Why Isn’t My Furnace Working?
When it’s cold outside, the last thing you need is for your furnace to stop working. While most modern residential heating systems are reliable and last between 15 to 20 years with correct use and regular maintenance, sometimes a furnace can experience unexpected issues.
All mechanical objects are bound to have some sort of problem at some point throughout their lifespan, however, pinpointing the problem can be tricky. Knowing why your furnace isn’t working without professional help isn’t easy but you can learn common reasons why a furnace won’t work so you’re prepared if it happens again in the future.
In this blog, we will explain potential reasons your furnace won’t kick on.
There’s No Gas
One of the main and most common reasons most household furnaces stop working is because they don’t have enough fuel in order to run properly. Most homes, new or old, have gas lines that supply enough natural gas to heat a home no matter how big or small the house is. However, if there’s not enough gas going to the line, your furnace can’t build a flame.
To check if there’s enough gas going to your gas lines, you can try igniting your gas stove. If you have a flame, then you have enough gas. If there’s no flame, then your home isn’t getting enough gas to power your furnace and you should contact your gas company and an experienced HVAC professional to inspect your furnace.
You Haven’t Had Maintenance
You’re not alone. A top reason homeowners call HVAC technicians for assistance with their heating system is that they haven’t had maintenance done. Your furnace needs regular maintenance in order to continue to function properly and provide enough heat during the winter months.
Sometimes furnace issues can be as simple as your furnace being dirty or having clogged components filled with dirt and debris. Getting regular maintenance performed on your furnace can not only ensure that your unit works up to its maximum lifespan but also help you save money on repair costs and potential spikes in your utility bills from your furnace being overworked.
Low Refrigerant Levels
If your home has a heat pump installed, your furnace may not be working properly because of low refrigerant levels. When this happens, the heat strips come on too often and can lead to a spike in your utility bills.
If your refrigerant levels are too low for too long, then your compressor can break down. Ultimately, the best way to keep your compressor from breaking down is by recharging the refrigerant or fixing any leaks rather than replacing the compressor.
Cracked Heat Exchanger
Although a cracked heat exchanger doesn’t always mean your furnace is automatically broken, it’s still important to keep an eye out for it. The heat exchanger can impact how efficiently your heating system runs and can sometimes indicate another problem that could cause your furnace to fail. For example, your furnace could fail because of low airflow caused by dirty components.
If your heat exchanger is broken, you should always replace it as soon as you find out since they hold carbon monoxide inside of them.
You Haven’t Called Prestige Air Heating and Cooling To Inspect Your Furnace
One of the most common issues homeowners face with their heating systems is waiting too late to call a professional HVAC technician for help. At Prestige Air Heating & Cooling, LLC, we care about the health of your system as a whole, and maintaining your system is the best preventative measure to take when it comes to staying warm during winter. If you have any questions about how we can help you keep your heating system in good condition, we’d be happy to speak with you and answer your questions!
Call us today at (F:P:Sub:Phone} to speak with our team about all of your HVAC needs!