cause a fire. That could mean a seriously clogged filter, exterior blockages from boxes and other items stored too close to the main furnace, blockages in your vent system or vent obstructions, heat pump/intake/exhaust vent obstructions, and/or a blocked furnace blower. To solve this problem, make sure you prioritize cleaning our and removing debris and clutter from anywhere any component of your furnace needs clear space. Change/clean filters regularly, give your furnace some breathing room, remove leaves and debris from interior and exterior vents, and do whatever else you need to ensure clean, optimal airflow.

What’s That Sound?

If your furnace is making loud or peculiar noises, you might begin to panic. However, not ever noise is a sign of systemic distress, for instance:

Popping/pinging sounds usually just end up being a result of the natural expansions and contractions of the ductwork as it’s heated and cooled.
Grinding sounds are usually a little more serious, and could mean your motor bearings need to be looked at, which can only be done by a professional technician.
Squealing noises almost always point to your fan belt. It may have slipped out and needs to be reattached, or it’s frayed/ripped/torn and needs to be replaced – all of which are an easy fix.
Rattling noises are not usually something to be concerned about as they are usually just from loose panels that need to be retightened a bit.

Smelling Gas

One of the worst problems you can face is a gas leak given how incredibly dangerous they are. If you or someone in your family smells a strong gas smell, you need to get your loved ones out of the home immediately and contact your gas company. Do not re-enter the property again until you get the official go-ahead from the proper authorities to ensure the safety of you and all involved.

Just remember, if the problem you’re having with your furnace is that it’s just too old, or you just don’t feel confident handling whatever it is on your own, our friendly HVAC specialists at AFM Heating & Cooling have all the new furnaces and installation services you need to get your home back in perfect working order before you know it! Whatever possible problem your furnace seems to be having, you can always count on our repair professionals to have it handled. Call AFM Heating & Cooling at 734.464.6700 for a free consultation, or simply fill out the form in the sidebar, today.