As the cold months roll in, your furnace becomes one of the most important appliances in your home. When it fails unexpectedly, it can leave you feeling uncomfortable and frustrated. The good news is that many furnace breakdowns are preventable with regular maintenance and proper care. At Texas Air Authorities, we believe in helping our customers avoid the hassle of unexpected repairs by addressing common causes of furnace breakdowns and offering advice on how to prevent them. Here are some of the top reasons furnaces break down and how you can keep your heating system running smoothly throughout the winter.
Dirty Air Filters
One of the most common causes of furnace malfunctions is a clogged or dirty air filter. Air filters help keep dust, dirt, and other debris from entering the furnace, but over time, these filters can become clogged, reducing airflow and causing the furnace to work harder than necessary. This leads to overheating, increased energy use, and potential damage to the system.
How to Prevent It:
Change your furnace filter regularly, ideally every 1-3 months, depending on the filter type and usage. If you have pets or live in a dusty area, you may need to replace the filter more frequently. Regular filter changes allow for proper airflow and keep your furnace running efficiently.
Pilot Light or Ignition System Failure
Furnaces, especially older models, rely on a pilot light to ignite the burners and produce heat. If the pilot light goes out or the ignition system malfunctions, the furnace won’t be able to heat your home. Modern furnaces are equipped with electronic ignition systems, which can also fail due to wear or electrical issues.
How to Prevent It:
If you have a furnace with a pilot light, ensure it is lit and functioning correctly. For newer models with electronic ignition, call a professional technician for an annual inspection to ensure the ignition system is working as it should. Regular maintenance can help catch issues before they lead to a breakdown.
Thermostat Malfunctions
Your thermostat is the brain of your heating system. If it’s not reading the temperature correctly or if it has wiring issues, your furnace may not turn on, or it might run continuously without reaching your desired temperature. A faulty thermostat can make it seem like your furnace is broken when the real issue is the thermostat itself.
How to Prevent It:
Test your thermostat by adjusting the temperature and observing the furnace’s response. If your furnace isn’t turning on or turning off at the right time, consider replacing the thermostat. Modern programmable thermostats offer better energy efficiency and can be set to adjust heating levels automatically. Make sure to have a professional check your thermostat during routine furnace maintenance.
Lack of Routine Maintenance
Like any other major appliance, your furnace requires regular maintenance to operate efficiently. Over time, dirt, debris, and wear-and-tear can cause components to malfunction, leading to breakdowns. Regular professional inspections are vital to catch minor issues before they escalate into major repairs.
How to Prevent It:
Schedule annual furnace maintenance with Texas Air Authorities. During a tune-up, a qualified technician will inspect and clean your furnace, check for gas leaks, ensure that all electrical components are functioning properly, and replace worn parts before they cause a breakdown. Routine maintenance ensures your furnace runs smoothly throughout the season and can extend the lifespan of the system.
Dirty or Blocked Vents
If the air vents in your home are clogged or blocked, the furnace will struggle to distribute warm air effectively. Obstructions in the ductwork, such as dirt, debris, or furniture blocking the vents, can result in uneven heating, overheating, and increased energy consumption. In extreme cases, blocked vents can cause the furnace to shut down.
How to Prevent It:
Regularly inspect your air vents and ducts to ensure they are clear of any blockages. Make sure no furniture or objects are obstructing vents. It’s also a good idea to have your ducts cleaned by a professional every few years to prevent buildup that could restrict airflow.
Blower Motor Issues
The blower motor circulates the heated air throughout your home. If the blower motor malfunctions or wears out, it can cause the furnace to stop producing warm air or to overheat and shut down. A faulty blower motor can also make loud noises, indicating that it needs attention.
How to Prevent It:
Keep your blower motor clean and ensure it is lubricated to prevent wear. During routine maintenance, a professional technician will inspect the motor, clean it, and lubricate moving parts to keep the system running smoothly.
Overheating and Safety Shutoff
If your furnace becomes too hot, it will activate a safety switch that turns it off to prevent further damage. Overheating is often the result of a dirty air filter, clogged vents, or a malfunctioning blower. If your furnace is constantly shutting off due to overheating, it’s important to address the underlying issue to prevent further damage.
How to Prevent It:
Change your air filter regularly, ensure your vents are clear, and schedule routine furnace maintenance. If your furnace frequently shuts down due to overheating, it could indicate a more serious issue that requires professional inspection and repair.
Lack of Lubrication or Wear and Tear
Like any mechanical system, the moving parts of your furnace can wear out over time. Lack of lubrication or the natural wear and tear of components like belts, bearings, and motors can cause the system to malfunction or break down.
How to Prevent It:
Schedule annual furnace maintenance to ensure that all moving parts are properly lubricated and functioning. A technician can replace worn parts before they cause a failure, saving you from more expensive repairs down the line.
Electrical Issues
Electrical problems, such as faulty wiring or blown fuses, can cause your furnace to stop working. If the furnace isn’t receiving power or if the system has a short circuit, it may not run at all or will fail intermittently.
How to Prevent It:
If you experience frequent electrical issues, call a professional technician to inspect the furnace’s wiring. Electrical problems can be dangerous and should be handled by a licensed technician to ensure safety.
Conclusion
A furnace breakdown can be a major inconvenience, but many of the common causes are preventable with proper care and maintenance. At Texas Air Authorities, we are committed to helping you maintain a healthy and efficient heating system. Regular maintenance, filter changes, and timely repairs can keep your furnace running smoothly throughout the colder months. If you encounter a problem with your furnace, don’t hesitate to contact our NATE-certified technicians. We offer same-day appointments and a 1-year warranty on all new equipment, so you can trust that your home’s heating system is in good hands. Stay warm this winter and avoid unexpected breakdowns by taking care of your furnace with the help of Texas Air Authorities.
Texas Air Authorities is the premier choice for HVAC services in Arlington. With a team of highly trained and certified technicians, we have the expertise to handle all of your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning needs. Our commitment to customer satisfaction is unmatched, and we always go above and beyond to ensure that your experience with us is positive. We use only the highest quality parts and equipment to ensure that your HVAC system is running at peak performance. Plus, we offer competitive pricing and flexible scheduling to fit your needs. Choose Texas Air Authorities for all of your HVAC needs in Arlington.
