
Top 8 Reasons Why Your Furnace Might Fail: Preventing Breakdowns and Saving Money
As a homeowner, few things are more inconvenient (and costly) than a furnace failure. A broken furnace can leave your home cold and uncomfortable, and it might even cause permanent damage to your heating system. But why do furnaces fail in the first place? Understanding the most common reasons for furnace breakdowns is key to preventing expensive repairs and ensuring your system can run efficiently for years.
At Connors Plumbing, Heating, and Air, we’re committed to helping homeowners maintain their heating systems. In this blog post, we’ll discuss the top 8 reasons why furnaces fail and how to avoid these issues.
1. Lack of Regular Maintenance
Regular maintenance is the most effective way to extend the lifespan of your furnace and prevent untimely breakdowns. Neglecting your furnace can lead to the accumulation of dirt, dust, and debris inside the system, reducing its efficiency and potentially causing damage. It’s recommended that you schedule a professional furnace tune-up once a year to clean and inspect components like the burner, blower, and filter.
Tip: Contact Connors Plumbing, Heating, and Air for a furnace maintenance checkup to keep your system running smoothly!
2. Dirty Air Filters
A clogged or dirty air filter is one of the most common causes of furnace failure. Air filters capture dust, dirt, and debris to keep them out of the system, but they can become clogged as time goes on. A dirty filter restricts airflow, causing your furnace to work harder and less efficiently. This can lead to overheating, system shutdowns, and, eventually, breakdowns.
Tip: Change your furnace filter every 1-3 months to prevent airflow issues and keep your furnace running efficiently.
3. Thermostat Issues
Sometimes, the problem with your furnace isn’t the furnace at all – it’s the thermostat. A malfunctioning thermostat can cause your furnace to turn off prematurely, fail to turn on, or misread the temperature in your home. If your furnace isn’t responding properly to temperature changes or seems inconsistent, check the thermostat settings, or consider having it calibrated or replaced by a professional.
Tip: Upgrade to a smart thermostat for more accurate temperature control and energy savings.
4. Pilot Light or Ignition Problems
Older furnaces typically have a pilot light, which can go out for various reasons, such as a draft, a clogged pilot tube, or a faulty thermocouple. In newer furnaces, ignition systems (such as hot surface igniters or spark igniters) can fail due to wear and tear. If your furnace is not igniting, it could be a sign that the ignition system or pilot light is malfunctioning.
Tip: If the pilot light won’t stay lit or the furnace isn’t igniting, call Connors Plumbing, Heating, and Air for an inspection of the ignition system.
5. Dirty or Malfunctioning Blower Motor
The blower motor is responsible for pushing warm air throughout your home. Over time, it can accumulate dust and debris, affecting its performance. If the blower motor is dirty or worn out, it might fail to circulate air properly, leading to poor heating performance or system shutdowns.
Tip: During your annual furnace maintenance, ask your technician to clean and inspect the blower motor to ensure it’s running properly.
6. Gas Valve Issues
If your furnace runs on natural gas, the gas valve controls the flow of gas to the burner. If the valve becomes clogged, faulty, or worn out, it could prevent gas from reaching the burner, causing the furnace to stop heating. A gas valve issue is a serious problem and should be addressed immediately by a licensed technician.
Tip: Have a professional technician check the gas valve during your furnace’s annual maintenance to catch potential issues early.
7. Overheating or Tripped Limit Switch
Your furnace has a limit switch that monitors the temperature inside the heat exchanger. If the furnace gets too hot, the limit switch will shut it off to prevent overheating. A clogged air filter, dirty burner, or malfunctioning blower motor can cause the furnace to overheat, triggering the limit switch and causing the system to shut down.
Tip: Always ensure your furnace has proper airflow and ventilation, and keep filters clean to prevent overheating.
8. Age of the Furnace
Like any major appliance, furnaces have a limited lifespan. Most furnaces last anywhere from 15 to 20 years, after which they become more prone to failure due to wear and tear. If your furnace is nearing the end of its life and experiencing frequent breakdowns, it might be time to consider a replacement.
Tip: If your furnace is over 15 years old and frequently requires repairs, contact Connors Plumbing, Heating, and Air for a consultation on whether it’s time to upgrade to a more energy-efficient model.
Prevent Furnace Failures with Regular Maintenance
Furnace problems can happen as systems age, but routine maintenance helps minimize the chances of breakdowns and keeps your system running longer. Tackling common issues early can prevent costly repairs and keep your home comfortable without interruption.
If you’re experiencing any of the problems mentioned above or just want to ensure your furnace is ready for the season, Connors Plumbing, Heating, and Air is here to help. Our experienced technicians can perform a full inspection, tune-up, and necessary repairs to keep your furnace running efficiently all winter long.
Call Connors Plumbing, Heating, and Air for Trusted Service
Call us today to schedule your annual furnace maintenance or to get a free estimate for furnace repairs or replacements. Keep your home warm and your furnace in top condition this winter!