As winter approaches and temperatures drop in Pittsburgh, ensuring your home's heating system is running smoothly becomes a top priority. Furnaces work overtime during the cold months, and it's not uncommon for homeowners to encounter issues that can leave them in the cold. Here are the top five furnace problems Pittsburgh homeowners often face and how to address them.

1. Insufficient Heat or No Heat at All

What's Happening:

• Your furnace is running, but your home isn't reaching the desired temperature.

• In some cases, the furnace doesn't produce any heat.

Possible Causes:

• Dirty Air Filters: Clogged filters restrict airflow, making it difficult for your furnace to distribute heat effectively.

• Thermostat Issues: A malfunctioning thermostat may not communicate properly with the furnace.

• Pilot Light or Ignition Problems: For gas furnaces, issues with the pilot light or electronic ignition can prevent heating.

How to Fix It:

• Replace or Clean Air Filters: Check your filters monthly and replace them every 1-3 months during the heating season.

• Check Thermostat Settings: Ensure it's set to "heat" and the temperature is set higher than the current room temperature. Replace batteries if necessary.

• Inspect Pilot Light: If comfortable, check if the pilot light is lit. If it's out, relight it following the manufacturer's instructions or contact a professional.

2. Frequent Cycling

What's Happening:

• The furnace turns on and off more frequently than normal, known as short cycling.

Possible Causes:

• Oversized Furnace: A furnace that's too large for your home heats up quickly and shuts off, leading to frequent cycles.

• Clogged Filters or Blocked Vents: Restricted airflow causes the furnace to overheat and shut down as a safety measure.

• Thermostat Placement: A thermostat located near a heat source may misread the home's temperature.

How to Fix It:

• Ensure Vents Are Open and Unobstructed: Make sure furniture or curtains aren't blocking vents.

• Replace Air Filters: Clean filters improve airflow and prevent overheating.

• Consult a Professional: If short cycling continues, a technician can assess whether the furnace size is appropriate and check for other issues.

3. Unusual Noises

What's Happening:

• You hear banging, rattling, squealing, or whistling sounds coming from your furnace.

Possible Causes:

• Loose Components: Over time, parts can loosen due to normal operation.

• Mechanical Problems: Worn belts or bearings can cause squealing or grinding noises.

• Airflow Issues: Whistling may indicate a clogged filter or ductwork issues.

How to Fix It:

• Inspect and Tighten Loose Parts: If you're handy, you can tighten accessible screws and panels.

• Replace Worn Belts: This typically requires a professional technician.

• Check Air Filters: Replace if dirty to improve airflow and reduce noise.

4. Blower Running Continuously

What's Happening:

• The furnace blower fan doesn't shut off, even when the desired temperature is reached.

Possible Causes:

• Fan Setting on Thermostat: The fan is set to "On" instead of "Auto."

• Faulty Limit Switch: A malfunctioning limit switch can cause the blower to run nonstop.

How to Fix It:

• Adjust Thermostat Settings: Set the fan to "Auto" so it runs only during heating cycles.

• Contact a Professional: A faulty limit switch requires repair or replacement by a technician.

5. High Energy Bills

What's Happening:

• You notice a significant increase in your heating costs without a change in usage habits.

Possible Causes:

• Inefficient Furnace Operation: Aging furnaces become less efficient over time.

• Leaky Ductwork: Air leaks in the ducts cause the furnace to work harder to maintain temperature.

• Poor Maintenance: Lack of regular maintenance can reduce efficiency.

How to Fix It:

• Schedule Regular Maintenance: Annual tune-ups keep your furnace running efficiently.

• Seal Duct Leaks: A professional can inspect and seal any leaks in your ductwork.

• Consider Upgrading: If your furnace is over 15 years old, upgrading to a newer, more efficient model can save on energy costs.

Preventative Tips to Keep Your Furnace Running Smoothly

• Regular Maintenance: Schedule annual inspections and tune-ups before the heating season begins.

• Change Filters Frequently: Replacing filters regularly ensures proper airflow and reduces strain on your system.

• Install a Programmable Thermostat: This helps maintain consistent temperatures and can reduce energy usage.

• Keep Vents and Registers Clean: Vacuum and dust to prevent blockages.

• Monitor Your System: Pay attention to any changes in performance or unusual noises and address them promptly.

We're Here to Help

At Meyers Plumbing & HVAC, we understand how critical a functioning furnace is during Pittsburgh's cold winters. Our experienced technicians are ready to help with all your heating needs, from routine maintenance to emergency repairs.

Why Choose Us:

• Experienced Professionals: With over 40 years serving the Pittsburgh community, we bring expertise and reliability to every job.

• Customer-Focused Service: Your comfort and satisfaction are our top priorities.

• Prompt Response: We offer timely service to ensure your home stays warm.

• Comprehensive Solutions: We handle everything from minor repairs to full system installations.

Don't let furnace problems leave you in the cold. Contact Meyers Plumbing & HVAC today to schedule a service appointment or to learn more about how we can keep your home warm and comfortable all winter long.

• Phone: 412-787-7805

• Website: www.meyersplumbingpittsburgh.com