When the weather gets cooler, the holiday season might be the first thing on many homeowner’s minds. However, the cold temperatures are when you need to rely on your heating system to keep your space comfortable. If your heating system isn’t working properly, not only will your home not receive the heat it needs, but it will likely cause a spike in your energy bill. Fortunately, the experts at Cooper Mechanical can lend a helping hand. Let’s explore some of the common causes of furnace breakdowns and how our team can help.
Causes of a Furnace Breakdown
A furnace is a complex piece of equipment, yet often housed out of sight. When it works well, homeowners might almost forget it’s there. Unfortunately, these units can suffer from occasional problems, which is why you’ll need to keep an eye out. Some of the main issues they may face are:
Thermostat Failure
Your thermostat is typically mounted on one or more of your walls, allowing you to quickly and easily adjust the set temperature. Many of today’s units can even be controlled remotely by apps on your mobile devices. If your thermostat is malfunctioning, the furnace won’t know when it should start or stop its heating cycle.
Blower Motor Failure
The blower motor (or fan motor) helps move the heat from the furnace throughout your home. If the unit is still producing heat but that heat isn’t getting where it needs to be, blower motor replacement or repair may be the solution.
Dirty or Clogged Filters
Your furnace uses air filters to help maintain great air quality. However, these filters eventually get dirty and clogged due to the debris they capture. Changing out your filters should be part of standard maintenance, but some homeowners may ignore or forget this, which can cause your unit to run poorly or not at all.
Pilot Light/Ignition Failure
If the pilot light or electrical ignition systems aren’t working properly, your furnace won’t work effectively. Opening the burner chamber door allows an expert to look at the pilot light tube and check to see if the flame is present or not.
Fuel Supply Issues
All furnaces require a fuel supply. Furnaces that use natural gas need working fuel lines to operate effectively.
Faulty Wiring
Because these units feature complex wiring, there may be an unforeseen issue that expert mechanics can help diagnose. Wiring problems can lead to overheating and even unit failure.
Lack of Maintenance and Repairs
While we spend time cleaning bathrooms and floors regularly, homeowners often forget to consider routine maintenance for their furnaces. They may also ignore warning signs, passing up the opportunity to have it looked at by a professional before it’s too late. This can lead to furnace parts breakdown and the need for more extensive repairs.
Age
Like most equipment in your home, furnaces won’t last forever. Units that are over 15 years old are at a higher risk for breakdowns. Getting a new unit not only fosters more energy-efficient heating for your home but can also provide peace of mind.
Look To Our Team of Experts
No one wants to be without heat in the cold Northeast winters. The experts at Cooper Mechanical can help homeowners in Doylestown, Pennsylvania, and the surrounding areas keep their homes nice and toasty by preventing furnace breakdowns and handling any repairs or maintenance needs that come up. We provide affordable service and work on all brands. Our professional mechanics will talk you through the process and provide answers to your questions. We’re even open 24/7 to handle emergency service. If you need service or have any questions for our team, contact us today.
