5 Common Furnace Fiascos and Their Solutions (Part 2)

April 26, 2019

Do-It-Yourself Furnace Repair

As we continue to look at common furnace problems, remember that a professional HVAC contractor in Santa Rosa and Marin County is just a phone call away. If you ever have any questions about home furnace repair, Next Level HVAC is here to serve you.

1. The Heating is Cycling On and Off Too Rapidly

There are many possible reasons for rapid cycling, but the first thing you should always check is the air filter. A worn out or dirty air filter makes the furnace work harder and is a common cause of rapid cycling. Your HVAC system may require two filters. If so, replace both. Check with an HVAC contractor if you are unsure of the filters' locations.

2. The Furnace Blower Runs Continuously

Make sure the thermostat fan setting is set to "auto" and not "on." Next, check the thermostat's set temperature. If you have set it quite high, it forces the fan to run longer. Try lowering the temperature by five degrees and see if the blower stops. Last, look at the limit switch, located under the furnace hood. If it is set to "manual" or "on," the blower will run continuously. Push the button to reset it to "auto" mode.

3. The Furnace is Noisy

Some furnaces are loud even when they are running fine. This is often true of older homes where ductwork can pop and ping with expansion. Other types of noise may require maintenance. If you hear rattling sounds, inspect the unit for loose panels that need to be tightened. Squealing noises often indicate a loose or worn belt on the fan motor. Replacing it should solve that problem. Grinding sounds are often a sign of worn motor bearings. In that case, it's time to call your HVAC contractor.

4. Gas Burners Light but Go Out After a Few Seconds

This is a common indicator of a bad flame sensor. The flames sensor's job is to monitor whether there is fire in the burner assembly. If it doesn’t detect fire, it turns off the gas. When the flame sensor is dirty, it can't do the job properly. To clean the sensor, do the following:

Turn off the power at the breaker box.
Remove the front access panel to reach the sensor.
Remove the sensor and rub it gently with fine grit sandpaper.
Reattach the sensor and turn the power back on.

5. You Smell Gas

In the event of a strong gas odor or if you suspect a gas leak, leave your home immediately and call your gas company. This is not a situation for you to attempt a repair yourself. Gas leaks not only impair the operation of your furnace they are a health hazard to your family. Let the pros handle this one.

When you need an HVAC contractor in Santa Rosa and Marin County, you can count on Next Level HVAC to provide quality, dependable service. For more information on furnace repair and maintenance, contact us here and request an estimate. Don't forget to like us on Facebook, connect on LinkedIn, and subscribe to our blog.