Gas furnaces are widely accepted as the most common furnace in the United States. Using your existing ductwork, these systems use gas burners to create heat at an incredibly efficient and affordable rate. For the money that most consumers spend on gas, the heating capacity of these systems can keep most families warm throughout the winter. They last a long time and don’t require oil deliveries, nor do they have trouble keeping your home warm when temperatures reach unbearable levels of cold.
Still, furnace repair in Doylestown, PA is going to happen at some point, and you’d rather be ready for it than taken by surprise, right?
We’re going to go into details about the most common furnace problems, what signs you can notice, and how you can help when troubles arise.
Leak Prevention
One of the most common and problematic issues with a furnace is the occurrence of a gas leak. Older furnaces that are getting to the height of their lifespans can often crack in the pressurized areas where the combustion process occurs. This means that gas will start leaking through the cracks, providing a constant fire hazard and a waste of money. If you can smell the rotten smell of leaking gas, it’s always a good idea to evacuate your house, leave the door open, and contact a professional as soon as possible.
If you know where your gas valve is, and it is not in the area that smells like gas, you can save yourself some time by turning the gas off, potentially cutting off the fire hazard at its source.
Low Airflow
If you’re dealing with low airflow, there could be either a problem with your furnace or your air ducts. A good first step is to change the air filter in your furnace to make sure there is a proper flow of fresh, clean air going into your system. A clogged air filter will restrict this process and stifle your system.
If that doesn’t work, try checking your air ducts for any blockage. During the winter, it can often be the case that dust, dirt, debris, or even critters can make their way into your air ducts to steal your warmth. If this is the case, your heating will be severely limited unless your air ducts are cleared up.
Mild Temperatures
Your heater should be keeping you warm throughout the winter, not just less cold. If you’re getting lukewarm temperatures from your heater, there are a couple things you can check to identify the problem. Make sure your thermostat is set to “heat” while also being at the temperature you’d like. If you notice anything wrong with your thermostat functionality, it could be time for an upgrade. Bring the thermostat temperature up 5° and see if that makes a difference.
If a thermostat change or an air filter change isn’t helping to fix your furnace, you’re likely dealing with a problem that only a professional HVAC technician can solve.
Having problems with your gas furnace? Give the pros a call at Carney Plumbing Heating & Cooling!