Your furnace works hard to keep your home comfortable; during the winter, you’ll likely rely on it every day. Because residential heating units are so hardworking and essential, any problems with them should be addressed immediately. Putting off furnace repair will likely result in an eventual breakdown, leaving your family in the cold and the need for emergency repairs. Learn the most common problems that homeowners deal with so you can be equipped to handle them with ease.

Common Problems That Require Furnace Repairs

1. Dirty Filters & Ducts

Filter replacement is one of the most frequent furnace maintenance tasks you’ll need to keep up with. The filter is responsible for catching all particles in the air that move through the system, so your home will have the best possible air quality. A clogged filter or a dirty duct will significantly reduce your air quality by pushing out pollutants through the vents. Ask your contractor to show you how to change your filter so you can add a fresh one every three to four weeks. If your ducts need cleaning—this is recommended every three to five years—schedule services to have this done.

2. Cracked Heat Exchanger

The heat exchanger is responsible for heating the air itself. It is a set of tubes or coils that the air is blown over. The fuel is sent into the exchanger, which gets hot and releases that heat into the air.  A cracked exchanger will not just blow cold air into your home, but could also send harmful gases such as carbon monoxide into the house. A cracked heat exchanger may result in strange smells, water leakage at the base of the furnace, soot buildup inside the furnace, or cracks on the visible parts of the unit. Turn off your heat and don’t use it until furnace repairs are completed. 

3. Problematic Thermostat

The heating system itself may be functioning perfectly, but you’ll be left in the cold if the thermostat is malfunctioning. First, check that the batteries are fresh, since they should be changed at least once per year. If this doesn’t fix your problem or your thermostat is run by your home power rather than batteries, then an electrical contractor should look at it. The interior metal parts may be corroded or the unit may be mounted improperly in a way where it can’t get an accurate reading of your home’s temperature.

The staff at H & N Plumbing, Heating & Electrical are the furnace repair experts in Fennimore, WI, and the surrounding area. Since 1958, they have been dedicated to providing dependable service that will keep your home comfortable and efficient. Their licensed heating contractor is available 24/7 for emergency repairs or can be scheduled ahead of time for routine maintenance. When the time comes to replace your system, they carry cost-effective options from a variety of leading brands. Contact them online or at (888) 822-3258 for a free estimate today!