5 Common Heating Problems & What Could Be Causing Them
Record-breaking cold has closed out 2017 as it sweeps across the Midwest and Northeast. This is no time to have heating problems in our Memphis homes. We need a 100% reliable heater to cut that 21°F chill, but some families are unfortunately suffering in a cold house with no heat.
If there’s a chill that you can’t shake in your home, there are a few common heating problems that could be causing the issue. Keep in mind that there are some things you can check yourself, but most will need to be diagnosed and repaired by a Memphis HVAC contractor.
Heater Won’t Warm The House Evenly
If you have cold spots or cold rooms in your house no matter how much you turn up the heat, there could be a zoning problem. The furnace should be heating the home evenly, so you may need to install a zoning system. If it’s just in one room, make sure that the vent to the room is not blocked or leaking. If the problem extends to other areas of your home, call an HVAC contractor for help. If it is not a furnace or ventilation malfunction of some type, the cold rooms can be fitted with zoning systems to include their own thermostat so they are warmed more thoroughly.
Cold Air Is Blowing Through Vents
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If warm air is not coming through the vents, make sure that the thermostat is set to “heat” and the fan to “automatic.” Who knows, maybe someone in the household changed it by mistake. If cold air is coming from only one vent, there may be a duct blockage or a leak. If all the vents in your home are blowing cold air, check the main electric panel for a tripped breaker. Keep in mind that most gas furnaces also have an electronic ignition to ignite the pilot. If you have a heat pump, go outside to make sure the fan on the outside unit is working. If it is not turning, check the breaker located near the unit.
Furnace Is Turning On Way Too Often But House Stays Cold
If the furnace keeps turning on but shutting off before it can warm your home, it is likely short-cycling. There are a number of things that can cause short-cycling, so first, make sure that the filter is not dirty and clogged. A dirty filter can cause the furnace to overheat and cycle down. Next, check the thermostat to ensure the settings are correct.
If you have a heat pump, the problem could be a refrigerant leak. If you have a gas furnace, there may be a faulty thermocouple. Be sure to call an HVAC technician for any mechanical issues because they could do irreparable damage to your furnace.
Gas Furnace Pilot Light Isn’t Working Or Is Orange
When it comes to any gas fueled appliance in your home, safety is always a concern. Gas furnaces can leak carbon monoxide into your home, which is a danger for your family. Anytime you suspect a problem with your gas furnace, be sure to call a heating technician to check it out. That being said, one of the most common issues with a gas furnace is an orange, red, or yellow pilot light. The flame should be burning a strong blue with a yellow tip.
If the flame is the wrong color, the problem may be a malfunctioning ignition control or a gas line blockage. If the furnace pilot light is completely out and the furnace is turned on, turn off the furnace and check the breaker to the furnace to see if it tripped. If it did, reset it and turn the furnace back on. If that doesn’t reignite the pilot, call an HVAC contractor to test and repair the furnace.
Furnace Is Rumbling, Rattling, Or Squeaking
If your furnace is making a strange rumbling, banging, or booming noise, the problem is likely mechanical. You need to call an HVAC contractor right away because you and your family could be at risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. Rattling can indicate a cracked heat exchanger, another problem that needs the immediate attention of a professional. While it may just be loose ductwork or something simple, it’s best to be sure by calling a professional.
