What Could Be Causing Your Furnace To Go Out Intermittently?
When your furnace quits altogether, it's usually pretty obvious that it needs to be replaced. But what if your furnace intermittently fails, and then starts working again? Sometimes, this may also be a sign of serious failure that warrants replacing your furnace -- but other times, the cause can be pretty minor. Here's a look at some of the more common reasons furnaces intermittently fail.
Thermostat Wiring Problems
It's possible that there is a short in the wires leading to your thermostat, causing it to either lose power intermittently or lose connection from your furnace at times. The thermostat could also have an internal wiring issue. Thankfully, either problem is easy for your HVAC contractor to fix. They can either run new wires to the thermostat or replace the entire unit -- which will run you around $100, or slightly more if you opt for an upscale, WiFi thermostat.
Damaged Thermocouple
The thermocouple is a device that detects the presence of a flame and shuts off the gas supply if a flame is not detected -- so you don't end up with gas leaking into your home. If the thermocouple is faulty, it could be cutting off the gas supply while the furnace is on, causing the flame to burn out. Thermocouples often become dirty and stop working, but your HVAC company can either clean or replace yours rather easily.
Blocked Ducts
The problem may actually be in the ducts leading through your home, from the furnace. If there is a blockage in one of them, it could be causing pressure to build up inside the ducts. When the pressure gets too high, the fan connected to your furnace has to work too hard, and it shuts off. The pressure falls, and then your furnace is able to work again -- but only for a while. All your contractor has to do in this case is remove the obstruction, which could be anything from a bird's nest to a child's toy.
Clogged Filter
A clogged filter can have a similar effect as blocked ducts. It restricts air flow and leads to a buildup of pressure. Luckily, you don't even need to call an HVAC contractor to fix this problem. Just pull the filter out, buy a new one in the same size, and slip it into the filter slot. Then, remember to change your filter every month for the rest of the year.
Speak with local heating repair services to learn more.
Share