Every year around October, Vancouver and surrounding areas usually start experiencing cooler weather, and just like clockwork, we get calls from homeowners with furnaces that refuse to heat or turn completely. In this article, I’ll talk about some of the common furnace problems we are called out for in my 38 years of repairing Vancouver furnaces.
Furnace will not start or blows cold air
This is a very common problem we see at the start of winter from late October to late November. This is likely caused by a dirty flame sensor, blocked intake or exhaust which can be prevented with regular maintenance, or in some extreme cases, the furnace control board has failed.
When this happens, we’ll usually start with testing the call for heat sequence and clean the flame sensors and ignitor resistance and verify pressure switch operation. Although rare, control boards are known to fail and can cause the furnace not to start.
Furnace does not provide enough heat
When this happens, we usually start at the thermostat to ensure its programed correctly. If so, the second thing to check is for a dirty filter, restricted airflow or a faulty limit switch. These are usually the top reasons why your furnace may not provide enough heating.
Banging, rattling or whining noises form the furnace
The number one culprit of strange noises from your furnace is usually un-balanced blower wheels, worn bearings, dry rotted belts or more survivor problems within the furnace. It is highly recommended that if you experience any of these problems, contact an HVAC professional to diagnose the issue. A blower wheel replacement or ignition timing adjustment may be needed.
Pilot or flame (light) keeps going out
If a furnace’s pilot light won’t stay lit, this is often caused by a weak thermocouple on standing pilot furnace systems. A dirty flame sensor, poor electrical ground, or wind draft can also affect the furnace’s pilot light. To repair this issue, we often replace weak thermocouples, clean flame sensors, verify proper ground, correct venting and combustion air issues, and perform a full combustion analysis on the furnace.
Burning or electrical smell
If you smell burning or a electrical smell such as burnt plastic, shut off the furnace immediately if it is safe to do so. This could be signs of overheating blower motor, damaged wiring, a failing capacitor, or wiring connection issue. If you experience any of these issues, call a professional immediately to prevent further damage or fire risk.
Prevent furnace breakdowns with regular maintenance
Annual maintenance keeps parts clean and protects warranties. Our Ashton Home Advantage Plan includes free annual safety inspections for your furnace or boiler and your air conditioner, plus a comprehensive plumbing safety inspection with a perk for a drain camera inspection if you have a clog. Members also receive priority booking and discounts on repairs. Ask us for details.
Why homeowners in Vancouver choose Ashton
- Red Seal licensed and insured technicians
- Repairs done to code with quality parts that protect your warranty and insurance
- Friendly technicians who explain the problem and present options before any work begins
- 38 years of local experience and 4,000 5 star reviews.
How to get fast help Call 604 283 2383 or Book online at www.callashton.com