What is the Most Common Problem with Furnaces?

“I want to be proactive with my furnace maintenance. What is the most common problem with furnaces?”

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• What is the most common problem with furnaces? Here are 10 of the most common furnace problems that you could encounter:

1. Dirty ducts
   
2. Clogged air filters
3. Faulty starting mechanisms
4. Broken blowers
5. Faulty heat exchangers
6. Bad limit switches
7. Gas leaks
8. Strange noises
9. Tripped circuit breakers
10. Broken thermostats

​Staying on top of furnace maintenance can be tricky, especially if you’re not an HVAC professional. You’ll suddenly find yourself experiencing chilly rooms, strange noises and odors, and uneven heating. But you won’t know what exactly is wrong with your heater! Maybe this has already happened, and you’re stuck asking yourself the question, what is the most common problem with furnaces, and is this what I’m dealing with here? That’s why we’re here to break it down for you.
 
In this post, we’ll find out: what is the most common problem with furnaces? We’ll help you identify problems quickly and easily, and then we’ll tell you how you can get your heater inspected by an HVAC professional for free!

What is the Most Common Problem with Furnaces? - HVAC Solutions

So, what is the most common problem with furnaces?

​There is no “one” problem that commonly occurs with residential and commercial furnaces. But there are 10 common problems that can happen to any furnace at any time! The most common problems include:
 

1. Dirty ducts
2. Clogged air filters
3. Faulty starting mechanisms
4. Broken blowers
5. Faulty heat exchangers
6. Bad limit switches
7. Gas leaks
8. Strange noises
9. Tripped circuit breakers
10. Broken thermostats

 
Let’s break each of these down further.

1). Dirty air ducts.

What is the most common problem with furnaces that are old?
 
In older furnaces, dirty air ducts are the most common problem, and they can have a significant impact on the health of the heater. When air ducts become clogged with dust, dirt, and other debris, it can restrict the flow of air through the system, causing the furnace to work harder to heat the home. This can lead to several problems, including:

• Reduced efficiency: Dirty air ducts can reduce the efficiency of a furnace by making it harder for the unit to circulate warm air throughout the home. This can cause the furnace to work harder and use more energy, which can lead to higher heating costs.
• Increased wear and tear: When a furnace is forced to work harder to heat the home, it can lead to increased wear and tear on the unit. This can cause parts to wear out more quickly and can increase the likelihood of breakdowns and repairs.
• Poor indoor air quality: Dirty air ducts can also lead to poor indoor air quality. Dust, dirt, and other debris that accumulates in the ducts can be circulated throughout the home, causing allergies, asthma, and other respiratory problems.
• Reduced lifespan: When a furnace is forced to work harder and experience increased wear and tear, it can lead to a reduced lifespan of the unit. This can result in the need for costly repairs and replacement, which can be avoided with regular maintenance and cleaning of your air ducts.

2). Clogged air filters.

​What is the most common problem with furnaces that produce poor air quality?

Just like with dirty air ducts, clogged air filters can reduce efficiency, increase wear and tear on the unit, reduce the air quality, and reduce the unit’s lifespan. It’s important to change your air filters regularly to prevent these issues from happening and to ensure that your furnace runs well year-round. The frequency of filter replacement is highly dependent on the usage, the number of people living in the house, pets, and other factors. On average, though, it is recommend to check the filter every month and replace it as needed. A professional can help you determine the appropriate filter replacement schedule for you.

3). Faulty starting mechanisms.

What is the most common problem with furnaces that have a hard time starting up?
 
Faulty starting mechanisms can cause a variety of issues that can affect the performance and efficiency of the unit. Here are some of the ways that faulty starting mechanisms can impact a furnace:

• Difficulty starting: If the starting mechanism is faulty, the furnace may have difficulty starting up. This can be frustrating and can cause delays in getting the heat running in your home.
• Reduced efficiency: When a furnace has difficulty starting, it may run less efficiently. This can cause the furnace to use more energy, which can lead to higher heating costs.
• Short cycling: Short cycling is when the furnace turns on and off frequently and for short periods of time. This can be caused by a faulty starting mechanism, and can lead to increased wear and tear on the unit, as well as reduced efficiency.
• Safety hazards: A faulty starting mechanism can also create safety hazards, such as gas leaks or carbon monoxide leaks. It's important to address any issues with the starting mechanism as soon as possible to avoid these hazards.
• Reduced lifespan: If a furnace is frequently having trouble starting, it can lead to reduced lifespan of the unit. It can also cause the need for costly repairs and replacement, which can be avoided with regular maintenance and inspection of the starting mechanism.

4). Broken blowers.

What is the most common problem with furnaces that don’t heat spaces evenly?
The blower is responsible for circulating air throughout the heating system, and without it, the furnace will not be able to heat the home effectively.
One of the main issues caused by a broken blower is a lack of airflow. Without the blower working properly, the furnace will not be able to circulate warm air throughout the home. This can cause the furnace to run less efficiently, as it will have to work harder to heat the home. Additionally, a lack of airflow can cause the furnace to overheat, which can lead to damage to the heat exchanger and other components.
Another issue caused by a broken blower is uneven heating. Without the blower circulating air properly, some rooms in the home may be much warmer than others. This can make the home uncomfortable to live in, and can also cause damage to the furnace over time.
In some cases, a broken blower can also cause the furnace to shut down completely. Without the blower working properly, the furnace may not be able to maintain the proper temperature, and will shut down as a safety measure. This can be a serious problem, especially in the middle of a cold winter.

5). Faulty heat exchangers.

​What is the most common problem with furnaces that use too much energy?
 
A heat exchanger is a crucial component of a furnace, responsible for transferring heat from the combustion process to the air that is distributed throughout a building. If the heat exchanger is faulty, it can have a significant impact on the furnace's performance and efficiency.
One of the main issues caused by a faulty heat exchanger is reduced efficiency. If the heat exchanger is damaged or not functioning properly, it may not transfer heat effectively, resulting in the furnace having to work harder to heat the building. This can lead to increased energy consumption and higher heating bills.

6). Bad limit switches.

What is the most common problem with furnaces that won’t stay on?
A limit switch is a safety device that is installed in a furnace to prevent the furnace from overheating. It is designed to shut off the furnace if the temperature inside the furnace exceeds a certain limit. When a limit switch is not working properly, it can cause a number of problems for the furnace and the homeowner.
One of the most common problems caused by a bad limit switch is that the furnace will not turn on. If the limit switch is stuck in the closed position, it will prevent the furnace from receiving power, and the furnace will not be able to start. This can be frustrating for homeowners, especially during the cold winter months when they need their furnace to be working properly.
Another problem caused by a bad limit switch is that the furnace may turn on and off repeatedly. If the limit switch is not able to accurately sense the temperature inside the furnace, it may turn the furnace off and on frequently, which can be annoying and disruptive. It can also cause wear and tear on the furnace, leading to more frequent repairs and a shorter lifespan for the furnace.
Worst of all, a bad limit switch can also lead to the furnace overheating. If the limit switch is not able to shut off the furnace when the temperature inside the furnace becomes too high, the furnace can become extremely hot. This can be dangerous, as it can cause a fire or other damage to the furnace and the surrounding area.

7). Gas leaks.

What is the most common problem with furnaces that produce strange odors?
A furnace gas leak is a serious issue that can occur in any gas-powered furnace. It happens when there is a break or leak in the gas line that supplies the furnace with fuel. This can cause gas to escape into the home, which can lead to a number of dangerous and potentially deadly consequences.
One of the most immediate dangers of a furnace gas leak is the risk of fire or explosion. Natural gas is highly flammable, and if it accumulates in a confined space, it can ignite and cause a fire or explosion. This can cause significant damage to the home and put the lives of the people living there at risk.
Another danger of a furnace gas leak is the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas that is produced when natural gas burns. If a gas leak occurs and the furnace is not properly ventilated, carbon monoxide can build up in the home and poison the people living there. Carbon monoxide is a leading cause of death from poisoning, and it can cause a wide range of symptoms, including headaches, nausea, and dizziness.
A furnace gas leak can also cause significant damage to the furnace itself. Natural gas is corrosive and can damage the internal components of the furnace, leading to expensive repairs or even the need for a replacement furnace.

8). Strange noises.

What is the most common problem with furnaces that make strange noises?
This is an odd one, but there are several things that can cause your furnace to make strange noises. The type of noise and where it is coming from can provide clues as to what the problem might be. Some common strange noises that a furnace can make include:

• Rattling or banging sounds: These sounds can be caused by loose parts or debris inside the furnace, such as a loose blower wheel or a buildup of dirt and debris in the burners.
• Squealing or screeching sounds: This can indicate a problem with the blower motor or the belt that connects it to the blower wheel. The belt may be worn or loose, or the motor may be in need of lubrication.
• Hissing or whistling sounds: These sounds can indicate a gas leak in the furnace, which can be dangerous. If you hear these sounds, you should immediately open all the windows and evacuate the home, and contact the gas company.
• Popping or crackling sounds: These sounds can be caused by expansion and contraction of metal parts in the furnace as it heats up and cools down. It can also be caused by the combustion process inside the furnace.

9). Tripped circuit breakers.

What is the most common problem with furnaces that won’t turn on?
A tripped circuit breaker is a common problem that can occur in a furnace. It happens when the electrical current flowing through the furnace exceeds the capacity of the circuit breaker, causing it to shut off the power to the furnace. This can prevent the furnace from turning on or functioning properly, which can be incredibly frustrating.
One of the most common causes of a tripped circuit breaker in a furnace is a malfunctioning blower motor. The blower motor is responsible for circulating air through the furnace, and if it is not working properly, it can cause the circuit breaker to trip. This can be caused by a number of issues, including a broken or worn belt, a faulty capacitor, or a clogged air filter.
Another common cause of a tripped circuit breaker in a furnace is a problem with the thermostat. If the thermostat is not properly calibrated or is malfunctioning, it can cause the furnace to turn on and off frequently, which can put a strain on the circuit breaker and cause it to trip.
A tripped circuit breaker can also be caused by a problem with the electrical wiring in the furnace. If the wiring is loose, frayed, or damaged, it can cause a short circuit, which can trip the circuit breaker. This can be caused by a number of factors, including age, wear and tear, and exposure to moisture.

10). Broken thermostats.

Request a free consultation with an HVAC professional today!