With the frigid Northern Virginia winter already in effect, you’d better hope your gas furnace is ready for several months of reliable operation. If you’re a conscientious homeowner, you’ve probably already scheduled an annual furnace maintenance tune-up. But no matter how well you prepare for the winter, you can never be certain the furnace won’t malfunction. That’s why troubleshooting a gas furnace is an important skill-set. Here are some basic troubleshooting tips for a gas furnace:
Furnace Not Producing Warm Air
Check the thermostat setting to make sure it’s high enough to kick on the furnace. Also, check to make sure the circuit for the furnace blower hasn’t tripped. (If the fan is running, this isn’t the problem). Also, check the gas valve, which is usually located on the gas line near the furnace. It should be parallel to the line. The pilot light also could have gone out in an older furnace. In a newer furnace, it could be a problem with the electronic ignition.
Furnace Isn’t Delivering Enough Warm Air
This problem could be a dirty air filter; address it by simply checking and changing the filter, if necessary. Obstructed airflow in the combustion chamber might also impact the heating process, as could dirty or maladjusted burners. If you experience either of these latter issues while you’re troubleshooting a gas furnace, the repair will probably require professional help.
Furnace Turns On and Off Frequently
The most common reason for this happening is a dirty air filter. Check the filter and change it if the filter looks clogged or dirty. Problems that will likely require professional intervention include a malfunctioning thermostat or blower motor.
Noisy Furnace
If the gas furnace starts making a racket, it could be a number of issues. While we can’t cover them all here, the most common noise is a high-pitched squealing, which usually signifies a slipped blower belt or motor bearings that need oiled.
If you’re troubleshooting a gas furnace and run across any of these issues that you can’t address on your own, please contact us at Griffith Energy Services. Our team of experienced HVAC professionals serve Northern Virginia with reliability and pride.
Image via Flickr by Bonnie Bogle
