Several common furnace problems can affect the functioning of your furnace. The pilot light may go out, or there may be an electrical issue. Either way, you will need to replace the ignition system to allow your furnace to function. In addition, dirty filters can cause the furnace to work harder than it should. Another common problem is a faulty thermostat. This component is the heart of your furnace, and if it’s not working correctly, you may experience issues with the fan or the comfort level.
A loud rumbling noise from your furnace isn’t normal. It may indicate a clogged burner or airflow issues. It could also be an issue with the thermostat setting. A rattling or squeaking noise could indicate gaps or joints where sheet metal connects to the furnace. A professional HVAC technician can inspect your furnace and fix the problem.
A burning smell is another common furnace problem. It is caused by dust accumulated in the system. While this smell isn’t dangerous, you can safely ignore it until you have a technician come and assess the problem. You might have to turn off your furnace until the service technician arrives. You should expect a slight burning smell, particularly at the start of the season, because layers of dust accumulate and burn. However, the odor should only be present once or twice and disappear in about an hour.
The cause of this problem varies from one furnace to the next, but the symptoms are usually similar. Sometimes, your furnace is experiencing an issue where the filter is dirty. In this case, the filter may need to be replaced, or the pilot light may need to be replaced. If you’re unsure, you can use a hand to place your hand in front of the vents and check whether the airflow is normal.
Other common problems may include a bad pilot light. If the pilot light is not burning brightly, this could signify more serious issues. A malfunctioning pilot light can indicate excess carbon monoxide in the furnace, and it is best to get it repaired as soon as possible.
Clogged filters are another common problem. Check your furnace’s filters regularly to prevent dirt and debris from entering the unit. In other cases, the furnace may need to be appropriately sized for its heating space. You should purchase a furnace that meets the exact heating capacity of your home. If this issue persists, you should consider hiring a technician to come and assess the problem. A dirty air filter can also cause the furnace to operate poorly. A dirty air filter will block airflow, which may cause the furnace to shut down.
