{"id":523,"date":"2017-10-23T11:00:29","date_gmt":"2017-10-23T15:00:29","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.schoenwaldercorp.com\/blog\/?p=523"},"modified":"2026-06-17T07:54:25","modified_gmt":"2026-06-17T11:54:25","slug":"4-common-furnace-repairs","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.schoenwaldercorp.com\/blog\/heating-service\/4-common-furnace-repairs\/","title":{"rendered":"4 Common Furnace Repairs"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignright\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"207\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/www.schoenwaldercorp.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/opening-furnace-cabinet-207x300.jpg\" alt=\"open-furnace-cabinet-gloves\" class=\"wp-image-524\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.schoenwaldercorp.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/opening-furnace-cabinet-207x300.jpg 207w, https:\/\/www.schoenwaldercorp.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/opening-furnace-cabinet-768x1115.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.schoenwaldercorp.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/opening-furnace-cabinet-705x1024.jpg 705w, https:\/\/www.schoenwaldercorp.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/opening-furnace-cabinet.jpg 992w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 207px) 100vw, 207px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>When your furnace runs effectively year after year, a problem with the system comes as a surprise. Furnaces are durable, after all, but only assuming they get the service they really need year after year. Improper maintenance can be a huge contributing factor as to why a heating system experiences frequent breakdowns, although many come without warning.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In any case, it\u2019s important to call in technicians ASAP when a <a href=\"\/heating\/furnaces\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">furnace<\/a> is not functioning properly so that you promptly get the service your system needs. Finding out why furnaces tend to fail will hopefully convince you of the need for both fast service and routine furnace maintenance. Read on to learn more!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<!--more-->\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">1. Dirty Furnace Filters Can Cause Heating Problems<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>First, there&#8217;s the possibility that a furnace that is not heating your home sufficiently, or even one that has completely overheated and broken down, simply needs a new air filter. You may think that the filter only has to do with your indoor air quality, but<a href=\"https:\/\/www.schoenwaldercorp.com\/blog\/plumbing-service\/how-often-should-you-clean-your-sewer-drain\/\"> clean<\/a> air also supports the health of everyone in your household.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Filters help to protect your system from damage, but a clogged filter does the opposite. A dirty air filter is clogged up with dirt and debris that stops air from flowing through. All in all, that can force your heating system to work a lot harder than it should have to. You feel less comfortable, your bills go up, and you may have to deal with additional broken components from all the wear. The house can also feel less comfortable as temperatures fluctuate when airflow is restricted. In any case, it&#8217;s important to call in trained technicians from a reliable company ASAP to assist with the job using the right tools and solutions, whether you need heating and air conditioning repair or other<a href=\"https:\/\/www.schoenwaldercorp.com\/service-areas\/chatham-nj-plumbing-heating-air-conditioning\"> HVAC services<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Emergency HVAC services are available 24\/7 for urgent issues. Change your filter once every 1-3 months!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">2. Worn Furnace Parts and Mechanical Failures<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Furnaces often run into trouble, making strange noises or failing to sufficiently heat a home, and blowing warm or weak air is another common sign your heating and air conditioning repair may be overdue. You can expect your furnace to wear down with age. At some point, if components like motors and wires keep wearing out, you may need to replace the entire unit. In many cases, timely repairs are a better option for your budget, depending on the repair cost.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>However, some level of wear and tear is often preventable. Routine maintenance allows for an inspection and tune-up of your furnace and HVAC system as part of a full range of service options that help keep equipment in top shape and support a long term solution, while helping to prevent fan belts from wearing, motors from overworking, poor airflow from vents, and other common system failures. In an air conditioner, weak airflow through the AC can point to a clogged filter or failing compressor. An unexpected spike in rising energy costs without any usage change can also signal inefficiency or system failure, so yearly service helps maintain optimal performance and keep equipment running efficiently. Be sure to schedule maintenance each year in the fall.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">3. Furnace Ignition Problems and Pilot Light Issues<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Gone are the days of the standing pilot you have to light each time you want to use your furnace. Frequent cycling can also help trained technicians diagnose an electrical issue or thermostat fault, not just normal wear. Hopefully, you\u2019ve updated to a furnace that uses electronic ignition, an intermittent pilot that lights a spark to heat the gas only when the heater turns on, which can save a lot of energy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>However, electrical malfunctions may keep the ignition switch from working properly, resulting in a failure to start. A simple replacement part may be necessary, and prompt, reliable heating and air conditioning repair, including air conditioning repair and AC repair when needed, can fix the issue, help preserve your system\u2019s warranty, and keep the system running efficiently for optimal performance. Maintenance can help manage prices and may reduce operating expenses.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">4. Activated Furnace Safety Switches and System Shutdowns<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Finally, there\u2019s a problem you would much rather catch during a heating inspection than to hear about in the middle of winter: safety issues within the furnace. If a furnace will not start up or stay on, it could be due to a safety issue causing a safety switch in the system to activate, and unexpected problems can happen even in well-maintained systems. Rapid response minimizes downtime during HVAC emergencies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Safety switches shut your furnace off at the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning, overheating, and other serious issues. Sometimes, the switch needs replacement, while other times a larger issue with the hvac system must be addressed, including heating and air conditioning repair concerns that affect cooling or air conditioning systems. Schedule maintenance each year to help prevent these possibilities. Trained professionals can diagnose and fix urgent issues with reliable same-day service often provided when replacement parts or immediate repairs are needed, helping protect your family and support customer satisfaction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Frequently Asked Questions<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Question: Why is my furnace not heating my home well?<\/strong><strong><br><\/strong><strong>Answer:<\/strong> Poor heating can come from something as simple as a dirty air filter. When the filter is clogged with dirt and debris, airflow becomes restricted and the furnace has to work harder. This can make the home less comfortable, raise energy bills, and put extra strain on heating components.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Question: How often should I change my furnace filter?<\/strong><strong><br><\/strong><strong>Answer:<\/strong> A furnace filter should generally be changed every 1 to 3 months. The filter helps protect the system, not just indoor air quality. When it gets too dirty, it can block airflow, reduce heating performance, and contribute to overheating or unnecessary wear on the furnace.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Question: What causes strange noises from a furnace?<\/strong><strong><br><\/strong><strong>Answer:<\/strong> Strange furnace noises are often connected to mechanical wear and tear. Over time, parts such as motors, fan belts, wires, and other components can wear down. Routine maintenance helps catch these issues early, reduce strain on the system, and prevent smaller problems from turning into larger repairs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Question: Why will my furnace not turn on?<\/strong><strong><br><\/strong><strong>Answer:<\/strong> A furnace may fail to start because of ignition trouble, an electrical malfunction, or an activated safety switch. Modern furnaces often use electronic ignition, and if that part fails, the system may not light. Safety switches can also shut the furnace down when overheating or other hazards are detected.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Question: When should I call for furnace repair?<\/strong><strong><br><\/strong><strong>Answer:<\/strong> You should call for furnace repair as soon as the system stops working properly, struggles to heat, makes unusual noises, overheats, or will not stay on. Prompt service helps restore comfort and can prevent added damage. Yearly fall maintenance can also reduce the chance of unexpected winter breakdowns.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\"><strong>For <a href=\"\/heating\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">furnace repair in Union, NJ<\/a>, contact the team at Max Sr &amp; Paul Schoenwalder Plumbing, Heating and Air Conditioning, A Corp.<\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Improper maintenance can be a huge contributing factor as to why a heating system experiences frequent breakdowns, although many come without warning.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[76],"tags":[106,108,6,88],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.schoenwaldercorp.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/523"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.schoenwaldercorp.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.schoenwaldercorp.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.schoenwaldercorp.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.schoenwaldercorp.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=523"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/www.schoenwaldercorp.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/523\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2065,"href":"https:\/\/www.schoenwaldercorp.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/523\/revisions\/2065"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.schoenwaldercorp.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=523"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.schoenwaldercorp.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=523"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.schoenwaldercorp.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=523"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}