Common Furnace Problems and How to Fix Them

If your furnace is not working properly, you're not alone! Many homeowners face furnace issues, especially during the colder months. But the good news is that most furnace problems are common and easily fixable. In this guide, we'll explore the five most frequent furnace problems and how you can fix them without calling a professional.

The Importance of Furnace Troubleshooting

Before you reset your furnace power, always check for an LED error code on your control board. Many furnaces will blink specific patterns indicating what's wrong. Write down the error code first—resetting your furnace will clear the error, making it harder to diagnose the issue later.

1. Dirty Flame Sensor

The most common furnace issue homeowners encounter is a dirty flame sensor. If your furnace starts up, ignites the burners, then shuts down after a few seconds, you likely have this issue.

How to Fix It:

• Turn off the furnace power.

• Locate the flame sensor—usually found near the burners.

• Unscrew it and clean the metal rod with a scotch pad or dish scrubber.

• Reinstall it and turn the power back on.

If your furnace stays on, you've successfully fixed the issue!

2. Dirty Furnace Filter

A clogged furnace filter can restrict airflow, causing overheating and shutting down your system. If your home isn't heating up properly, this could be the culprit.

How to Fix It:

• Check your furnace filter.

• If it's dirty, replace it with a new one.

• Ensure you replace your filter regularly (every 1-3 months).

Once the filter is changed, your furnace should function normally again.

3. Faulty Inducer Motor

The inducer motor plays a crucial role in venting gases from your furnace. If your furnace is doing nothing when it should be running, the inducer motor could be the reason.

How to Check If It's Faulty:

• Turn off the furnace.

• Put your hand on the inducer motor—if it's very hot, it may need replacing.

• Check if it’s getting power but not running.

Cleaning out blockages or replacing the motor should solve the issue.

4. Bad Blower Motor

The blower motor pushes warm air throughout your home. If you smell burning plastic and your furnace isn't circulating air, a bad blower motor may be the problem.

How to Fix It:

• Turn off power and remove the lower furnace door.

• Carefully check if the blower motor is extremely hot.

• If the motor isn't running, replacing it should restore airflow.

Ensure your furnace blower motor is running within 30-45 seconds after the burners ignite.

5. Malfunctioning Control Board

The control board is the brain of the furnace, controlling power to different components. If your igniter, blower motor, or inducer motor isn't receiving power, the board might be defective.

How to Troubleshoot:

• Check for visible damage on the control board.

• Use a multimeter to check if power is reaching the board.

• Replace the control board if necessary.

Sometimes, the board itself will indicate a failure through a diagnostic LED code.

Final Thoughts

If you're experiencing furnace problems, don't panic! Many issues can be fixed quickly with basic tools and troubleshooting skills. Regular maintenance, including changing your filter and cleaning parts like the flame sensor, can prevent most malfunctions.

Have you encountered any of these furnace problems? Let us know in the comments and share your experiences!

Don't forget: If your furnace problem is beyond your comfort zone to fix, it's always best to consult a professional HVAC technician.

Need Professional Furnace Repair? Contact E & R Heating and Cooling!

If your furnace issues persist or if you'd rather leave it to the experts, E & R Heating and Cooling is here to help! Serving West Allis and the Milwaukee area, our experienced HVAC technicians provide reliable repairs, maintenance, and installations to keep your home comfortable all year round.

📞 Call us today at [Your Contact Number] or visit our website at [Your Website URL] to schedule an appointment!