HVAC service providers in St. Louis receive hundreds of calls each year during fall and winter regarding problems with the heating system. Like most other appliances, furnaces are prone to some issues. Before calling HVAC service professionals, you can take some proactive measures to avoid and diagnose common furnace issues. Read more about common furnace problems and heating system troubleshooting tips below.
If you are currently experiencing problems, and need to have your heating system inspected by expert technicians in St. Louis, call us today at 314-993-1110.
Common Furnace Problems and Heating System Troubleshooting Tips
- Noisy Furnace – Grinding, popping, or rattling noises from your furnace can all be signs of trouble. Squealing sounds typically occur when the belt connecting the fan and the motor slip. The belt may also be worn or improperly aligned. You can adjust the motor mount to tighten the fit. The worn or improperly aligned belt may need a replacement. Loose panels can also often be the cause behind rattling noises when the furnace is running. Ensure the cover panels are properly screwed on. For fixes like reinstalling and replacing the belt or ductwork, these are often best left to a St. Louis HVAC company.
- The Furnace Does Not Heat – Thermostat malfunctions are behind most furnace problems and failures. A blown fuse or tripped circuit breaker can be other causes of heating system failures. Here are some heating system troubleshooting tips to check out if your furnace is not heating:
- Make sure to set the thermostat to "Heat"
- Inspect the electrical circuit to ensure the fuse is not blown and the breaker is on. Check the main and secondary electrical panels that supply power.
- Reset the breaker in case the circuit has tripped or broken, and replace the fuse. If the circuit breaks again, you will need to contact your electrical contractor.
- The Heating System Repeatedly Cycles Off and On – Problems with the thermostat can also cause your heating system to shut off and on repeatedly, also called furnace short cycling. Try adjusting the small lever in your thermostat one calibration closer to the ‘longer’ setting. If the room temperature drops too low or rises too high, try setting the lever one mark away from the ‘longer’ setting. If these adjustments do not work, there may be some other issue causing your furnace to short cycle. Calling a professional is usually the best option.
- Dust and Unpleasant Odors – Your heating system collects dust throughout the year, but more during spring and summer when it sits unused. Accumulated dust can create health problems, including allergies, apart from creating unpleasant odors. An unpleasant smell from the furnace can be due to the dust burning off when you start it for the first time in winter or due to a gas leak. Gas smells warrant a quick call to emergency services and evacuation. Your St. Louis heating system maintenance professionals offer preventive maintenance that prevents gas leaks and other serious problems.
- High Energy Bills – Inefficient heating systems can be behind the rising energy bills. Whether the system is overdue for maintenance or is just old and worn, and has started to lose efficiency, there are a variety of factors that can cause an increase in energy bills. Some things you can do are to keep air intakes and vents open and avoid adjusting the thermostat frequently throughout the day. Regular maintenance should be performed, and worn-out parts should also be replaced to help reduce your energy bills.
Contact Us for Heating System Service & Repairs in St. Louis
Whether you want to save on energy bills or get rid of the unpleasant gas smell from your furnace, calling your HVAC service professional is the first step. From replacing worn-out parts, repairing faulty thermostats to preventive checks, your St. Louis HVAC maintenance professional ensures your furnace functions at an optimal level to maximize your comfort.
Galmiche & Sons has been helping St. Louis residents with HVAC maintenance and repairs since 1950. Get in touch with our heating and air conditioning experts today to learn more and schedule your HVAC maintenance and service appointment.
