
As winter approaches, Denver homeowners depend on their heaters to keep their homes warm and cozy. But furnaces can have problems, just like any other device, especially when they have to work harder during the winter. If you’re experiencing problems with your furnace, it’s crucial to address them promptly to avoid costly repairs and ensure your home remains heated. Below are five common furnace issues that Denver homeowners may encounter and tips on how to fix them.
1. Furnace Not Turning On
One of the most frustrating issues a furnace can have is simply not turning on. When your furnace isn’t starting, it could be due to a variety of reasons, including a tripped circuit breaker, a faulty thermostat, or issues with the pilot light or ignition system.
How to fix it:
- Check the thermostat: Before you use it, make sure it’s in heat mode and the temperature is higher than the room temperature.
- Inspect the circuit breaker: If the furnace’s circuit breaker has tripped, reset it.
- Check the pilot light or ignition: If the pilot light is out, follow the manufacturer’s instructions to relight it, or if it’s an electric ignition system, check if there are any issues with the igniter.
2. Blower Running Continuously
Another common issue is when the blower in your furnace runs constantly, even when the heating cycle should have stopped. This can waste energy and drive up utility bills.
How to fix it:
- Check the thermostat fan setting: Ensure it’s set to “auto” and not “on.” If it’s set to “on,” the blower will continue running even after the furnace shuts off.
- Inspect the fan limit switch: This switch controls the blower’s operation. If it’s malfunctioning, it may need to be repaired or replaced.
- Check the air filter: A clogged air filter can restrict airflow, causing the blower to work harder than necessary. Replacing the filter might resolve the issue.
If these solutions don’t work, it’s time to get in touch with a furnace repair service in Denver to diagnose the problem further.
3. Uneven Heating Throughout the Home
If some rooms in your home are warmer than others, this could indicate that your furnace isn’t distributing heat evenly. The problem may be due to blocked vents, closed dampers, or issues with the ductwork.
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How to fix it:
- Check vents and registers: Make sure that there are no furniture, rugs, or curtains blocking any of the vents or registers.
- Inspect the dampers: Some homes have manual dampers in their ducts. These should be adjusted to balance airflow throughout the system.
- Examine the ductwork: Leaky or damaged ducts can cause heat to escape before it reaches certain rooms. Sealing or repairing ducts can help restore even heating.
If the problem persists, it may be worth having a furnace technician evaluate the ductwork and system to ensure everything is working as it should.
4. Furnace Making Unusual Noises
A heater that makes a lot of noise could be a sign that something is wrong. Sounds like clicking, squealing, or banging can mean a lot of different things, from loose parts to a motor that isn’t working right.
How to fix it:
- Inspect the blower motor: A squealing sound may be caused by a failing motor or worn-out bearings. Lubricating or replacing the motor can resolve the issue.
- Check for loose parts: Rattling sounds may indicate that parts inside the furnace, like screws or panels, have come loose. Tightening them can eliminate the noise.
- Examine the ductwork: Expanding and contracting ducts can cause banging sounds, especially when the furnace starts up. Insulating the ducts can reduce the noise.
For persistent or loud noises, calling a furnace repair service in Denver is a good idea to get a professional diagnosis.
5. Furnace Blowing Cold Air
When your furnace blows cold air instead of warm air, it can be a sign of a more serious issue, such as a malfunctioning heat exchanger or a problem with the pilot light or ignition system.
How to fix it:
- Check the thermostat: Make sure the thermostat is in the heat mode and set to the right temperature.
- Inspect the pilot light: If the pilot light is out, it will need to be relit following the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Check the gas supply: Make sure the gas valve is open. If there is no gas, the furnace cannot produce heat.
You should call a professional Denver furnace repair service right away if the problem doesn’t go away or if you notice any other signs, like the furnace not staying on or a gas smell.
Conclusion
In Denver’s harsh winters, furnace problems are common. However, many of these problems can be fixed with some easy troubleshooting. Don’t be afraid to call a reliable Denver furnace repair service if the above fixes don’t work or if the issue is more complicated. If you keep up with maintenance and fix problems right away, your heater will keep working well and keep you warm all season.