You probably don’t give your home’s furnace much thought until it stops heating nicely. Fortunately, it’s often possible to troubleshoot minor issues. In doing so, you may even avoid major furnace repairs.
See how to tell if the furnace is working properly below, including helpful tips to keep your unit operating smoothly. If you need some help with the details, turn to furnace experts like Green Energy Mechanical Inc., Canton’s reliable HVAC services company.
Troubleshoot Common Furnace Problems
When the room temperature doesn’t rise enough or the furnace won’t turn on at all, you may assume that serious HVAC repairs are in order. However, you’ll be pleased to know that countless homeowners face these same heating issues and find the resolution much simpler than anticipated.
The next time you’re facing furnace problems, try the following before you reach out for professional furnace repairs:
Check the Filter
When was the last time you changed your HVAC air filter? A dirty filter can restrict airflow and lead to uneven heating. If the room temperature barely changes but the furnace is blasting air, clean or replace the filter.
Check the Thermostat
The next component worth checking is the thermostat. Sometimes, an unintended tweak to the settings will keep the furnace from heating your home to your liking. The batteries might also be dead.
Check the Breaker
Don’t forget to check the circuit breaker! Did the switch for the furnace trip? If so, there’s a very simple solution to restore your heating unit’s power; turn it back on.
How To Tell if the Furnace Is Working Properly
Of course, it isn’t always a simple fix. Plus, you may not know that your furnace has a problem if you don’t know how to recognize the signs of trouble.
Say a trip in the circuit breaker prevents your furnace from working. After you flip the breaker switch back, it’s important to monitor your heater’s function. Could the furnace have underlying issues causing frequent circuit breaker trips or other mechanical problems?
Here’s how to tell if the furnace is working as it should:
Energy Costs Remain Steady
Manufacturers are producing high-efficiency HVAC equipment so that your energy costs can be more reasonable, even if you use your furnace continuously. Pay close attention to your energy bills during the winter months. Significant increases without changes to your heating habits indicate that something is wrong with your HVAC system, from leaky air ducts to clogged filters.
Many issues cause the furnace to work harder to heat your home. Contact a licensed heating contractor like Green Energy Mechanical Inc. if your energy costs spike without explanation.
The Pilot Light Burns Blue
Do you have a gas-powered furnace? The flame that triggers the heating process should always have a vibrant blue color.
- Blue means that the furnace is operating efficiently and burning clean fuel.
- Yellow indicates carbon monoxide, which poses serious health risks.
The Furnace Operates Quietly
When you ask a contractor how to tell if the furnace is working properly, they’ll likely mention noises. Ideally, your furnace’s fan will produce a soft hum while it’s heating your home, and no other sounds.
Contact a professional if you hear any abnormal noises coming from your furnace, such as:
- Popping
- Hissing
- Squeaking
Your Unit’s Heat Cycles Are Just Right
Another way to tell if the furnace is working normally is by checking the heat cycles. For example, you might hear the fan start and then stop every few minutes. If the heat cycle doesn’t quite finish, this short-cycling indicates a problem with the thermostat or furnace itself.
Shorter cycles could mean your furnace is overheating or too big for the space. You might need to replace the unit with a newer, smaller model. If it cycles too long, there’s a different problem.
You’re Still Maintaining the Working Furnace
Recognizing the signs of a malfunctioning furnace can help you address any problem quickly, and the easiest way to do this is with maintenance.
Routine furnace maintenance gives the technicians a chance to clean and inspect your system’s components so that you have peace of mind about your furnace’s capabilities.
Get Professional Heating Solutions from Green Energy Mechanical, Inc.
Whether your furnace isn’t working or you want to avoid early replacements, the Green Energy Mechanical Inc. maintenance team is ready to go. If you need an expert to inspect your HVAC control board, install something, or perform repairs, give us a call.
If you know how to tell if the furnace is working properly, you can largely prevent major HVAC system issues. Call (877) 731-9509 for service in Massachusetts.
