Are there issues with your furnace? Get in touch with Lion Air Conditioning Cooling and Heating, LLC today!
What can cause a furnace to stop working without warning? While Florida is far from the coldest state, a properly functioning furnace does take the edge off those chilly days. If it goes wrong, you could be looking at anything from dirty air filters to a broken part, like a blower motor.
Below, the furnace repair experts in Coral Springs explore the main issues.
Simple Thermostat Issues Are Easy To Troubleshoot
There’s nothing more frustrating than a furnace not turning on or providing inadequate heat. The top reason Florida property owners find their furnace isn’t working is a thermostat issue. Check your thermostat as follows:
- Check the device’s settings and ensure it is turned to heat.
- To double-check, turn on the fan switch to force the furnace to begin blowing air.
If these two solutions don’t work, check the thermostat’s batteries. Then, make sure your system hasn’t tripped the circuit breaker.
A Dirty Furnace Filter Makes the System Work Harder
Is the air filter dirty or clogged? Obstructions prevent proper airflow throughout your furnace. It may lead to overheating, forcing the safety switch to turn off the entire system as internal temperatures soar above recommended levels.
A dirty air filter can also circulate the following throughout your home or business:
- Dead skin cells
- Dust mites and debris
- Seasonal pollen
- Microplastics and fibers
- Viruses and bacteria
- Smoke and much more
All these pollutants lower a home or workplace’s indoor air quality. They force HVAC systems to work harder to achieve the same heating or cooling capacity, which wears down the system and leads to costly repairs. Clean or replace the air filters at least once every three months to be safe.
Gas Line Problems Can Be Dangerous
If the thermostat and air filters are okay, inspect your outside shut-off valve for flowing gas. You can also check by turning on an appliance, like your stove. If other appliances have gas, but there’s a problem with your furnace’s gas supply, you will need professional assistance (an obstructed gas supply won’t let a furnace ignite).
Lastly, check for a gas leak. Do you smell gas? Immediately evacuate your family or employees and call for emergency HVAC services.
A Cracked Heat Exchanger Needs Immediate Attention for Safety Purposes
What can cause a furnace to stop working? Another consideration is the furnace’s heat exchanger. This essential component transfers heat to your home from the unit and warms it up.
However, continually running heat exchangers will use more energy and often result in cracks and similar damage. These cracks cause accumulating combustion fumes that may eventually lead to leaking carbon monoxide. That’s why it is crucial to call an HVAC technician for heat exchanger issues if you notice the following:
- Foul odors whenever your furnace begins operating
- Dirtier surfaces than usual (the furnace releases soot when operating inefficiently)
A Dirty Pilot Light Won’t Work Properly
The pilot light—also called an ignition sensor—lights up when a furnace clicks on. However, a dirty pilot light won’t fire up. Usually, the simple solution requires cleaning it.
- Turn off the furnace completely.
- Remove the front panel.
- Locate the ignition or ignitor sensor.
- Use a screwdriver to remove the ignitor.
- Gently clean it.
- Replace the sensor and panel.
- Turn on your furnace.
It may take five minutes or so for your appliance to start running again.
Cleaning Dirty Burners Could Solve the Furnace Problem
A furnace’s burners collect rust and dirt, which reduces how much heat it can release. Clean your burners with the following easy steps:
- Turn off the electricity at your breaker box and close the gas valve.
- Remove the access panel leading to its combustion chamber.
- If your burner chamber has another small panel, remove it.
- Take out the metal clip to detach each burner.
- Use a soft brush and vacuum for debris.
- Follow up with compressed air.
- Replace the burners and attach their clips.
- Reattach the access panels.
- Turn on the gas and electricity to test the furnace.
If none of these steps makes any difference, be sure to reach out to professionals like Lion Air Conditioning Cooling and Heating, LLC.
For Expert Assistance, Call Our Team Today
Another great way to avoid malfunctioning furnaces is affordable furnace maintenance in Florida. An expert HVAC crew will be able to diagnose and solve any furnace problem on the spot.
What can cause a furnace to stop working in Coral Springs, FL? Find out more from Lion Air Conditioning Cooling and Heating, LLC at 754-227-2395 today!