Top Reasons Your Furnace Isn’t Heating Properly: A Complete Guide

  • Published on: January 21, 2025
  • Read Time: 6 mins
  • Views: 54
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In the winter season, your furnace is always there to warm up your home. However, if it’s not heating as expected, it can leave you feeling cold and uncomfortable. While this can be frustrating, it’s worth noting that around 80% of furnace issues are simple to fix.

If your furnace is struggling to maintain warmth, heating and cooling services in Greenwood can help restore its efficiency. Common causes for inadequate heating include a dirty filter, gas supply issues, or other easily fixable problems.

Why Your Furnace May Not Be Heating

In this guide, we’ll explore the most frequent reasons your furnace isn’t performing at its best and provide solutions to get it running smoothly again.

1. Dirty or Clogged Air Filter

The air filter of the home heating system is used to collect dust particles, dirt and other debris that can hinder the efficiency of the furnace. Ideally, this filter could get saturated, reducing the airflow and as a result, your furnace will not work efficiently.

How to fix it:

Ensure the air filters are proper and replace them with new one when they get contaminated. Typically, filters should be replaced every 1-3 months. However, during the winter season, when the furnace is constantly being used, it may need to be changed more frequently to keep your system running efficiently. If you’re in need of professional assistance, furnace replacement services in Greenwood can help ensure your system runs efficiently throughout the cold months.

2. Thermostat Issues

Your thermostat regulates the temperature of your home; therefore, it might be signalling your furnace wrong information due to a fault. The possible problems that may be found with a thermostat are dead batteries, incorrect settings, or faulty wiring.

How to fix it:

  • Make sure the thermostat is set to the heating mode, not cooling.
  • Check and replace the batteries if needed.
  • Ensure the thermostat is properly calibrated. This you can do by comparing the room temperature to the thermostat setting that is currently in place.

If your thermostat is still not to work as needed, it may require some repair or replacement.

3. Blower Motor Problems

Blower motor circulates the heated air all around the rooms in your home. If the motor is not working, the heater may not blow any air at all or the temperature may not be adequate as expected. One potential shared problem could be a burned-out motor or a blocked blower fan.

How to fix it:

  • Shut down your furnace and look around the blower compartment for dirt or other objects that may obstruct it.
  • If the motor is still not working, it may need to be repaired or replaced by a professional.

4. Dirty Furnace Coils

The heat exchanger inside your furnace is responsible for warming up the air. If the coils are covered in dust or dirt, they can’t heat air as effectively. This can result in a furnace that seems to be running but isn’t warming your home.

How to fix it:

A professional technician should clean the furnace coils. It’s important to have this done regularly to maintain the efficiency of your furnace.

5. Ductwork Leaks

Furnace problems do not necessarily come from a faulty furnace because even the ductwork can leak. If there are cracks, loose joints or a host of other problems in the ducts, it will be difficult to have warm air get to particular rooms in your home.

How to fix it:

As a remedy to this, make sure you check the duct work for signs of wear or the presence of any holes. While some tiny cracks can be mended with a simple piece of black duct tape, others should be fixed with a special black duct sealant. If the problem is larger or if you have no idea on how to repair it, it will be appropriate to call for professional service to inspect and repair the duct work.

6. Overheating Furnace

In order to prevent damage, an overheating furnace is capable of turning off by itself. This is often the case when the cool air fails to circulate due to a clogged filter or the vents being closed, or a faulty fan.

How to fix it:

To correct it, first of all, shut off the furnace and look into possible airflow problems, such as a grimy filter, or shutters on the vents. Check the filter monthly and clean it or replace it if necessary, and ensure that all the air vents are clear. In case the furnace still gets too hot after these processes, there might be a mechanical issue that requires technician’s attention.

Final Thoughts

A furnace that’s not heating properly can be caused by a number of issues, from simple problems like a dirty filter to more complex ones like gas supply or ignition issues. If you’ve checked the common problems listed above and your furnace is still not working, it might be time to call a professional for a full inspection.

For the best furnace maintenance services in Greenwood, regular upkeep is key to ensuring your system runs smoothly throughout the winter season. By opting for professional maintenance, you not only extend the life of your furnace but also maximize its efficiency, keeping your home warm and comfortable all season long.

If your furnace is blowing cold air, it might be due to an issue with the thermostat settings, a clogged air filter, or a malfunctioning blower motor. Check the thermostat first, and replace the filter if it’s dirty. 

It’s recommended to change your furnace filter every 1-3 months, especially during the winter when the furnace is in use more often. A dirty filter can block airflow and reduce heating efficiency. 

If your furnace is shutting down frequently, it could be due to overheating or airflow problems. Check if the filter is dirty, and ensure that all air vents are open and not blocked. If the problem persists, call a professional to inspect the system. 

Yes, if the furnace coils are covered in dust or dirt, they can’t heat the air properly. This can result in your furnace running but not warming up your home. Regular cleaning by a professional can help maintain heating efficiency. 

If you’ve tried troubleshooting common issues like checking the filter, thermostat, and vents, but your furnace is still not heating properly, it’s time to call a professional. They can inspect for deeper issues such as gas problems or faulty components. 

 

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