West Chester winters can be unpredictable, with freezing temperatures and icy winds making a dependable heating system essential for keeping your home warm and safe. Furnaces work overtime during the coldest months, and it’s often when they’re under the most strain that problems arise. Whether it’s an old furnace struggling to keep up or a malfunctioning furnace that’s been neglected, issues can crop up at any time, especially without routine maintenance.
As the #1 local HVAC company in West Chester, OH, Hill-Air Heating & Air Conditioning is here to keep your furnace running at peak performance. Our furnace repair team is called out all winter long to homes across our service area for a range of heating repair needs. In this blog, we’ll cover the most common furnace problems we see, their warning signs, and what you can do to prevent costly repairs down the road.
Top Furnace Problems in West Chester
Hill-Air has been a part of the West Chester community for decades. Since our establishment in 1986, we’ve seen just about every furnace issue imaginable. Here are the six most common problems West Chester homeowners face during the heating season:
Furnace Not Turning On
A furnace that won’t start is every homeowner’s nightmare, especially on a cold night. This issue can stem from a malfunctioning thermostat, a tripped circuit breaker, a dirty flame sensor, or problems with the ignition system in gas and electric furnaces. Warning signs include an unresponsive thermostat or no sound of the furnace attempting to start.
Furnace Blowing Cold Air
When your furnace is running but only blowing cold air, it’s failing to produce the warm air your home needs. This can happen due to a dirty air filter restricting airflow, a faulty pilot light or igniter, or issues with the blower motor. If you feel chilly air coming from your vents, it’s time to investigate.
Furnace Making Strange Noises
Unusual noises like banging, rattling, or squealing from your furnace often point to mechanical issues. Loose components, a worn-out belt, or a failing blower motor could be the culprits. Ignoring these sounds can lead to more significant problems down the line.
Weak Airflow
When your furnace is working but delivering only a weak stream of air, it’s a sign of poor airflow. This issue may arise from clogged air ducts, a dirty furnace filter, or failing internal components like the blower motor. Weak airflow makes it harder to maintain consistent temperatures and puts additional strain on your system.
Furnace Smells Bad
A foul odor coming from your furnace could mean a range of issues, from burnt dust on the heat exchanger to mold in the ductwork. However, it’s important to note that carbon monoxide, a deadly gas, is odorless and can be produced by a malfunctioning furnace.
If you suspect a gas leak or experience symptoms like headaches, dizziness, or nausea, evacuate your home immediately and call for professional help.
Furnace Turning On and Off Frequently
Short cycling, or the furnace turning on and off repeatedly without completing a full cycle, reduces your system’s efficiency and shortens its service life. It’s often caused by a dirty filter, an oversized furnace, or thermostat calibration issues.
At Hill-Air, our NATE-certified technicians have the skills and necessary knowledge to handle any furnace issue you’re facing. Whether it’s a gas furnace or an electric furnace, we provide expert furnace repair services for all makes and models. And when urgent problems arise, like a system breakdown or gas leak, our emergency repairs ensure your home stays safe and warm.
Repairing vs. Replacing Your Furnace
Most furnace problems can be fixed with professional furnace repair, but sometimes, a furnace replacement is a more practical choice. Here are five scenarios where we recommend upgrading your furnace:
- Frequent Repairs: If you’re calling for repairs often, the repair costs may add up to more than a new system.
- High Energy Bills: Older furnaces lose efficiency, driving up your energy costs unnecessarily.
- Inconsistent Heating: If your system struggles to keep your home warm or creates hot and cold spots, it might be time for a new unit.
- Old Furnace: A system nearing or exceeding 15–20 years is likely at the end of its service life.
- Major Component Failure: Issues like a cracked heat exchanger are expensive to fix and often justify a replacement.
If you need a new furnace, Hill-Air’s certified technicians ensure a seamless heating system installation. As a Carrier Authorized Dealer, we’ll help you select a heating unit that fits your home and budget. Plus, we offer financing options to make upgrading your furnace more manageable.
How to Avoid Many Furnace Issues
Preventing furnace problems is simpler—and less expensive—than dealing with costly repairs. Here are three ways to keep your system running smoothly and prevent future breakdowns.
Keep Vents Open and Replace Air Filters
Blocked vents can strain your furnace, while dirty filters reduce airflow and efficiency. Keep vents open and replace your furnace filter regularly to maintain optimal performance and improve indoor air quality.
Use Your Thermostat Strategically
Avoid overworking your furnace by setting consistent thermostat settings. Consider upgrading to a programmable thermostat to improve your furnace’s efficiency, save on energy bills, and maintain steady temperatures throughout the day.
Schedule Furnace Maintenance
A well-maintained furnace is less likely to experience breakdowns. Hill-Air offers furnace maintenance services, including annual tune-ups to prepare your HVAC system for the heating season. Additionally, our maintenance plans include perks like biannual checkups, priority service, repair discounts, and more, helping you save money while extending the life of your furnace. Regular maintenance is also needed for your heat pump, air conditioner, or ductless mini split, which our membership also covers.
With the right preventative care for your furnace, it has a much better chance of keeping your home comfortable and maintaining its energy efficiency all winter long.
When You Need Furnace Services, Trust Hill-Air
Ohio winters can be unforgiving, but your home should always be a haven of warmth and comfort. Hill-Air Heating & Air Conditioning provides reliable HVAC repair, maintenance, and installation services to keep your heating and air conditioning systems running smoothly. Whether you’re dealing with an unexpected breakdown, planning a system upgrade, or exploring the benefits of our maintenance plan, we’re the trusted choice for homeowners in our community.
Call today or schedule your service online. We’re happy to provide free estimates for all our services!