Furnace Problems

Common Furnace Problems & Expert Solutions in Moscow, ID and Beyond

A malfunctioning furnace during the cold months in the greater Moscow area is more than just an inconvenience – it's a comfort and safety issue. When your furnace starts acting up, figuring out the problem can be frustrating. At Unlimited Heating & Refrigeration Inc., we understand these challenges and are here to help you diagnose common furnace problems and provide expert, reliable solutions throughout Lapwai, Lewiston, and Moscow, ID.

Don't let a faulty furnace leave you in the cold. We're your local heating experts, ready to restore warmth and peace of mind to your home or business.

Why Furnaces Experience Problems

Even well-maintained furnaces can encounter issues over time. Common culprits include:

• Lack of Regular Maintenance: Skipping annual tune-ups leads to wear and tear going unnoticed.
• Age: Older systems are more prone to breakdowns.
• Worn Components: Parts like motors, igniters, or belts can fail over time.
• Installation Issues: Incorrect installation can cause premature problems.
• Dirty Components: Accumulated dust and grime affect performance and efficiency.

Addressing these issues promptly can prevent minor problems from becoming costly repairs or even needing a full Furnace Replacement.

Identifying Common Furnace Problems & How We Can Help

Understanding the signs of a furnace problem is the first step. Here are some of the most frequent issues homeowners face:

Furnace Not Producing Heat

Symptoms: The furnace is running, but the air coming out is cool or the house isn't heating up.
‍Potential Causes: Issues with the pilot light (older furnaces), ignition control (newer furnaces), gas supply, clogged filters restricting airflow, or problems with the limit switch.
‍Impact: Complete loss of heating, leading to discomfort and potentially frozen pipes in severe cold.
‍Basic Troubleshooting (If Applicable & Safe): Check that the thermostat is set to "Heat" and the temperature is higher than the current room temperature. Ensure the furnace power switch is on. Check if the circuit breaker has tripped. For gas furnaces with a pilot light, check if it's lit (follow manufacturer's instructions for relighting ONLY if you are comfortable and it is safe).
‍When to Call a Professional: If the pilot light won't stay lit, the ignition system fails, or basic checks don't resolve the issue, it's time for expert help.Don't attempt complex repairs involving gas lines or electrical components yourself.

If your furnace isn't heating your home, you need professional Furnace Repair. Request Service today.

Furnace Blowing Cold Air

Symptoms: The fan is running, but the air isn't warm.
‍Potential Causes: This can overlap with the furnace not producing heat. It might also indicate a problem with the blower motor running continuously due to a stuck limit switch or thermostat setting error.
‍Impact: Your home won't reach the desired temperature, and energy is wasted on running the fan unnecessarily.
‍Basic Troubleshooting (If Applicable & Safe): Check your thermostat settings. Ensure it's not set to "Fan On" constantly instead of "Auto." Check for a clogged air filter, which can cause the system to overheat and shut off the heating element.
‍When to Call a Professional: If the thermostat is set correctly, the filter is clean, and the issue persists, there's likely a mechanical or electrical problem requiring diagnosis.

Facing a cold air issue? Get professional Heating Service.

Strange Noises Coming From the Furnace

Symptoms: Hearing bangs, rattles, squeals, clicks, or hums that are unusual.Potential Causes:

• Banging/Popping: Could be due to delayed ignition or expanding ductwork.
• Squealing: Often indicates a problem with the blower motor belt (if applicable) or bearings needing lubrication.
• Rattling: Loose panels or internal components.
• Clicking: Usually related to the igniter or control board trying to start the furnace.Impact: While some noises are harmless, others can indicate serious problems like loose parts that could cause further damage or safety risks.
  ‍Basic Troubleshooting (If Applicable & Safe): Ensure all access panels are securely closed. Identify where the noise is coming from if possible (but do not open panels or touch components while the furnace is running).
  ‍When to Call a Professional: Any persistent or loud unusual noise warrants immediate professional inspection. Ignoring strange noises can lead to costly breakdowns.

Heard an unusual noise? Schedule expert Furnace Repair.

Furnace Cycling Frequently (Short Cycling)

Symptoms: The furnace turns on and off rapidly, not completing a full heating cycle.
‍Potential Causes: A clogged air filter restricting airflow is a very common cause. It could also be an oversized furnace, a faulty thermostat, clogged exhaust vent, or a problem with the limit switch or flame sensor.
‍Impact: Inefficient heating, increased wear and tear on components leading to premature failure, higher energy bills, and potential safety hazards if the limit switch is bypassed.
‍Basic Troubleshooting (If Applicable & Safe): Check and replace the air filter if it's dirty. Ensure all vents in the home are open. Check the thermostat's location (away from heat sources/drafts).
‍When to Call a Professional: If changing the filter or checking vents doesn't stop the short cycling, a professional needs to diagnose the root cause, especially if it's a persistent problem.

Experiencing short cycling? Get professional help with Heating Service.

Thermostat Malfunctions

Symptoms: Inaccurate temperature readings, furnace not responding to thermostat settings, furnace running constantly, or furnace not turning on at all.Potential Causes: Dead batteries (if applicable), incorrect settings, loose wiring, dirt buildup, or a faulty thermostat unit.
‍Impact: Inconsistent home comfort, energy waste, or complete loss of heating control.
‍Basic Troubleshooting (If Applicable & Safe): Check batteries and replace if needed. Ensure settings are correct (Heat, Auto, correct temperature). Make sure the thermostat is clean and free of dust.
‍When to Call a Professional: If battery replacement or setting adjustments don't fix the issue, the thermostat itself or its wiring may be faulty, requiring professional diagnosis or Furnace Replacement if the thermostat is old/incompatible.

Having thermostat troubles? Contact us for expert Furnace Repair.

Dirty or Clogged Air Filter

Symptoms: Reduced airflow from vents, furnace overheating and shutting off, short cycling, increased energy bills, poor indoor air quality.Potential Causes: Failure to replace the air filter regularly (typically every 1-3 months, depending on filter type and usage).
‍Impact: This is one of the most common and easily preventable problems, yet it causes significant strain on the furnace, reducing efficiency, increasing repair costs, and potentially leading to system failure.
‍Basic Troubleshooting (If Applicable & Safe): Locate your furnace filter slot. Remove the old filter and check its condition. If it's covered in dust and grime, it needs replacing. Ensure you install the new filter correctly, noting the airflow direction arrow.
‍When to Call a Professional: While changing a filter is a DIY task, if you're unsure how to do it, or if replacing the filter doesn't solve the issues (like short cycling or poor airflow), there might be underlying problems caused by running the furnace with a clogged filter for too long.

Learn more about the importance of replacing filters during regular Furnace Maintenance.

Cracked Heat Exchanger

Symptoms: Detection of carbon monoxide (use a CO detector!), strange odors resembling formaldehyde or burnt plastic near the furnace, physical signs like soot buildup or corrosion on internal parts, chronic flu-like symptoms in occupants.
‍Potential Causes: Aging furnace, corrosive components, or airflow issues causing overheating.
‍Impact: EXTREMELY DANGEROUS. A cracked heat exchanger can leak carbon monoxide into your home, a colorless, odorless, toxic gas that can be deadly.
‍Basic Troubleshooting (If Applicable & Safe): There is NO safe DIY troubleshooting for a suspected cracked heat exchanger. If you suspect this issue OR if your carbon monoxide detector goes off, evacuate the premises immediately and call the gas company and then a qualified HVAC professional.
‍When to Call a Professional: IMMEDIATELY. This is a critical safety issue that requires professional diagnosis and likely Furnace Replacement.

If you suspect a cracked heat exchanger or your CO detector activates, call us right away for critical Furnace Repair.

The Importance of Professional Furnace Diagnosis and Repair

While basic troubleshooting can solve simple problems like a tripped breaker or a dirty filter, most furnace issues require the knowledge, tools, and experience of a certified HVAC technician. A professional can:

• Accurately diagnose the root cause of the problem.
• Safely handle components involving gas lines and high-voltage electricity.
• Perform necessary repairs correctly to prevent further damage.
• Ensure your furnace is operating safely and efficiently.
• Identify potential future issues during the repair process.

Attempting complex repairs yourself can be dangerous and may void warranties.

Why Choose Unlimited Heating & Refrigeration Inc. for Furnace Problems?

When you're facing furnace issues in Moscow, Lewiston, or Lapwai, ID, you need a local team you can trust. At Unlimited Heating & Refrigeration Inc., we specialize in providing prompt, reliable Heating Service and Furnace Repair.

• Local Expertise: We understand the specific heating needs and common furnace problems in our service areas.
• Experienced Technicians: Our certified technicians have over 20 years of experience diagnosing and fixing all major furnace brands and models.
• Prompt Service: We prioritize getting your heat back up and running quickly and safely.
• Comprehensive Solutions: Whether it's a simple fix, a complex repair, or determining if Furnace Replacement is the best option, we provide honest assessments and effective solutions.

Don't let furnace problems leave you in the cold. Trust the experts at Unlimited Heating & Refrigeration Inc. to provide the relief you need.

Frequently Asked Questions About Furnace Problems

Q: How often should I have my furnace inspected?
‍A: We recommend annual Furnace Maintenance, ideally before the heating season begins, to catch potential problems early.

Q: My furnace is old. Should I repair or replace it?
‍A: This depends on the age of the unit, the cost of the repair, and the overall condition. Our technicians can help you assess whether Furnace Replacement is a more cost-effective long-term solution than repeated repairs.

Q: Is a cracked heat exchanger always serious?
‍A: Yes, always. A cracked heat exchanger is a critical safety hazard due to the risk of carbon monoxide leaks and requires immediate attention.

Q: How long does a typical furnace repair take?
‍A: The time varies depending on the complexity of the issue and availability of parts. We strive for efficient service to restore your heat as quickly as possible.

Q: Why is my energy bill suddenly much higher?
‍A: Several furnace problems, especially those related to airflow restrictions or inefficient combustion, can cause your furnace to work harder and use more energy. A dirty filter or short cycling are common culprits.

Q: What should I do if my furnace smells like gas?
‍A: If you smell gas, leave your home immediately, do not operate lights or electronics, and call your gas company from a safe location. Once the gas company has addressed potential leaks, contact us for furnace inspection and repair.