What can cause a furnace to stop working? If your furnace stops working, it can be a significant inconvenience. Not only will you be without heat, but you may also have to pay for a repair. Sometimes, the problem may be something simple that you can fix yourself. In other cases, however, you may need to call in a professional.
This blog post will discuss some of the most common causes of furnace problems.
Dirty Air Filter
A blocked air filter restricts the airflow through the furnace. Since the safety switch turns the unit off when reaching high temperatures, this leads to overheating and shutting down the system.
Check the filter for particles and replace it if necessary. Allow the system to cool down before checking to see if it starts again.
The Thermostat Isn’t Working
A broken thermostat is one of the most prevalent furnace issues. If your fan is always running, it’s a solid indicator your thermostat isn’t operating correctly. Your thermostat battery will run, and your furnace will perform inefficiently. Set the fan to auto and check whether it runs continuously at all heating levels to determine if this is the case.
Tripped Circuit Breaker
A tripped circuit breaker might disable your heating system’s critical parts. Inspect the circuit breaker if your furnace isn’t working. Breakers that have been tripped should be reset.
If the problem persists, there is an obvious issue that will continue to recur. To identify and resolve the issue, contact an HVAC specialist.
Dirty Burners
The burner is what ignites the gas in the furnace. If it’s dirty, it won’t be able to work correctly.
You can clean the burners yourself, but you must turn off the gas first. Once the gas is turned off, unscrew the retaining screws and remove the burner. Clean any dirt or debris from the burner and its housing. Replace the burner and screw it back in place. Turn the gas back on and relight the pilot light.
Check the flame after relighting it. The flame should be blue with a yellow tip. If not, there may be a problem with the gas supply or the pressure regulator. Do not attempt to fix this yourself. Instead, call a professional.
Clogged Drain Line
The condensate drain line can become clogged with dirt, debris, or algae. It can cause water to back into the furnace, damaging it. To clean the drain line, remove the cap and use a wet/dry vacuum to remove the clog.
You should also check the overflow safety switch. If this switch is tripped, it will shut off the furnace to prevent water damage. To reset the switch, push the button.
Malfunctioning Control Board
A furnace might shut down due to a malfunction in the control board. Uncomfortable temperatures that appear out of nowhere might indicate a problem.
If you suspect the control board is to blame, you need to call a professional. It is not something that you should attempt to fix yourself.
Cracked Heat Exchanger
The heat exchanger in your furnace transports heat from combustion to the air. Cracks or other furnace problems might cause it to use more power over the time of frequent operation.
Cracks in your home’s foundation enable combustion gases to build, possibly resulting in deadly carbon monoxide leaks. If you notice any cracks, call a professional to have them repaired.
Conclusion
So, what can cause a furnace to stop working? As you can see, there are several potential issues. If you’re having trouble with your furnace, check these things first. In most cases, you will be able to fix the problem yourself. However, there are some situations where you will need to call a professional.
Don’t hesitate to contact Furnace Repair Winnipeg if you need help with your furnace. We are always happy to answer any questions you may have!
