Top 10 Reasons Why Your Furnace is Projecting Error Codes

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If you’re worried about your furnace and its performance, you are not alone. Since furnaces are mechanical devices that operate from a wide range of temperatures, they do tend to break down at the worst possible times and locations. If you have just purchased a new furnace or thinking of changing yours, it is because something is not right with your current system. Maybe you have noticed increased energy bills, or maybe you have found some indications that there is something wrong with your current setup. Often it is the small things that can tip us off that our home isn’t as comfortable and cozy as it should be. If you suspect something is wrong with your furnace, don’t panic — keep reading for some common indicators that suggest that either the temperature in your home isn’t what it should be or that there might be a problem with your heater.

Check the Thermostat

What if the temperature in your home is perfect, but your furnace keeps kicking on? If you have a smart thermostat and furnace, there is a chance that you might have programmed it wrong. Make sure the thermostat is set to the right temperature, and that it is connected to your furnace. If you have reset the thermostat and reset the furnace and the problem persists, it’s time to move on to the next item on the list. When you reset the thermostat, make sure you leave it on the heat setting. If you leave it on the cool setting, the furnace might run too much, which can shorten its lifespan and cost you more in the long run. You might also want to check your vents to make sure they are not blocked by debris or furniture.

The furnace is making strange noises

One of the most common indicators that something is wrong with your furnace is that you start hearing strange noises coming from it. Sometimes you will hear it rattling, buzzing, or even squealing. If the noise comes with a strong burning smell, then it is time to turn off the furnace and call the technician immediately. If the noise is consistent but not extremely loud, then there is a chance it is just some normal sounds that every furnace makes. If it is just random noise, then you don’t have to worry too much. However, if it is a consistent noise, then there is a chance it is your furnace’s warning sign that something is wrong with it.

You smell something burning

Another common indicator is an unusual burning smell coming from your furnace. If you have a gas furnace, you might notice a strong sulfur smell, which is a good indicator that your gas is impure and that there are impurities in your system. If you have a propane furnace, then you might notice a similar but different smell. The burning smell might be caused by electrical components inside your furnace. If it’s not too strong and doesn’t taper off after a while, then you should turn off the furnace and call the technician immediately. If it’s just a minor burning smell, then you can try to flush the system by opening all the windows in your home and letting the furnace run. If the burning smell doesn’t go away, then you should call the technician.

The Furnace Isn’t Producing Heat

If your furnace is relatively new, then the first thing you should do is check the thermostat to see if it is set properly. If it is, then it might be a case of your furnace not producing enough heat. Many furnaces have a secondary heat exchanger that is responsible for regulating temperatures. If you have an older furnace, then the chances are that it has everything inside the furnace. If for some reason your primary heat exchanger fails, then your furnace won’t produce enough heat. You can check to see if this is the case by opening your furnace’s access panel and checking the temperature gauge. If it is just a little bit above room temperature, then your furnace isn’t the problem.

Or, You’re Shivering in the Dark

If the furnace is producing enough heat but it isn’t running long enough to keep your home warm, then you might have an issue with your wiring. If the furnace runs, but the lights in your home flicker and dim, your wiring is not sufficient enough to handle the load of your furnace. Unfortunately, this is an indication that your wiring is not up to code. You need to get it checked and upgraded as soon as possible. If you have a new or recently installed furnace and you have the same issue, then there is a chance that the furnace is simply not compatible with your wiring. If the furnace runs long enough to keep the home warm, but the lights don’t come on, your problem might be an issue with your circuit breaker. Check the breaker panel to see if the circuit fuse has blown. If it has, you will need to reset it before the furnace will be able to run again.

Or, Hot Enough to Fry an Egg

If your furnace is producing enough heat, but your home is so hot that you could fry an egg on the sidewalk outside, there is a chance your furnace isn’t adjusting the temperature properly. If your furnace is relatively new, then the problem is more likely to be a problem in the programming than something wrong with the furnace. If your furnace is relatively old, then there is a chance that something isn’t right with the thermostat.

Conclusion

If you suspect that there is something wrong with your furnace, don’t panic. There are many common indicators that your furnace might be broken or malfunctioning. It is important to try to isolate the problem by checking the thermostat, the furnace’s noises, and its heat output. If you have ruled out any of these potential issues and your furnace still isn’t working, it is time to contact a technician. Before you do that, make sure you know what error codes your furnace is projecting so that the technician can fix it more quickly.