A furnace not working can be a very frustrating thing to have to deal with. It can often mean being stuck outside in the cold or having family members shiver through chilly February nights. Many people may wonder why their furnace stops working and how they could prevent this from happening again in the future.
Many things could cause a furnace to stop working, which you can quickly fix by adjusting the settings. Others may require more extensive repair work. Now, what can cause a furnace to stop working? Let’s find out.
Is it Possible to Make a DIY Furnace Fix?
A furnace that’s not working can be a big problem, and it might have you do a lot of things before you fix it. However, it is possible to have a DIY fix on your malfunctioning furnace. It takes some little know-how on where to touch when the furnace has some signs of not working.
That is why you have to know the possibilities according to the problem you are experiencing. However, when the problem is too huge, DIY fixing might become a significant issue, and you might end up calling in an expert to do the fixing.
To try making a DIY fix or to understand what reason might be causing the furnace to stop working, you will need to know the possible issues that might cause this.
Possible Problems That Makes a Furnace to Stop Working
Several issues can cause a furnace to stop working, ranging from the thermostat to the air filter and the electric system. Understanding how any of them might be a problem is an important thing. The following are the main problems that can cause a furnace to stop working.
No Power Supply (Circuit Breaker)
When there is no power supply (circuit breaker), it does not mean that something goes wrong with the entire electric system of your home. The problem could be more specific than this. For example, some issues require resetting the circuit breaker several times before they repair themselves.
There are cases when an expert needs to locate and fix any wiring issues for the circuit breaker to work again. A brief inspection on your part can help prevent severe damage to your equipment or even cause a fire risk if no one fixes it.
Thermostat not working properly
The thermostat controls the furnace. Doing so requires low voltage power for it to work appropriately. The slightest issue with the thermostat can make your furnace stop working. For example, if there are low voltage issues or loose connections, you might need to reset the circuit breaker before using the furnace again.
Also, you will need to check if you have already set the thermostat to heat mode and the temperature set to a few degrees above the room temperature to initiate the heat cycle. Depending on what your thermostat runs on, you might want to check the connection or maybe replace the batteries if it is battery-powered. If the problem persists, you might still want to call in an expert to fix it.
Clogged air filter
A clogged air filter can prevent your furnace from functioning correctly. If you have a forced-air heating system, the blower fan must run at high speed before the heat cycle begins. It is to expel any clogs in the duct and to distribute heat equally throughout the room. A clogged air filter would still allow this process but will limit airflow within your home.
So when you turn up your thermostat, the heat output might not be as excellent as you expect it to be. As a result, the whole place becomes colder than expected. The same thing can happen if your heating system is too small for the size of your home or has leaks in the ducts.
If you have already checked all these things and have done everything correctly but still have issues with your furnace, it might be time to call an expert to check your unit for any electrical defects. This way, you can stay warm during winter without having a furnace that suddenly decides not to work at all.
Clogged furnace
A clogged furnace is a problem that you can resolve on your own, but it will take a little time and effort. If the unit is too cold, the longer it runs, the more likely it melts or softens then flat solidifies any clog inside. Once this happens, you might need to disassemble some parts of the furnace to fix the problem permanently.
Without a constant airflow, the furnace cannot work. Eventually, the generated heat builds up to a maximum, making it unable to work anymore, potentially damaging the system.
Problem with the Heat Exchanger
The problem with the heat exchanger in your furnace occurs when it has a hole or crack and no longer works properly. Usually, this problem results in poor efficiency and, in some cases, low airflow because of clogs. It causes your furnace to work harder than usual and often leads to system shutdowns.
It can also trigger other problems that you need to take care of, such as an air filter that is too dirty or duct leakage. The additional issues could tremendously drive up your utility bills, making it costlier for you to stay warm during winter without suffering from the unbearable coldness inside your home.
It requires immediate attention and repair before further damage happens or malfunctions become worse than they already are.
What Can Cause a Furnace to Stop Working – Conclusion
While minor problems that keep your heating system from properly working can be bothersome, it is still possible to deal with them independently. Most of the time, you will need to inspect the things mentioned above. It is always best to prevent any potential risks by having a regular inspection now and then.
However, if this minor issue turns out to be too complicated, don’t hesitate to call an expert for assistance instead. It is always better to stay safe and warm while enjoying the comforts of your own home during winter.