3 Simple Furnace Troubleshooting Tips

As the colder season approaches, there is no better time than now to check your HVAC system to ensure that your furnace will fire up to keep you and your family warm.

Furnace problems can be frustrating since there are many issues that you may need to troubleshoot to find the cause of your furnace problems. There are some furnace problems that can be fixed quickly and easily, but there are other problems with your furnace that require expert help to solve.

Either way, we want to make sure that you and your family are warm in the coming winter months. Here are the three most common furnace problems that you may experience as you turn on your furnace this season.

 

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1. Why Is My Furnace Making A Clicking Noise?

If your furnace is constantly making a clicking noise then you are likely looking at a mechanical malfunction of some sort. A clicking furnace is often caused when the furnace’s spark igniter tries to ignite the pilot light or burners.

Quick Diagnosis For Clicking Furnaces

  • Loose Inducer
  • Worn Motor Bearings
  • Gas Valve Problems
  • Pilot Light Problems

Additional Information To Help Fix A Clicking Furnace

While it sounds bad, that clicking noise that you hear from your furnace is a common issue in the cold winter months. Here are a few ideas to start troubleshooting if you hear a clicking noise coming from your furnace:

  • Loose Inducer: Gas-powered furnaces rely on a motor-powered fan, commonly known as an inducer, to eliminate fumes and smoke from the HVAC system. If the inducer becomes loose, the fan might make clicking noises.
  • Worn Motor Bearings: Bad or worn motor bearings are another common reason for a clicking furnace. Motor bearings in electric HVAC motors support the rotor.
  • Gas Valve Problems: If you hear clicking in your HVAC motor, another potential cause of the issue is a gas valve problem. Gas valves can experience several modes of failure, depending on the type of gas valve installed in the home.
  • Pilot Light Problems: A non-working or malfunctioning pilot light is another simple cause of a clicking furnace. If the pilot light isn’t working correctly, the HVAC system fails. If unlit, try lighting it. If already lit, this is likely not the issue that’s causing the problem.

All of these situations are frustrating for homeowners who don’t have the tools or experience needed to repair their HVAC systems. However, these are all issues that a trained HVAC technician can handle with ease and get your furnace up and running to ensure you and your family stay warm this winter.

 

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2. What Should I Do If My Furnace Is Blowing Cold Air?

Sometimes you will feel lukewarm air blowing from your air vents. This can be alarming, especially if your home’s temperature drops below a comfortable level. Luckily, you can either replace some HVAC system parts or talk to a trained HVAC repair professional to help you today!

Quick Diagnosis For Lukewarm Air From Your Furnace

  • Check your air filters
  • Check your thermostat settings
  • Check your pilot light

Additional Information To Help Fix A Furnace Blowing Lukewarm Air

Here are several reasons that your HVAC system isn’t moving treated air into your living space and what you can do to address these issues.

  • Dirty Air Filter: The air filter in your HVAC system plays an essential role in how well your furnace is operating. Air filters help to remove contaminants and debris from entering your HVAC system for a higher quality of air circulation. Generally, air filters should get replaced regularly, based on the recommendations of the manufacturer.
  • Check Your Thermostat Settings: Another potential reason why your HVAC system is blowing cold air is that the thermostat setting is too low. The solution to this problem is also straightforward. Readjust your thermostat to your desired temperature and wait for things to heat up.
  • Check For Pilot Light Problem: A faulty or malfunctioning pilot light can be another reason why your HVAC system is blowing cold air. Without a pilot light, the furnace is unable to work correctly.

Check the thermostat ensure it displays your desired temperature since lukewarm air blowing from your vents is often caused by a thermostat setting.

Lastly, check that your pilot light works. If these things don’t solve your cold air problem, consider calling a trained HVAC professional to diagnose and fix the issue.

 

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3. Why Is My Furnace Leaking Water?

Another question homeowners have regarding their residential HVAC system is why their furnace leaks water. Frequently, high-efficiency gas furnaces use a floor drain to remove condensation from the unit. A leak can happen as a result of a line break or obstruction in the condensation tubing.

When this happens, the moisture from the hot exhaust cools down and condenses in the pipe. It then runs back to the furnace and leaks out.

Furnaces equipped with a built-in humidifier can also be the source of leaks. If the humidifier is clogged or leaking, water pooled underneath your heater makes sense.

Quick Diagnosis If Your Furnace Is Leaking Water

  • Check your condensation tubing
  • Check furnace humidifier
  • Ensure tubes are not clogged

Additional Information To Help Fix Leaking Furnace

If you discover a leak or clog, contacting an HVAC professional is the fastest and best way to deal with the issue and get it resolved quickly.

Skilled technicians understand the inner workings of your furnace and HVAC systems and they can quickly source the problem, then take steps to repair the problems.

Other factors that can result in HVAC leaks include faulty vent or flue pipe. The job of the flue pipe is to eliminate gases from the combustion process safely out of your home.

When working correctly, combustible gases get moved outdoors before they cool down and condense, causing moisture.

If the exhaust pipe isn’t the right size or doesn’t have a slope, gases get trapped in the flue. As the trapped gases cool off in the pipeline, they turn into condensation which leaks out of your furnace.

Don’t Get Caught Without Heat

Your HVAC system plays a vital role in having a comfortable home year-round, but you need a furnace that puts out enough heat for your family in the winter months.

By addressing issues as they arise, and following the manufacturers recommended maintenance, you can extend the life of your heating and air system. By doing so, you can avoid having to make a significant HVAC replacement.

If you’re experiencing troubles with your HVAC system or you need professional help with maintenance items, the sooner you call a trained HVAC technician, the better. You can avoid discomfort and a broken heater later by not procrastinating on the needed repairs or maintenance.

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Common Furnace Problem FAQs

How do you troubleshoot a furnace problem?

There are several troubleshooting steps that you can take if your furnace won’t turn on:

  1. Check your circuit breakers
  2. Check your thermostat settings
  3. Ensure your furnace filters are clean
  4. Check your pilot light
  5. Check your blower motor
  6. Check the furnace ignition switch
What if my furnace is blowing lukewarm air?

Having a furnace that won’t turn on is different than having a furnace that blows lukewarm air. You will need to take a look at your HVAC system if your furnace blows lukewarm air: 

  1. Check your thermostat’s settings.
  2. Check that your air filter is clean and you don’t have a clogged air filter
  3. Check that your circuit breaker is not off
  4. Ensure that you have not experienced a power outage.
  5. Check that your air ducts are not blocked
  6. See if you own a two-stage furnace.
How do you know if your furnace is bad?
If your furnace is constantly clicking, blowing lukewarm air, or not turning on then you may have a serious problem. You can also tell if your furnace has issues if your energy bills go up as it is not working efficiently.