Common Furnace Problems & Troubleshooting Tips

Written on: February 19, 2024

Know What To Do Before Calling for Help

At Downey Energy, we make furnaces and boilers our business. Whether you use heating oil, natural gas, or propane in your Hudson Valley home, Downey Energy can help keep you warm because we sell, install, maintain, and repair gas boilers, oil boilers, gas furnaces, and oil furnaces. We’re also the region’s leader in reliable and safe propane and heating oil delivery.

Furnaces are an essential part of any home heating system, but sometimes (as with anything) they have problems. Here are some common furnace problems and troubleshooting tips to help you keep your furnace running smoothly.

10 Possible Furnace Problems & Solutions

1. Dirty Air Filter: A dirty air filter can cause your furnace to work harder than it needs to, which can lead to higher energy bills and a shorter lifespan for your furnace. A clogged filter can cause your furnace to stop running. Replace your air filter every 1-3 months to keep your furnace running efficiently.
2. Thermostat Malfunction: If your furnace isn’t turning on or off when it should, the problem may be with your thermostat. Check to make sure your thermostat is set to the right temperature and that it’s working properly.
3. Ignition Problems: If your furnace isn’t igniting, it could be due to a faulty ignition switch or a dirty pilot light. Check to make sure your pilot light is clean and that your ignition switch is working properly.
4. Blower Motor Issues: If your furnace is making strange noises or isn’t blowing air properly, the problem may be with your blower motor. Check to make sure your blower motor is clean and that it’s working properly.
5. Clogged Condensate Drain: If your furnace is leaking water, the problem may be due to a clogged condensate drain. Have someone check to make sure your condensate drain is clear and that it’s working properly.
6. Thermostat Wiring Issues: If your furnace isn’t turning on or off when it should, the problem may be due to faulty thermostat wiring. Have someone check to make sure your thermostat wiring is connected properly and that it’s working properly.
7. Dirty Flame Sensor: If your furnace is turning on and off frequently, the problem may be due to a dirty flame sensor. Have someone clean your flame sensor to keep your furnace running smoothly.
8. Gas Valve Issues: If your furnace isn’t igniting, the problem may be due to a faulty gas valve. Have someone check to make sure your gas valve is working properly.
9. Limit Switch Malfunction: If your furnace is overheating, the problem may be due to a malfunctioning limit switch. Have someone check to make sure your limit switch is working properly.
10. Dirty Burners: If your furnace is making strange noises or isn’t heating properly, the problem may be due to dirty burners. Have someone clean your burners to keep your furnace running smoothly.

These are just a few common furnace problems and troubleshooting tips. If you’re experiencing problems with your furnace there are some problems that you can fix on your own. For everything else, it’s always best to call in a professional like the ones at Downey Energy. We can help you diagnose the problem and get your furnace running smoothly again.

Trust Downey Energy for quality furnace installation, maintenance, and repairs. We also provide heating oil delivery and propane delivery you can count on. Downey Energy has been serving residential and commercial clients in and around Garrison, NY for more than a century. We have earned the loyalty of our customers through our dedication to service and reliability. Let us deliver for you as well.

Downey Energy operates in Dutchess County, Orange County, Putnam County, and Northern Westchester County, New York.

Contact us today to learn more or become a customer! Downey Energy helps you keep warm!