3 Common Furnace Problems in Your Portland Home and How to Fix Them

Will your furnace finish the heating season strong without any repair issues or breakdowns?

We are in the home stretch, with warmer daytime temperatures just a month or two away in Greater Portland. Hopefully, your furnace will not experience hiccups before spring.

Furnace Repair Experts

A faulty furnace can turn your Portland, home into a chilly and uncomfortable environment. If your furnace malfunctions as winter wanes, there is no need to layer up and panic. Remember that Ben’s Heating and Air has your back.

Our qualified technicians at Ben’s Heating & Air Conditioning can quickly diagnose your furnace and get it up and running again, restoring comfort and giving you peace of mind. We even offer 10 percent off service and installation for veterans and active military!

Sometimes, the problem may be simple enough to fix without professional help. You might wonder, for example, “Why is my thermostat not coming on?” The culprit might simply be worn-out batteries!

Do I Need to Know How Gas Furnaces Work?

You do not have to be an expert HVAC technician to identify common furnace problems.

Troubleshooting is primarily about observing and inspecting, along with minor remedies. We urge you to do some detective work, screening out potential reasons for your furnace breakdown, before seeking professional expertise. You may fix the problem and save money on a service call.

Read on to learn about three common furnace issues and how to identify and fix them.

Why Won’t My Furnace Turn On?

No one likes waking up to the silent treatment from their heating system. Maybe your furnace worked yesterday, but suddenly, today, you realize it has not kicked on.

• Thermostat
  Your first step in troubleshooting is inspecting the thermostat. Be sure the setting is on “heat.” Set the thermostat above the current room temperature and see if the furnace kicks on. If your thermostat is a battery-operated model, install new batteries.

• Power
  If the thermostat works properly, move to the electrical panel to check for tripped circuit breakers. If the furnace breaker has tripped, put it back in place.
  
  Next, look for the furnace switch, which looks like a light switch and is typically on the side or front of the furnace. If it is off, turn it on.

• Fuel
  Check the gas supply line leading to your furnace. The valve on it should be open.
  
  If your furnace still refuses to kick on, it is time to call for professional help. A faulty motor, electrical problem, or malfunctioning control board could be the cause. Leave the technical work to our pros at Ben’s Heating & Air Conditioning. We are experts in furnace repairs in Portland, and will have your HVAC equipment working in no time.

Cold Air or No Air

Your furnace is on, and you can hear it operating, but you feel cold or no air from the vents. Some rooms might even feel cold, and others warm. After checking the thermostat to ensure it is on and set to “heat,” check out your furnace air filter.

• Air Filter
  A dirty or clogged air filter can wreak havoc on your furnace. It can restrict airflow and make your furnace work harder, leading to cold and hot spots, or stop airflow altogether.
  
  Before you pull it from its housing, turn the thermostat and the furnace switch off. Then, open the filter case, pull the filter out, and inspect it for debris.
  
  Replace the dirty air filter with a clean one. Read your owner’s manual for guidance on how often to change filters. Be sure to inspect your air filter monthly.

• Air Vents
  Next, check the air vents throughout your Portland, home. Are any blocked by furniture or drapes? Move obstructions to let your HVAC system breathe. When vents in some rooms are closed, you might experience uneven heating throughout your home. Open them to improve airflow.
  
  Leaky ductwork might be the cause of heating loss in some rooms. ENERGY STAR^® says up to 30 percent of the air that moves through the duct system escapes due to leaks, holes, and poorly connected ducts.
  
  Check air ducts for cracks and holes. You may be able to fix slight damage with duct mastic or foil tape. Avoid using duct tape because it does not last long.

• Blower Motor
  If the furnace is on but you feel no air coming from the vents, the blower motor may be obstructed and not spinning correctly. Check it by turning off the thermostat and furnace switch and removing the blower compartment cover.
  
  Try turning the blower wheel by hand. If it does not turn freely, the motor is likely the problem.
  
  Your next step is calling our pros at Ben’s Heating & Air Conditioning. We can repair the motor and seal your leaky vents.

Furnace Smells and Noises

You may avert a breakdown by listening to the sounds your furnace makes. You will know when to seek professional help if you can distinguish between normal operational sounds and odd noises.

Here is a glimpse of problematic sounds:

• Squealing or grinding indicates a potential blower motor problem, such as unlubricated bearings.
• Rattling or banging suggests loose components or blower wheel issues.
• Hissing is a sign of a potential gas leak.

Look for loose panels and tighten their screws to lessen the rattling noise.

Are you asking yourself,  “What is that smell coming from my furnace?” Consider the possibilities:

• A burning smell could be an electrical problem.
• A gas smell indicates a serious issue. Turn off your gas supply to your furnace and call your gas supplier.
• A musty smell might be from mold in your ductwork.

Persistent noises and odors could lead to serious problems. Call us for a diagnosis.

Maintain Your Furnace

Annual maintenance is the key to avoiding furnace problems. It can prevent minor issues from becoming significant problems.

We suggest scheduling a fall tune-up before the heating season begins. However, it is never too late in the season for a safety and performance inspection.

During a maintenance visit, we check all major and minor furnace components. We inspect burners and the heat exchanger for cracks, clean the flame sensor, lubricate moving parts, and check the gas pressure, carbon monoxide level (CO), and blower motor amperages.

If you join our Ben’s Maintenance Membership, you can expect a furnace tune-up with our 21-point inspection. You will also receive priority service and no dispatch fees for one year.

Call the Furnace Repair Experts

At Ben’s Heating and Air, we have your back whether you need furnace repair, maintenance, or installation in your Portland, home. Call us at 503-270-3517 or request service online.