It’s every homeowner’s nightmare: with the Virginia winter drawing in, you decide to crank up the thermostat – only to find your furnace won’t turn on.
We rely on our HVAC all year round, but it’s especially important during the winter months. If you’re stuck in a cold home, you want to act fast and resolve your heating issue today.
We’ve put together this simple guide for homeowners in Fredricksburg to explain the 4 most common furnace issues you’ll see this winter.
Read on for everything you need to know.
1. Electrical Short
If your thermostat is plugged in, but your HVAC system isn’t responding, you could have a problem with the electrical supply.
Double-check that your thermostat is on the right setting. If you still get no response, locate the circuit breaker connected to your thermostat.
If the breaker switch is off, return it to the on position. If it stays on, the electrical fault may have been caused by a one-off incident such as a power surge. If the switch flips back off when you use the thermostat, you have an electrical fault and should call a professional electrician.
2. Squealing or Grating Noises
If your furnace is making weird noises, that’s a strong indicator that you need furnace repairs. Different noises indicate different issues.
For example, a grating or rattling sound usually means that the ball bearings have worn out. Running a furnace on worn bearings can cause lasting damage, so get it repaired by one of our experienced technicians now.
If your furnace is making a high-pitched squeal, you probably have a slipped blower belt. While this can be repaired at home with a little mechanical know-how, you can save yourself time and effort by giving us a call.
3. Ignition Problem
If your pilot light keeps going out, or you’re finding it difficult to get it lit, you should contact a professional to identify the cause.
Ignition problems can lead to gas being released without being burned, which can be very dangerous. You should shut your boiler down until you know what’s causing the issues.
While the issue might be a simple fix, it’s not worth risking it in the meantime.
4. Dirty Filters
If your air filters are dirty, your HVAC system has to work twice as hard to pump air around your home. Putting undue stress on your furnace shortens its lifespan and leads to costly repairs.
You can prevent this by regularly changing the air filters in your furnace. Check your owner’s manual for a guide on how often you should replace your filters.
Your Furnace Issues Resolved
Nobody wants to be in a cold house this winter. By looking out for these common furnace issues, you can be proactive and keep your home warm when you need it most.
Here at Alco HVAC, we’re on hand to keep your furnace running, no matter what the problem is. Contact us today for all your furnace and HVAC needs.
