A.Borrelli's HVAC & Plumbing Guide

Common Reasons Why Your Furnace Isn’t Working Properly

Written by A. Borrelli Mechanical | 11/12/2019

When the winter seasons arrives, many homeowners in Westchester face the problem with their furnace system. From a broken thermostat to old filters, there are several reasons why your furnace might not be performing properly.

  1. Dirty Filters - Dirty or clogged air filters reduce airflow, making a furnace work harder to circulate. This can lead to a multitude of furnace problems. If your furnace turns on but doesn’t blow hot air very long, there is a good chance that your filter is too clogged. So be sure to clean or replace the filter once a month or according to the manufacturer’s directions.
  2. Broken Thermostat - Sometimes, you might just need to set the thermostat correctly to make your furnace work. Verify the temperature setting and that the thermostat is set to heat, rather than “air” or “off.” In some models, replacing the battery on some models may also do the trick.
  3. Ignition Problems - Modern furnace systems use either the intermittent pilot or hot surface ignition to start the furnace. A faulty ignition or pilot could make it difficult to heat a home or commercial space. Thermocouple problems, drafts or clogs in the appliance may result in an unlit pilot light. Call an HVAC technician immediately to get your furnace checked out.
  4. Belt and Blower Problems - If your furnace is making a high pitched sound, it is likely the blower belt or the blower itself. Have a qualified heating repair technician inspect and diagnose your system immediately.
  5. Burner Issues - Your furnace relies on a burner to heat the air that is then blown through your air ducts and delivered to the rooms in your home. If a burner is dirty or needs adjustment, it can lead to no heat, or very poor efficiently. Give your local licensed HVAC contractor a call to have them repair your furnace.

When it comes time to get your furnace checked out, remember that A. Borrelli is your source for HVAC in Westchester.