The coldest months of winter are when families depend most on their furnaces to keep them safe, warm, and comfortable. So when the home's furnace stops working with no warning, it is normal for homeowners to begin to feel a sense of panic. However, if the furnace has been reliable in the past, homeowners can probably expect that a simple repair issue has occurred and that their furnace should be able to begin working again once the repair is made.
The following information will help homeowners learn about common furnace repair issues that can result in this type of loss of function so that they can feel more at ease if faced with an unexpected heating system failure in the future.
An electrical repair issue
A loss of electrical power can certainly stop furnaces from working, for both electric furnaces and those that use oil, gas, or wood to create heat. Modern furnaces of all types utilize electronic circuit boards and complex wiring systems and connections to produce constant, efficient heat. If an electrical wire or connection overheats, it may become unable to function and require replacement before the furnace can be restarted. Some of the other common electrical problems that can cause a furnace to stop working include:
- failed fuses inside the furnace
- issues with the electrical panel, breakers, or the electrical line that powers the furnace
- electrical shorts in the furnace or electrical supply
- problems with the starting capacitor or transformer
Problems with the thermostat or the thermostat control wire can also result in a furnace that suddenly stops working.
Poor maintenance habits
Furnaces can also become unable to function due to poor maintenance over an extended period of time. For example, if the furnace filter is not changed for months and has become severely clogged, the furnace will begin to overheat during operation. If not corrected, the excess heat can quickly damage the components and wiring that the furnace needs to operate and produce heat.
Condensate drain problems
Another maintenance-related problem capable of causing a furnace to stop working is when the condensate pan has become full, a situation that can prevent the furnace from engaging. This problem most often arises when the pump that drains the condensate pan fails or becomes clogged and can no longer remove excess condensate.
Homeowners who are facing can depend on a reputable furnace repair contractor to diagnose the problem and restore their furnace's operation as quickly as possible.
For more information on furnace repair, contact a professional near you.