How to Fix Common Furnace Problems

When you want your heater to work as efficiently as possible, it’s vital to stay on top of Shreveport, LA, furnace repairs and maintenance. Just like any mechanical system or appliance, you’ll probably need some kind of service for your furnace at some point. The issue won’t go away on its own and will only get worse without prompt attention.

The experts at SBC Heating + Cooling are here to help with all of your furnace needs. If you’re not sure what’s wrong, try these common furnace problems and fixes.

First Thing’s First: Check Your HVAC Warranty

Before you dive into the world of DIY heater repairs in Shreveport, LA, make sure to check your manufacturer’s warranty. You may end up voiding your warranty if you handle certain types of repairs without a certified or licensed HVAC professional. If you decide to proceed with an unauthorized repair, your warranty may decline to cover the fix or any future repair or replacement.

Your Thermostat Isn’t Working Right

If you need to figure out what’s going on with your boiler, furnace, or HVAC, get started with the bare basics. Check your thermostat to see if it’s set to the temperature you want and the settings are correct. For example, it’s not uncommon to mix up a.m. and p.m. with your settings. Wait for a few minutes to see if your thermostat responds.

If it’s still not working properly, try replacing your batteries or resetting the thermostat altogether. You can also look at your circuit breaker to make sure everything is set the way it should be and nothing is impacting your thermostat or furnace.

Your Furnace Is Short Cycling

If your furnace is turning off and on too frequently, you probably have a short cycling problem. Restricted air flow, thermostat issues, or a faulty limit switch is usually the cause. You already checked your thermostat in the above step, so you can move on to changing out your air filter. You can usually find what you need at your local hardware store or order one. If your furnace is still short cycling after swapping out your filter, give the experts at SCB Heating + Cooling a call to check your limit switch and get your home feeling warm again.

The Pilot Light Won’t Turn On

Your furnace can’t function without a reliable pilot light in good working order. If it’s out or won’t stay on for long, you probably have a faulty thermocouple or gas supply issue. You can try reigniting the pilot light yourself, but if nothing happens, turn off your gas supply. It’s important to treat any gas issue with urgency and give us a call as soon as possible. Trying to fix anything with your gas or furnace’s gnition yourself can be dangerous and requires professional assistance.

Your Furnace Is Blowing Cold Air or Is Inconsistent

When your furnace blows cold air, or its warming patterns are inconsistent, you may have a dirty air filter that restricts air flow. You can fix this on your own, but if it doesn’t resolve the problem, you may have a pilot light or ignition problem that needs help from one of our skilled HVAC technicians. Your furnace could also be overheating and triggering the safety shutoff. Before you give our technicians a call, confirm that your vents and registers are open and don’t have any furniture or obstructions in front of them.

You Hear Odd Noises

Loud noises, banging, and grinding are never a  good sign and usually point to a mechanical problem or ignition timing issue. Your furnace’s blower motor or other moving parts may need lubrication or a replacement. Don’t try to tighten the components yourself unless you have experience with furnaces. You could make the problem worse or put yourself at risk for an injury. Instead, give the team at SBC Cooling + Heating a call to put a stop to those strange noises.

Your Flame Sensor is Dirty

Air filters aren’t the only part of your furnace that gets dirty and needs a good cleaning or replacement. When sensors get too dirty, your furnace will shut itself down for seemingly no reason at all. If you’re comfortable and knowledgeable with the process, you can try cleaning the flame sensor yourself. Or, give the experts at SBC Heating & Cooling a call, and we’ll send out one of our HVAC contractors in Shreveport, LA, right away to fix the issue and restore the warmth of your home.

Schedule Your HVAC Repair with SBC Cooling + Heating

SBC Cooling + Heating is always here to get your HVAC, heater, or furnace in top-notch condition. When you can’t fix the issue yourself, we’re here to help. We offer Shreveport furnace repairs, heating maintenance, installations, replacements, and more. Don’t deal with another cold night! Schedule your appointment today!