Common Furnace Issues and How to Fix Them

Your furnace is vital for keeping your home warm and comfortable during our Okanagan winters. However, like any appliance, it may encounter problems. Being aware of common furnace issues and how to address them may help prevent costly repairs and ensure your home stays cozy. From the skilled HVAC technicians at A-1 Heating and Cooling, here are some of the most common furnace issues and solutions:

One of the most frustrating problems is when your furnace or heat pump seems to refuse to turn on. This issue can often be caused by a tripped circuit breaker, a blown fuse, or a malfunctioning thermostat. Start by checking your thermostat settings to make sure it’s set to heating mode, then check your circuit breaker and reset it if needed. If the problem persists, it may be time to call us at A1-Kelowna – We can get your heat back on!

If your furnace is running but not producing enough heat, it could be due to a clogged air filter, a faulty blower motor, a part malfunction, or an issue with the thermostat. Replacing a clogged air filter is an easy fix. Next check your thermostat is functioning properly by moving up the temperature at least 10C and see if you hear anything different in your vents. You could also try the Emergency Heat setting if you have one. If the issue persists, the blower motor or part might need professional attention.

Unusual noises, like squealing, banging, or rattling, can be an indication of a problem. A squealing sound often means the blower belt is worn out or misaligned. Banging could indicate loose parts or debris in the furnace. Rattling sounds might be caused by an issue with the fan. If you hear these noises, it’s best to have our A1 Kelowna Heating and Cooling technician inspect your furnace to avoid further damage.

If your furnace turns on and off frequently (known as short cycling), this could be caused by a malfunctioning thermostat, dirty air filter, or an issue with the furnace’s internal components. Ensure your air filter is clean (it can be removed from the front of your furnace and a new one pushed in). You might need a new thermostat which is not a really expensive item, and new ones have WIFI capability so they can be adjusted even while you are out of the house or the country! If short cycling continues, a technician may need to inspect the system for more serious issues.

A pilot light that is yellow or flickering instead of blue could indicate a problem with the burner, gas flow, or the thermocouple in a gas furnace. This issue could also be a sign of carbon monoxide buildup, which is dangerous. If you notice this, it’s important to get your furnace inspected immediately for safety reasons.