Common Reasons Furnaces Stop Heating During Illinois Winters
As an Illinois homeowner, you understand that winters can be brutal. Your furnace must operate optimally throughout the season to keep your home and family warm and comfortable.
If your furnace isn’t heating your home, you need fast answers to get it working again. Here are five common reasons your furnace might not be properly heating your home and how our HVAC professionals at Dogtown Heating, Air & Plumbing can get it back online quickly.
1. Thermostat Issues
In many cases, the reason why a furnace doesn’t heat as it should lies with the thermostat. Check your thermostat’s setting to make sure it’s set to automatic instead of on.
If it’s in the on setting, it just means that the blower is constantly blowing, even when the furnace isn’t producing heat. This can result in you feeling cold air coming from your vents.
Your furnace might also not produce heat if the thermostat’s batteries are old. Change the batteries to see if it starts heating to your preferred setting.
2. Clogged/Dirty Filters
Your furnace filters prevent dirt and debris from entering your furnace and damaging its interior parts. Over time, the filter can become clogged and prevent air from flowing through as it should. When your furnace has inadequate airflow, it can overheat, cause a safety shutoff, and result in cold air coming from your vents.
Check your filters and replace them as needed. You should check your filters every month. During heating season, you might need to replace them monthly and quarterly during the rest of the year.
3. Ignition System Problems
If you have a gas furnace, its electronic ignition system or pilot light is critical for heating. When your ignition sensor is dirty or the pilot light goes out, your furnace won’t produce heat.
When your furnace is working properly, your thermostat will tell it to turn on. Its ignitor will get hot to ignite the gas and result in warm, blowing air. When the ignition sensor is dirty or faulty, this process won’t occur.
It’s best to call a professional technician to check your ignition system and relight your pilot light, especially if it’s a recurring problem. Your HVAC technician will check the error codes and turn off the power and gas to your furnace to make repairs safely. Contact our experienced professionals at Dogtown Heating, Air & Plumbing to inspect your furnace, repair any issues, and make certain that it can operate safely.
4. Weak Airflow/Leaks
If you notice that your vents feel warm to the touch but heated air isn’t circulating through your rooms, you might have a block or leak in your home’s ductwork. These problems can allow heated air to escape before it can circulate throughout your home.
Some signs that you might have leaky or blocked ducts include:
- Strange noises
- Cold spots/uneven heating
- Built-up dust around your vents
These signs indicate your ducts might need sealing or cleaning. Our HVAC technicians can check your ducts and make the necessary repairs to increase the airflow and restore your furnace’s optimal heating efficiency.
5. Electrical and Fuel Problems
All furnaces use electricity, including gas furnaces. If your furnace isn’t working, take a look at your electrical panel to find the circuit breaker or fuse for your furnace. Make sure it hasn’t tripped. Look at the power switch next to your furnace to ensure it’s in the on position.
Next, check the furnace’s gas valve to make sure it’s open. If the fuel supply for your furnace is disrupted, it might not have the gas it needs to heat your home. Finally, if you smell gas, leave your home and call your gas company and your HVAC technicians at Dogtown Heating, Air & Plumbing immediately for an emergency repair.
How Regular Maintenance Can Prevent Furnace Problems
You can avoid many furnace problems during the winter months by scheduling regular furnace maintenance. These visits allow your technician to identify and fix small issues before they turn into major problems and furnace breakdowns.
Your technician will thoroughly inspect your furnace, test its airflow, clean its components, and replace worn parts. This can extend its life span and keep your home warm all season long.
Trust Our HVAC and Furnace Experts
At Dogtown Heating, Air & Plumbing, our HVAC professionals are expert technicians who can quickly diagnose furnace problems and complete repairs. We also perform routine furnace maintenance to prevent small issues from becoming major problems. We are proud to have an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau and are NATE- and NCI-certified.
Contact us today at Dogtown Heating, Air & Plumbing to schedule your service or receive more information!
