The 5 Most Common Furnace Issues During Winter

12/02/24

Winter brings extra strain on your furnace as it works overtime to keep your home warm, making it more susceptible to common issues. From small hiccups that can lead to insufficient heating to serious problems like system breakdowns, these issues can leave you struggling to stay warm during the coldest times.

At Caffi Services, we understand how crucial a reliable furnace is during the coldest months, which is why we’re here to help. Let’s explore the five most common issues to watch for this season.

Ignition System Failure

The first common issue to watch out for this winter is ignition system failure. This problem can leave your furnace unable to produce heat, making your home chilly and uncomfortable. Ignoring it may lead to higher energy bills and more strain on your system. A quick repair is essential to restore proper function and prevent further damage, ensuring your furnace operates efficiently and safely.

Be on the lookout for:

• Furnace won’t turn on
• Pilot light won’t stay lit
• Short-cycling (turns on and off frequently)
• Furnace makes a clicking sound but doesn’t ignite
• Error code displayed on the thermostat or furnace

Poor Airflow

Good airflow is key to keeping your furnace running smoothly and your home comfortable. When air flows freely, your furnace operates efficiently, saving energy and maintaining a consistent temperature.

When vents or filters get clogged or blocked:

• Your furnace works harder to circulate warm air.
• It can cause overheating, lower efficiency, and potential breakdowns over time.
• It may lead to poor indoor air quality and uncomfortable temperatures in your home.

It’s important to keep your vents clear and open and replace filters every one to three months, depending on how frequently your furnace runs and other factors like dust and pet dander.

Blower Motor Problems

The blower motor, located inside the furnace, plays a crucial role by pushing warm air through your vents and into your home. When it fails, you might notice that the furnace is running but there’s little or no warm air circulating. This can lead to weak airflow, uneven heating, or no heat at all. A faulty blower motor can also cause your furnace to overwork, leading to higher energy bills and potential damage if not fixed quickly.

Thermostat Malfunctions

Another common winter furnace issue is a malfunctioning thermostat, which can cause inconsistent temperatures, with your furnace either running constantly or not heating your home evenly. In some cases, it may prevent the furnace from turning on at all, leading to no heating. This can result in higher energy bills as the system runs longer than necessary, wasting energy.

How to troubleshoot:

• Check the thermostat settings to ensure it’s on “heat” mode and set to the desired temperature.
• Replace the thermostat batteries if needed.
• Make sure the thermostat is not located near heat sources (like a lamp or oven), as this can affect readings.

If troubleshooting doesn’t resolve the issue, or the thermostat still seems inaccurate or unresponsive, it’s time to call a professional for repairs.

Frequent Cycling

Is your furnace turning on and off more often than usual? This is known as frequent cycling, and it can happen for a variety of reasons, such as a dirty air filter, clogged vents, or a faulty thermostat. When your furnace cycles too frequently, it works harder than it should, which can lead to overheating, reduced efficiency, and increased wear on the system. If not fixed promptly, frequent cycling can cause serious damage to your furnace, leading to costly repairs and higher energy bills.

Depend On Caffi Services To Fix Common Furnace Issues

For over 50 years, Caffi Services has been your go-to HVAC provider for keeping your home warm and comfy. From furnace repairs and replacements to installations and regular maintenance, our team works on ANY make or model of HVAC. We’re here for you 24/7 with emergency service, and we’re passionate about using environmentally friendly solutions to save you energy and reduce your carbon footprint.

Let us take care of your heating needs so you can enjoy a cozy, efficient home all year long. Contact us to schedule services today!