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In the cold seasons, your furnace becomes an important asset, keeping your home comfortable when the temperature outside becomes unbearable. The last thing you want is your heating unit failing due to an accumulation of problems. As a homeowner, knowing the problems that are likely to occur with your gas furnace is beneficial. This will help you know when issues arise so you can ensure they are solved on time for optimal efficiency.
1. Dirty or Clogged Air Filters
Within your gas furnace is an air filter that removes dirt, dust, pet dander and other air pollutants. After some time, filtered particles may block the pores in the filters, restricting airflow. The furnace has to work harder to draw in air, leading to overheating. Most gas furnaces have a safety mechanism that shuts off the system when the temperature exceeds the acceptable range to prevent fire hazards or system damage.
Depending on the type of air filter, you can either clean or replace it. Most air filter manufacturers recommend homeowners replace the air filters every three months.
2. Ignition Problems
Gas furnaces depends on the pilot light to ignite the fuel (gas). The pilot light burns continually in a blue flame. Soot may accumulate on its assembly, partially or fully obstructing the flame. The pilot light may then fail to ignite the furnace.
Your furnace also has another component, the flame sensor, which detects the pilot light. When there is a flame, the sensor triggers the gas valve to open and release gas. Sometimes, soot and dirt may accumulate on the flame sensor, limiting its visibility. In such conditions, it cannot signal the gas valve accurately, and you will notice irregular patterns in your furnace operation.
3. Booming and Screeching Noises
Is your gas furnace making weird noises? Mostly, the unit has a tapping sound as it shuts on or off. But sometimes, it may make other loud noises, indicating underlying problems. When the thermostat signals the furnace to start a new cycle, the gas valve opens and releases the fuel ignited by the pilot light. However, this gas is sometimes not burnt immediately, and some leaks into the combustion chamber. Finally, the fuel is ignited, and the accumulated gas burns suddenly, resulting in a booming noise.
If you hear what sounds like metal dragging against metal in your gas furnace, there is a probability that’s what’s going on. With time, the components within your gas furnace may come loose. A blower fan, for example, will drag its blades against the furnace casing when the furnace is in a cycle.
4. Short Cycling
A gas furnace turns off or on depending on indoor temperature levels. It continues to run until the room is heated to the temperature on the thermostat, then shuts off. However, sometimes, you may note your furnace fails to complete a cycle and turns off before heating the room to the desired temperature. It then turns on again without a proper break. This will result in uneven temperature in your home.
Short cycling may result from restricted airflow due to blocked vents and air filters. The heat exchanger retains heat, leading to overheating. An oversized furnace may also cause short cycles. If it’s too large for your home, it reaches the heating demand quickly, then turns off suddenly.
5. Gas Leakage
A cracked heat exchanger is the most common cause of gas leakage in your furnace. This is where the air is mixed with the fuel and combusted. The blower fans blow air over the heat exchanger to pick up the heat so it gets to your home when warm. A cracked heat exchanger can let gas to leak out of the furnace before it is combusted. Other times, the leakage may happen in the supply line if there are cracks or gaps.
Natural gas is colorless and odorless. Most gas suppliers add odorants, mostly Sulphur, to help homeowners realize when there is a gas leakage. The gas will thus smell like rotten eggs. You can also hear a hissing sound near the furnace as the gas forces itself out of a small crack.
Problems with your gas furnace may compromise the safety of your home. If you notice any or several of these gas furnace problems, consult professional HVAC experts at Custom Air Inc.. We provide excellent heating, ventilation and air conditioning services and in Greensboro, NV. We are your go-to company whenever your systems need repair, replacements, maintenance or new system installation. Contact Custom Air Inc. today and let us make your indoor environment comfortable.
