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6 Common Furnace Issues Experienced by Indiana Homeowners

When furnace failures sneak up on Indiana homeowners, it’s not just uncomfortable — it can be a serious safety issue, especially for vulnerable family members. There are many common heating problems that local families should be aware of so they can act quickly to address the issue and restore comfort and safety to their homes.

1. Clogged Filters

Over time, dust and debris can accumulate on your air filter, impeding airflow and leading to reduced efficiency. That means poorer indoor comfort and higher monthly heating bills for your home.

To protect against restricted airflow and reduced efficiency in your furnace, be sure to clean or replace your air filters at the recommended intervals. In general, your furnace air filter should be replaced once every three months; however, you may need to replace it more frequently if you have pets, are an allergy sufferer, or have vulnerable household members, such as elderly relatives or infants.

2. Faulty Thermostat

In some cases, the issue may not lie within your furnace, but may actually be a problem with your thermostat. Faulty thermostats can lead to erratic heating, unpredictable temperature fluctuations, or no heat at all.

Here’s how you can check to see if your thermostat is to blame for your furnace failures:

  • Check the Setting: Ensure that your thermostat is set to the heating position.
  • Replace the Batteries: Switch out your thermostat’s batteries as needed.
  • Check the Temperature: Ensure the unit is set to the desired temperature.

If you’ve checked the settings, replaced your batteries, and set the temperature correctly but are still experiencing issues, you may need to consult with an HVAC technician about replacing your thermostat altogether.

3. Ignition Failures

Depending on the type of furnace you have in place, you may either have a pilot light or an electronic ignition system. Problems with either type can lead to heating failures within your home.

To address ignition issues in gas-powered systems, ensure that your pilot light is lit and burning blue instead of yellow. If you do notice a yellow pilot light, leave the home immediately and contact your gas company and HVAC technician, as this could be a sign of carbon monoxide leak and can be life-threatening. For electronic systems, consult your manufacturer manual for troubleshooting steps.

4. Insufficient Heat

The biggest indicator that something is wrong with your furnace is a lack of heat or insufficient heat throughout the home. Inadequate fuel, faulty parts, or a malfunctioning thermostat are just a few possible causes. To see what’s causing the problem, follow the steps below:

  • Check your thermostat to ensure it’s set to the correct setting and temperature.
  • If your thermostat is fine, next inspect your furnace for visible issues, such as a faulty pilot light or strange noises.
  • When all else fails and you can’t determine the issue on your own, trust a knowledgeable HVAC technician for diagnosis and repair.

5. Odd Noises

Banging, clanging, squealing, rattling, and other strange noises coming from your furnace are a common issue for many Indiana homeowners. This can be due to loose connections, damaged components, restricted airflow, or worn-out parts.

The best action to take when you start to hear odd sounds coming from your heating system is to shut the unit down and call a repair technician. Ignoring these sounds can lead to further issues and costly damage, so it’s best to act promptly when they present themselves.

6. Poor Maintenance

Lack of maintenance is one of the biggest underlying causes of many of the aforementioned furnace issues we discussed. Without a routine system inspection each year, you’ll have no way of catching repair needs early, leading to frequent service requests or even premature replacement.

Be sure to schedule an annual furnace tune-up before the winter hits, preferably during the late summer or early autumn season. During your inspection, a technician will clean, lubricate, and thoroughly evaluate your furnace to identify problems prior to escalation.

Trust Northern Comfort Systems To Keep Your Furnace Functioning

Have you noticed these common issues affecting your furnace? Don’t neglect your heating service needs. Trust Northern Comfort Systems to deliver the fast, reliable furnace solutions you need to regain total comfort when it counts. With 24/7 emergency furnace repair available at no extra cost, we ensure your heating system gets back to complete working condition in no time.

Request same-day furnace repair throughout Indianapolis, Muncie, and Anderson, IN, reaching out to our team today!