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Common Furnace Issues & What Causes Them

If you have a furnace, it’s a good idea to be aware of common issues that can negatively impact your furnace’s ability to heat your home. When you can stay ahead of problems, you can prevent your furnace from facing a major breakdown or needing significant repairs.

You can keep reading to learn more about some of the common signs of furnace problems and what each one means. If you notice any of them, call our heating contractors in Brighton to schedule service so that we can come out and check your furnace to fix any potential issues. 

Incorrect Ignition

If you have a gas furnace, the unit uses gas fumes and an open flame for combustion to create heat. It’s a very precise process that requires the right amount of gas entering the chamber, and the flame igniting at the right time. If too much gas interest chamber by the time the flame ignites, it can lead to a small explosion inside of the heat exchanger that puts a lot of pressure on the unit. 

Over time, these explosions can lead to cracks in the heat exchanger that allow carbon monoxide fumes to leak out into your home. If you hear a booming sound when your furnace starts up for heating, it could be a sign that this problem is happening. You need to give our team a call to schedule service and get it fixed before your heat exchanger cracks, and you have to replace your entire furnace.

Poor Airflow

Whether you have a gas or electric furnace, airflow is crucial to maintaining good operation. A lack of airflow can cause your furnace to overheat and shut down as a safety precaution. A lack of airflow can also mean that there isn’t enough air inside of the system to heat and blow out into your home, resulting in a lack of overall comfort.

It’s also possible that poor airflow happens because of blockages within the exhaust vent. If exhaust air gets trapped inside a furnace, it can mix in with clean air and greatly lower your indoor air quality, even posing risks to your family’s health.

Electrical Problems

This is another furnace concern that can affect you whether you have a gas or electric furnace. Even gas furnaces use some electricity for operation. Electrical wires heat up when electricity runs through them. This heat causes the wires to expand a little bit. They contract back down when the electricity is gone, and the wires have a chance to cool down. 

Expanding and contracting over and over again can lead to wires loosening up from their connections. It may lead to an electrical short or cause your furnace to struggle during operation. If you suspect electrical problems inside your furnace, it is important to get them addressed right away. 

Contact Potter Heating Cooling & Plumbing today to schedule your heating services. Our team is here to help with all of your heating and air conditioning needs.

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