Furnace Repair : Common Problems & How to Fix Them

Most of us know that furnace repair and installation in Winnipeg isn’t exactly a weekend do-it-yourself project. Not only are winters here unforgiving, new high-efficiency gas furnaces are a lot more complicated than they used to be.

One mistake can leave you and your family without heat at a crucial time. This can also impact the cost of your homeowner’s insurance. When in doubt, make sure that only certified Winnipeg heating repair professionals make any changes to your home or commercial HVAC system. With that being said, it helps to know how to identify common furnace problems and which ones you can attempt to fix yourself.

What to Watch Out For

Some of the most common HVAC issues can include:

• Problems with the Blower: If you turn your furnace on and hear it start, but the air never makes its way to the vents, you may have a blower problem. This can involve complicated motors and other parts that only a HVAC expert should try and navigate. The only remedy that you should try for this is to change the filters as they can sometimes block the airflow and impact switches within the furnace mechanism.
• The Air Never Heats Up: This can have several causes such as problems with the pilot ignition or cracked heat exchange. Both of these fixes can cost a pretty penny and could be avoided with regular professional maintenance. 
• Broken Thermostat: This could be either very simple, or very complicated. The DIY fix is simply to check and replace the batteries in the box. If this doesn’t work, it could indicate a problem with the thermostat’s sensor and the electrical wiring between the box and the furnace. It can be difficult to pin down this problem and it needs to be properly investigated by a professional.
• High-Pitched Distressing Squeal: If turning your furnace on means covering your ears, you could be dealing with a broken, slipping or torn blower belt. Just like a vehicle, there are belts powered by small engines that cause your furnace to blow out air. If this belt breaks, so will the blower. This is always something that needs to be taken care of by a certified technician.
• Inconsistent Heat: Check the pilot light. If it’s flickering unevenly or burning inconsistently, then you could have a gas flow problem. Again, this isn’t a problem that you should attempt yourself. Carbon monoxide is highly toxic and can be deadly when handled incorrectly. Professionals will have the tools and the knowledge to repair this safely.
• Constantly Blowing: A furnace that never stops blowing can have a defective limit switch. If you aren’t absolutely sure what this is and what it does, then call in an experienced HVAC company to help.

Read more tips on general tips on how to prepare your furnace this winter, click here.

For skilled heating repair in Winnipeg, contact the experts at East Side Ventilation. We have the experience and resources to keep your home or business comfortable and problem-free this winter. Call us at 204-667-8700 or contact us online for more information.