As temperatures drop in Newark, your furnace becomes essential for keeping your home warm and comfortable. But like any system, furnaces can experience problems that affect performance and safety. Knowing the common issues and how to address them can save you stress and costly repairs.
Here are the most frequent furnace problems Aire Serv of Newark encounters as fall approaches—and what you can do about them.
1. Furnace Won’t Turn On
This is one of the most obvious—and frustrating—issues. It could be caused by:
- Thermostat settings or batteries
- Tripped circuit breakers or blown fuses
- Dirty flame sensor
- Faulty ignition or pilot light
What to do:
Check your thermostat and electrical panel first. If those look fine, call a professional to inspect ignition components safely.
2. Insufficient Heat or Uneven Heating
If some rooms feel colder than others or your furnace isn’t producing enough heat, it might be due to:
- Dirty air filters restricting airflow
- Blocked or closed vents
- Issues with the blower motor
- Leaky ductwork
What to do:
Replace or clean filters, open vents, and schedule duct inspections. A technician can diagnose motor or duct problems.
3. Strange Noises
Popping, banging, rattling, or squealing sounds can indicate:
- Loose or damaged parts
- Ignition problems
- Blower motor issues
- Expansion and contraction of metal
What to do:
Don’t ignore unusual sounds. Have a professional inspect your furnace to prevent further damage.
4. Frequent Cycling
If your furnace keeps turning on and off rapidly (“short cycling”), it may be:
- Overheating due to dirty filters or blocked vents
- Faulty thermostat
- Malfunctioning limit switch
What to do:
Regular maintenance and filter changes help prevent short cycling. A technician can test thermostat and safety controls.
5. Pilot Light or Ignition Problems
If the pilot light won’t stay lit or the electronic ignition fails, it affects your furnace’s ability to produce heat.
What to do:
Never attempt to fix pilot or ignition problems yourself. Call Aire Serv of Newark for safe, professional repairs.
6. Furnace Smells
Odors coming from your furnace may indicate:
- Dust burning off during initial startup
- Gas leaks (dangerous!)
- Mold or mildew in ductwork
What to do:
If you smell gas, leave your home immediately and call emergency services. For other odors, schedule an inspection promptly.
Prevent Furnace Problems Before Winter
The best way to avoid furnace issues is scheduling regular maintenance with Aire Serv of Newark. Our experts inspect, clean, and tune your system so it’s ready when cold weather hits.
Stay warm and worry-free this fall with professional furnace care. Contact Aire Serv of Newark today to schedule your furnace tune-up or repair.
