3 Airflow Problems That Lead To The Need For Furnace Repairs
There are few things worse than your furnace breaking down on a cold winter night. If at all possible, it's best to call a furnace repair company at the first sign of trouble even if you don't for sure what the problem is, rather than wait until your furnace just quits working completely. If your furnace fires on and runs, but your house keeps getting colder, the problem might be with the air circulation system. This could include the filter, blower fan, or ducts. Here's a quick look at these problems and furnace repairs that help.
A Filter Covered In Dust Blocks Airflow
A filter that's packed with dust because it hasn't been changed in a long time is a serious threat to your furnace. A filter in that condition can't let air flow through it freely. When air circulation is reduced, your furnace can strain, overheat, or shut down. Initially, what may happen is that the air circulation is restricted so the blower fan can't send as much warm air through the ducts. With less air blowing out, it will be more difficult for your furnace to heat your home.
The solution to this problem is to put in a new filter. However, be sure to choose the filter the furnace manufacturer recommends. Switching to an allergy filter could restrict airflow, so if you want to use a more effective filter, you may need to discuss options with your furnace repair service so you choose a filter that won't affect the performance of your furnace.
Damaged Ducts Let Warm Air Escape
The problem with your heat may not even be the furnace. If your furnace makes warm air, a lot of it could be lost in your attic if a duct comes open or is ripped apart by rats. You might notice the air flowing out of the registers seems weaker than usual. If so, call a furnace repair company so they can test the ducts.
If you have a duct that's destroyed, it may need to be replaced. Sometimes a leak in a duct can be patched so you don't need to replace the entire thing. If it's easy for you to check the ducts in your attic, you should check on them a few times each year to make sure they are not damaged, especially if you've had a pest problem in the attic.
The Blower Fan Isn't Creating Much Airflow
The blower fan in your furnace spins and pushes air through the ducts. If the fan is broken, or if it is spinning too slowly, there won't be enough airflow generated to push the warmed air through the ducts and through the rooms in your house. A blower fan might malfunction if it's dirty, loose, or has a problem with power. If power is the problem, the furnace repair technician might need to replace the motor, capacitor, or thermostat wire to get the blower back in service.