Furnace

 

There is nothing worse than your furnace conking out in the middle of winter.  Diagnostic repairs, or worse replacement, can cost far more than just simple maintenance.

Below are 5 of the most common furnace issues that you may run across with your HVAC system.

1.    Cracked Heat Exchanger

A cracked heat exchanger causes the air from the furnace blower to interfere with the flame, which causes it to flutter or go out, this then trips a safety switch and shuts down the furnace.  This means there is no heat blowing at all.

Solution:         Call for service.

Prevention:     Routine, annual maintenance.

2.    Slipped/Frayed Blower Belt

Improper belt tension can cause a slip.  An older or uncared for belt can become frayed.  Both issues cause the belt to become loose and will make squeaking/squealing noises.  This also causes the fan to stop working properly, thus not heating your home properly.

Solution:  Call for service, the repair can be as easy as tightening the loose belt, replacing the belt, or a more serious repair or replacement if it has been an ongoing issue.

Prevention:  Routine, annual maintenance.

3.    Malfunctioning Thermostat

Older thermostats can have issues with aging wiring or dust accumulation.  Additionally, extreme temperature changes, batteries, or other issues can cause a thermostat to stop communicating with the HVAC system and causing heating issues in your home.

Solution:         Replace an old thermostat with an updated, programmable thermostat.  This can be a DIY project, or if you are not too handy a professional tech should be called in to make the switch.

Prevention:     Make sure batteries (if required) are changed each season, upgrade an old unit.

4.    Frequent System Cycling

If your furnace is running in short, frequent cycles you may have an issue.  The most common cause of frequent furnace cycling is a dirty air filter.  The heat exchanger needs air blowing over it to prevent overheating, if the filter is dirty this is limiting the air needed to keep the exchanger from overheating and the furnace from shutting down  I addition to harming the furnace, the frequent cycling will also result in higher utility bills.

Solution:         Change the air filter.

Prevention:     Change the air filter every couple of months, monitor your filter to see how often you should change it based on your needs and schedule routine, annual maintenance to keep the HVAC system clean.

5.    Limit Switch Problem

The limit switch is located under the furnace’s supply plenum (the air distribution box attached to the supply outlet of the HVAC unit that heats or cools the air to be distributed throughout the house).  When the plenum reaches the desired temperature the limit switch sends a signal to begin running and delivering the warm air throughout your home.  If the limit switch’s sensor becomes dirty it can stop working properly and can either trip the switch prematurely or not at all and warm air will not be delivered to your home.

Solution:  Call for service to clean the sensor or replace the switch.

Prevention:  Keep the furnace filter clean and schedule routine, annual maintenance.

 

 

If you need help with a furnace issue, the professionals at TR Miller Heating & Cooling are here for you!  We service any make and model unit, we have 24 hours a day, 7 days a week service. Grab our special savings for furnace repairs on our Coupon page and schedule your service appointment.

 

Author

  • brian sloan headshot

    Brian Sloan is the President of TR Miller Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electrical, one of the western Chicago suburbs' leading family owned home service companies, serving homeowners across more than 80 communities throughout Will, Kendall, DuPage, Kane, and Cook counties.

    TR Miller is more than a business to Brian, it's a family legacy. The company was founded by his father, Tim Miller, and Brian and his brother Jim have played an important role in growing the business from a small local operation into a full service residential HVAC, plumbing, and electrical company serving homeowners throughout the greater Chicagoland area.

    Brian's perspective on the home services industry comes from firsthand experience. Before taking on leadership responsibilities, he worked in the field as an HVAC Service Technician and Fabrication Technician, diagnosing heating and cooling systems, assembling custom HVAC components, and supporting residential installations throughout the western suburbs.

    That hands on foundation continues to influence the way Brian leads TR Miller today. He understands both the work taking place inside a customer's home and the systems, training, and support required behind the scenes to consistently deliver a great customer experience.

    Over the course of his career at TR Miller, Brian has worked across nearly every major area of the business, including operations, marketing, sales, job coordination, customer service, finance, and leadership. Today, as President, he is responsible for the overall strategy, growth, culture, and performance of the organization.

    That breadth of experience across both the technical and business sides of home services has helped shape how TR Miller operates: combining the systems and accountability of a professionally run organization with the care, responsiveness, and personal connection of a family business.
    Brian's philosophy is straightforward, make home services convenient and reliable while giving homeowners the information they need to make the best decisions for their homes and families. That means educating customers, providing clear options and upfront pricing, and making sure homeowners understand both what was found and why a repair or replacement may be recommended.

    Under Brian's leadership, TR Miller has expanded beyond HVAC into plumbing and electrical services, grown across multiple locations, invested heavily in technical and leadership development, and been recognized seven times on the Inc. 5000 list of America's fastest growing privately held companies.

    Credentials & Affiliations:
    - President, TR Miller Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electrical
    - Membership Officer, YPO Chicagoland
    - Board Member, Nexstar Network
    - Former Vice Chair, Board of Directors, Plainfield Shorewood Area Chamber of Commerce
    - Associate's Degree, Waubonsee Community College
    - Former HVAC Service Technician & Fabrication Technician, TR Miller
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