In Cincinnati, Ohio, homeowners need their common furnace repairs done right when the weather gets cold. Winter in Ohio requires the furnace in your home to work like new all season long. From small problems to big ones, furnace repairs cause homeowners unnecessary stress. No one wants to fix their furnace when the temperature falls below freezing.
That’s where Thomas & Galbraith comes in handy. We have all the information you need for common furnace repairs. From DIY fixes to professional assistance, Thomas & Galbraith knows everything you need to successfully repair your furnace. Even if you end up needing a replacement furnace, we have your back. Our trained technicians are ready to help whenever you need it.
Furnace Problems
Common furnace repairs are a pain, but they become easier when you know the cause of the issue. Most furnaces have similar problems, which makes repairs fairly understandable. On this list, you can see some of the most common furnace problems. They range in severity, but they all happen from time to time when you own a furnace.
- Belt and blower. First of all, broken belts and blowers contribute to common furnace repairs. When a belt or blower breaks, they usually emit a high-pitched noise. Not only does this noise irritate homeowners, it also warrants some much-needed repairs. The belt and blower are both essential to the functionality of your system, so if these break, the furnace stops working.
- Burner. Next, the burners cause problems when they break. Burners heat the air that blows through your home, so if it breaks or malfunctions, then heat does not go into your space. Burner problems range in severity, which means that some adjustments must be made by professionals.
- Clogged air filter. One of the most common furnace repairs relates to how clean the air filters are. Like other HVAC equipment, furnaces use air filters to clean the air before putting it back in the home. When a filter gets dirty, it impacts air quality as well as how much air actually flows through your home.
- Ignition. Ignition problems tend to be more serious than other furnace problems. Because of this, they often require proper diagnosis by professionals. Electric ignition or a pilot can both have debris that keeps them from working as they should. If the ignition doesn’t work, then the whole furnace stops regular functions.
- Thermostat. The thermostat has more of an impact on your furnace than you think. When the thermostat goes uncalibrated—for a number of reasons—the temperature in your home suffers. If the thermostat gets dirty or rests in direct sunlight, then it will have trouble calibrating itself, which means it tells the furnace the wrong temperature of the home.
- Tripped breaker. Lastly, the circuit breaker causes a need for common furnace repairs. Tripped breakers cause a variety of problems in the home, but during the cold, you don’t want it to interfere with the temperature. Even if one switch flipped unexpectedly, the furnace might not work.
DIYs for Common Furnace Repairs
Now that the common problems are outlined, we can discuss some of the most common furnace repairs that homeowners can do on their own. Luckily, furnaces have relatively easy troubleshooting tips, so most homeowners can diagnose and fix the problem on their own. However, some problems require the help of a professional, so don’t be afraid to call in reinforcements if you need them.
- Change the filter. Common furnace repairs range in difficulty, but this one is by far the easiest. If you notice the furnace doesn’t blow heat like it should, you should change the air filter. Filters should be changed about once a month, so make sure to stay on top of it. Dirt collects in filters quickly, which means the quality of the air depends on those filter changes. Switch out filters often to keep the air clean.
- Check burner flames. Burner flame problems should be addressed by a professional, but homeowners can check to see if anything seems amiss. Firstly, the flame should be even and blue in color. If you notice it flickering or changing colors, it’s time to call a professional. Still, it’s good to know what a healthy burner flame looks like to ensure the functionality of your furnace!
- Check the ignition. Again, this job only relates to checking. As a homeowner, you should not attempt to fix ignition issues on your own. However, homeowners can make sure nothing seems off about their electric or pilot ignition. If things look different than normal, call a professional.
- Check the thermostat. Common furnace repairs don’t get much easier than checking the thermostat. A quick adjustment to the thermostat fixes a range of furnace problems. When the sensor gets dirty or if it rests in direct sunlight, then the reading produces the incorrect temperature. Make sure to dust off the thermostat and use a cover if it experiences direct sunlight.
- Clean around the furnace. The furnace needs a clean area to function properly. Because of this, it’s important to clear the area around your furnace to ensure obstructions don’t impede the flow of air. Make sure to dust around the system as well—it helps keep the air clean!
- Clean the furnace itself. After that, take some time to clean the furnace itself. Everything works better after a quick clean. A dirty furnace is no different. Vacuum the burner and blower cavities to remove any dust and dirt, then clean off the rest of the system. Don’t forget to turn off the furnace before you start!
- Make sure gas is on. Occasionally, the gas gets turned off on accident. When that happens, the furnace stops working. Luckily, this repair entails turning the gas back on and nothing else! However, if you suspect another issue with the gas—such as a leak—consult a professional, as it can be a more serious problem.
- Oil the furnace. Try to oil the mechanics of the furnace if you notice it acting up. Well-oiled parts keep the mechanics from sticking, which means that the system runs as intended. Apply two to three drops of machine oil after cleaning the oil caps to keep everything lubricated. Make sure not to over-lubricate the system, as that causes other kinds of issues.
- Reset the breaker. The next out of these common furnace repairs lies with the breaker. Reset the circuit breaker if you suspect the problem stems from a tripped circuit. If the furnace stops working altogether, try to reset the breaker before you call a professional.
When to Call a Professional for Common Furnace Repairs
Some common furnace repairs require the help of a trained professional. When these problems are attempted by the homeowner, they can produce disastrous results that impact the safety of you and your home. Avoid minor mistakes that lead to major consequences by enlisting a professional.
- Complete replacement. One of the common furnace repairs actually falls under the category of replacements! Furnaces last about 10 years, so if your furnace is older than that, it might be time for complete replacement. Replacements can only be performed by trained professionals, so give one a call to invest in a new system.
- Gas leaks. Gas leaks impact your health and safety, so always call a professional if you suspect a leak. Gas leaks usually smell like sulfur, but they can also present as a hissing or whistling noise. Some homeowners report seeing a white or dust cloud near the gas line during a gas leak. If you notice any of these issues, immediately call a professional.
- Ignition repairs. As stated previously, all ignition issues should be handled by a technician. Call a professional if the ignition makes clicking noises and does not provide heat. Because these fixes are relatively difficult to pin down, it’s best to leave them to professional technicians. Homeowners can check on the ignition but should not do much more than that.
- Maintenance checks. One of the best ways to avoid common furnace repairs is to schedule regular maintenance checks. Maintenance checks should be scheduled once every year, so make sure to book an appointment for your furnace. It’s best to get the furnace checked out during the summer so you don’t have to worry about it during the winter when you need the furnace most.
- Noises. Belt or blower issues usually result in noise coming from the furnace. In these situations, you need a professional to perform common furnace repairs. In most cases, homeowners do not have the ability or the tools required to perform the proper fix. If the belt or blower is broken and needs replaced, then you need the help of a professional technician.
Contact Us
Common furnace repairs don’t need to cause homeowners stress. At Thomas & Galbraith in Cincinnati, we aim to help homeowners understand when they can fix their furnaces by themselves and when they need to call in one of our trained technicians.
Whether you want DIY solutions or a professional, Thomas & Galbraith has your back. Give us a call today to learn more about how to care for your furnace. If you want to schedule a maintenance check, we can give you a free estimate on the phone. Don’t waste any more time worrying about your furnace. Call today!
