uneven temperatures in your home

A functional furnace is vital in providing optimum indoor conditions when outdoor temperatures dip. However, it can be frustrating when your heater ceases to function, particularly in the middle of winter. This could result from normal wear and tear or an underlying system malfunction. Since investigating the issue non-professionally can lead to erroneous conclusions, you ought to engage a furnace repair technician. They will diagnose the unit and remedy the malfunction for seamless operation. Read the following reasons to learn why your furnace is not working.

Dirty Furnace Filters

Air filters trap dirt, dust, and debris entering the system, ensuring clean air circulation. Over time, however, the filters may clog with airborne contaminants, restricting airflow. This leads to the heater working harder to draw sufficient air for heating, consuming more energy. In addition, the heat exchanger may overheat, triggering the high-limit switch. As a result, the system will shut down to prevent secondary damage to other components. Thus, hiring a heating contractor to clean your filters is wise. If the filters are disposable, they will replace them for proper airflow throughout the system.

A Dirty or Faulty Pilot Light

If you hear clicking sounds and observe that the furnace initiates a cycle but does not fire up, the pilot light could be dirty. The issue could also be due to the pilot light wearing down over time, reducing its operational efficiency. Moreover, if soot infiltrates the pilot light, it may lead to the sensor detecting a faulty flame signal. As a result, the heater will stop firing or produce too much heat, potentially burning the internal components. Therefore, you should contact a furnace repair expert to clean the pilot light and replace it, if irreparable, for precise temperature detection.

A Dead Blower Capacitor

The capacitor provides a steady supply of electricity to the fan motors, helping the blower circulate hot air in your home. However, this component may degrade with time, causing it to malfunction. Subsequently, the capacitor deprives the motor of the full voltage needed for the fan's rotation. The blower then runs at unfavorably low RPMs, leading to the motor vibrating and burning out. Eventually, the capacitor may fail, restricting the flow of hot air from the vents because the blower motors do not power up.

A Cracked Heat Exchanger

A heat exchanger facilitates heat transfer from one medium to another. Nonetheless, it may overheat if there is insufficient airflow. As a result, the exchanger may expand and contract excessively, causing it to crack. This may put out the flame and set off your home's carbon monoxide detector. Thus, you should engage a furnace repair professional to install a new heat exchanger to prevent premature system failure.

If your furnace stops working, it will likely create an uncomfortable indoor atmosphere. To prevent this, you can schedule routine service checks with a furnace repair professional in your area.