It can be tough to diagnose the issue when your electric furnace isn’t working properly, but understanding common furnace problems and what they mean can give you a good starting point. Whether your heating is uneven or you’re hearing your furnace make noises at night, we can help you troubleshoot issues below and figure out when it’s time to call an HVAC professional.Â
Most Common Electric Furnace Problems
- Furnace won’t turn on
- Unit blows cold air instead of warm
- Air coming out of the vents is weak
- Heating is inconsistent or uneven
- Furnace is short cycling
- Unit is making odd sounds
- Water is leaking from the furnaceÂ
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Safety Steps to Take First
When troubleshooting electric furnace problems, safety should always be your first priority. Start by turning off the power to your furnace to avoid the risk of electrical shock, fire, or injury. Ideally, you should wear insulated gloves when checking internal components and avoid touching wires or heating elements unless you are a trained electrician or HVAC technician yourself.
What to Check
Your Circuit Breaker
When your furnace stops working, you probably want to start by looking at the circuit breaker. If the breaker has tripped, this could be the reason your furnace isn’t turning on. You can reset it by flipping it back to the “on” position, but there could be something else going on if it keeps tripping.
The Thermostat
A broken thermostat is another frequent cause of furnace heating problems. Double-check that your thermostat is set correctly and change the batteries or calibrate it if you haven’t done so recently. If the furnace still doesn’t respond, the problem likely requires an HVAC professional.
The Air Filters
While common, clogged air filters keep air from getting to your furnace. This reduces your system’s performance and causes other issues. Check your filters monthly and replace or clean them as needed, especially if you have allergies or pets with hair. When your filters are clean, your system doesn’t have to work so hard and you can breathe easier indoors.
Your Ductwork
Is the air coming from your vents weak or uneven? It’s probably a good idea to check your ductwork for cracks or openings where air might be leaking out. Be sure to check for blockages that could be keeping air from passing through as well. You may need to repair or clean your ducts before the heating season to make sure that warm air can flow from your furnace to the rest of your space.
Inside Your Furnace
If your furnace still isn’t working after checking the basics, you may want to have a quick look inside. If you have a gas furnace, make sure the pilot light isn’t out. You can also check for other major issues, like a clogged or cracked burner and moisture inside the unit.
When to Call a Furnace Professional
Knowing when you’re in over your head and it’s time to call a furnace professional is key to staying safe and preventing damage to your equipment. If you’re still having issues with your heating after troubleshooting basic fixes you can do yourself, like changing out the filter or calibrating your thermostat, you’ll likely need the help of a licensed HVAC technician to service your furnace.
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How N.E.T.R., Inc.’s Boston Heating Contractors Can Help
Electric furnace problems can be tough to deal with on your own, but the experienced HVAC technicians at N.E.T.R., Inc. are here to help. Our licensed heating contractors service all types and brands of equipment, so you can rest assured that your system is in excellent hands.
Whether the root problem is a malfunctioning thermostat or a major mechanical failure, our team can get you back on track fast. Contact us at (781) 933-6387 to schedule your furnace repair service today.
