It gets very cold in Champaign during the winter months. If your furnace is not working properly, this can make it hard to relax in your home. There are several issues that are not uncommon when it comes to your furnace. Having some basic information that allows you to narrow down the issue makes it easier to know when to call in a professional for a repair.
The Furnace Is Not Turning On
Sometimes your furnace will not turn on even though it is making that clicking sound indicating that it wants to kick on. When this happens, it generally means that there is a problem with the furnace’s power supply. This is often associated with the furnace itself getting insufficient voltage from the related circuit breaker. In some cases, your thermostat might be faulty and not telling the furnace that it is time to work.
Another issue that can cause this is a problem with the electronic ignition. In some cases, the flame sensor is faulty. Both of these issues cause problems with the furnace knowing when it is time to open the gas valve so that it has the fuel necessary to work.
Strange Noises From the Furnace
Any strange noise coming from your furnace usually signals a cause for alarm. In some cases, the heat pump might be going bad. When this happens, you usually hear a straining, whining, or squealing sound when your furnace is running. In some cases, you will hear these noises and your furnace will stop working suddenly due to a problem with the heat pump. In other cases, the blower belt can slip or fray, resulting in similar noises.
The Furnace Is Not Heating
If your furnace is running, but your home is not getting warm, this could be due to an issue with the size of your furnace. Whether it is too big or small for your home, poor sizing makes it work far less efficiently. It will have to essentially work overtime to heat your home but will often fall short of maintaining a comfortable temperature.
It is also a good idea to take a look at the filter for inefficient hating. Sometimes the filter is dirty, so your furnace starts to short cycle due to it having to work a lot harder to heat your home. An experienced professional will be able to tell you how often you should be changing the filters to keep your furnace running strong.
Your Energy Bills Are Increasing
If you notice your energy bills increasing, this could mean that your furnace needs a repair. A dirty air filter is a common culprit. However, if your furnace is the wrong size or any of the components are wearing out, this could lead to the furnace not working efficiently. As you lose efficiency, this will eventually start showing on your utility bills.
The Thermostat Is Blank
If your thermostat is blank, this means that you are not seeing a temperature on the screen. The batteries in the thermostat are the first thing that you want to look at. Switch them out with fresh ones to see if this corrects the issue. If it does not, it is time to call in a professional. They will be able to diagnose the issue and let you know whether it is the thermostat itself that is faulty or something in the furnace unit that needs some attention.
If the thermostat is fine, a faulty furnace pump could cause this issue. For example, if the unit has a problem or it gets too hot, it could trigger a safety switch. When this happens, it could cause your thermostat to appear blank. Since this can be a very serious problem, you should call a professional for an inspection as soon as you notice the issue.
Furnace Experts in Champaign
When your furnace is not working, this can make your home uncomfortable. Our experts can help to diagnose the problem quickly and ensure a proper solution. Once everything is up and running, do not forget to ask about our maintenance services to reduce the risk of your furnace needing a last-minute repair in the future. We are proud to offer heating and cooling repairs, maintenance, and installations as well as indoor air quality assistance.
Contact Bash Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc. in Champaign today to learn more about our repair services.
