When a nor’easter barrels through James City, VA, the last thing you want is a malfunctioning furnace. Although furnaces are generally reliable and last for a long time, their parts can wear out or fail. These are four of the common furnace repair issues our technicians find in area homes.
Pilot Goes Out
Furnaces that are more than 10 years old usually have a pilot. The pilot must always be on so the furnace can burn fuel. A pilot light that keeps going out is a common problem. It’s usually caused by an airflow or gas supply problem. These issues require professional attention.
Ignition Problem
Newer furnaces typically have a hot-surface or intermittent ignition. Hot-surface igniters use current flowing through wires to heat the gas. Other ignitions create sparks to light the gas. An ignition failure means the fuel won’t burn. In most cases, a safety switch will cut the flow of gas. However, it’s important for your home to have a carbon monoxide detector. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, this type of combustion problem puts you at risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.
No Heat
No heat is one of the most common furnace issues. A frequent culprit is a dirty air filter. When the filter’s pores are obstructed, heated air can’t pass through them. This may lead the furnace’s heat exchanger to overheat. You’ll need a professional heating repair if that happens.
Rapid Heating Cycles
If your furnace keeps turning off and on, the thermocouple, gas supply valve or heat exchanger could be failing. It could also have a dirty filter. The furnace’s safety system prevents it from turning on again for about 60 seconds. If you notice this pattern for more than 10 minutes, you need a prompt furnace repair to find out what’s causing the issue.
To learn more about common furnace problems, take a look at Comfortable Climate Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc’s heating repair services, or contact us today.
