7 Common Furnace Problems: Signs, Causes, and Solutions

Whether it’s a sky-high energy bill or a screeching sound when you turn on your heat, there are some unpleasant indicators that you might have an issue with your furnace. While routine maintenance can prevent some furnace problems, others can occur no matter how well you take care of your heating system. Here are some of the most common ones you might encounter.

1. Faulty Thermostat

There are a few situations in which a bad thermostat could cause furnace problems. For example, if your thermostat doesn’t maintain its settings, it could shut off the furnace before it finishes a heating cycle. Or, if the thermostat can’t read the temperature, it might prompt your furnace to turn on unnecessarily.

In some cases, you can identify and fix furnace thermostat issues yourself. Testing the batteries and removing any dust from the thermostat are two examples of DIY thermostat troubleshooting. If that doesn’t work (or if you notice any loose electrical wires), it’s better to call a professional.

2. Malfunctioning Relay Switch

Over time, your furnace’s relay switch can corrode, overheat, or simply wear out. When this happens, the switch, which tells the motor to keep running, can get stuck or stop working properly.

If you think you might have a furnace relay switch problem, be sure to replace the part or contact a local furnace repair pro ASAP. The switch needs to work correctly. Otherwise, it puts your furnace at risk of electrical damage.

3. Clogged Filters

Dirty filters can cause a slew of furnace problems, including inadequate heating, poor indoor air quality, unnecessary stress on your HVAC system, and higher energy bills. Depending on your filter’s thickness, you’ll need to change it every 30 to 90 days. Fortunately, replacing a furnace filter is a simple task that you can tackle in about 15 minutes.

4. Pilot Light or Ignition Problems

You could also run into furnace problems if your pilot light starts acting up. The flame should be blue (possibly with a yellow or red tip). If it isn’t, it could indicate that there’s too much carbon monoxide or that the pilot light is burning other substances (like dirt). Sometimes, the flame might even go out entirely. These situations can be dangerous, so we recommend hiring an HVAC professional to inspect any pilot light issues.

If your pilot light produces a strange smell that’s similar to rotten eggs, shut off the furnace immediately because there could be a gas leak. Then, leave your house and call emergency services.

However, not all types of furnaces have pilot lights. In fact, newer models often have electronic ignitions. If your furnace’s ignition quits working, you should bring in a pro to clean or replace it.

5. Worn Blower Motor Components

Like other parts of your furnace, the bearings on the blower motor can wear down as time goes on. When they need replacing before your furnace does, they’ll make a scraping sound. If you hear this, turn off the furnace and call an expert.

Similarly, if the blower motor’s belt frays or breaks, you might hear loud, high-pitched squeaks coming out of the furnace. Also, the belt sometimes slips out of alignment and needs readjustment. In either case, it’s best to have a professional fix it.

6. Damaged Heat Exchanger

Heat exchangers, which warm up the air that goes through your ducts, can occasionally crack. If they do, you might feel unheated air coming through your vents, notice the pilot light changing colors, or hear a rattling sound coming from your furnace.

Hopefully you don’t have a cracked heat exchanger because it’s one of the priciest furnace problems to fix. But if you think you might, make sure to call a repair person ASAP. Otherwise, the damaged part could create a dangerous gas leak.

7. Irregular Running or Cycling

A furnace that runs constantly could signal a limit switch issue, which may lead to overheating within your HVAC system. If you’re experiencing this problem, have a furnace pro come check it out.

Of course, you don’t want your furnace to switch on and off all day, either. If it does, it might mean that your thermostat’s temperature is set too low or too high. Ideally, it should stay between 60 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. If adjusting the temperature doesn’t help, try changing the filter.