Blog

We don't have to remind you of how cold winters can be in Central Indiana. To combat the frigid air from November through March, you need a reliable heating system that can operate efficiently even on the coldest days of the year.

But furnaces , especially those that have been poorly maintained or are older , do tend to break down over time. What should you do when your electric or gas furnace doesn't turn on, starts making weird noises or isn't producing enough heat?

Before you panic or jump to conclusions, call the professional heating and air conditioner technicians at Chapman Heating, Air Conditioning and Plumbing. Problems brought on by a noisy furnace, lack of power to the furnace (if it's electric), or a furnace blower not functioning can usually be easily repaired. Your home's furnace problems might be more common than you think. Chapman has proudly provided HVAC services to the great people of Central Indiana for more than four decades and looks forward to you becoming a customer.

What Causes Furnaces to Stop Working Properly?

Here are some common causes for furnace trouble and how you can avoid them in the future.

1. Faulty Thermostat

The furnace's thermostat controls and programs when heat is supposed to be produced. If your thermostat is set to your desired room temperature, but it isn't working properly, it probably isn't sending the message to your furnace. Try changing the batteries to eliminate the problem. If that doesn't work, it's time to call Chapman to repair or replace your thermostat.

If your thermostat is set to heat, but it's not releasing much warm air, it's likely that your thermostat is faulty and is relaying the wrong temperature to your home's furnace.

We have a wide selection of thermostats to choose from that will fit your lifestyle perfectly, including programmable and smart thermostats that allow you to set the desired temperature from your smartphone even while you're away from home. We'll check the thermostat for you and figure out what your furnace's problem is.

2. Dirty Air Filter

When your HVAC system's furnace filter becomes dirty or clogged, it doesn't allow the right amount of airflow to the furnace system. A dirty filter will make it harder for your furnace to heat your home. The extra build-up in the air filter makes your furnace system work harder than necessary, which puts a strain on the machine. Some filters need to be replaced every month; some once a year. If you are not sure when to replace the filter, contact Chapman for help. Replacing the dirty and clogged filter will greatly extend the life of your furnace system, and you will have a much warmer home.

3. Lack of Maintenance

Your home heating system is very important, so you want to make sure you get your money's worth. Regularly scheduled maintenance is vital. Your furnace is made up of complex parts that all work together to keep the machine running smoothly. If you forget to schedule regular maintenance, you might experience breakdowns, an increase in your energy bill and a lot of frustration.

We recommend annual maintenance in the fall before you turn the system on for the first time. But even if you've already turned your system on, you should still have the system tuned up to help it provide quality heating on the coldest days of winter.

4. Pilot/Ignition Control Troubles

Some other issues you might be experiencing are problems with your furnace's ignition control. Don't attempt to repair this problem yourself. It's a good idea to have a professional HVAC technician evaluate the situation before it turns into a bigger problem. Our service technicians are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

5. Blocked or Leaking Ducts

If your air ducts are blocked or are leaking, hot air won't be able to reach its end destination. Check that areas near the furnace are clear of any potential debris. A professional may need to pay your home a visit to check on the ducts. If they're blocked or leaking, they might be the source of your home's heating problems.

Contact Chapman for Furnace Maintenance and Furnace Repairs

Though we've mentioned common furnace problems that your system might be dealing with, your home might be dealing with a separate problem entirely. Your home's electric or gas furnace should be able to produce heat at the set temperature of your house. If it's not creating enough heat to completely heat the home, you may need furnace services performed.

Not sure if your furnace needs to be repaired or replaced? Tried all the furnace troubleshooting suggestions that you can find? Contact Chapman Heating, Air Conditioning and Plumbing for your heating and cooling needs. Chapman carries a full line of high-efficiency furnaces.

No matter the problem with your home's furnace, the experts at Chapman can help. Contact us today so we can recommend the best services for your home.