Your furnace is an expensive appliance in your home. It is something that can break down throughout your lifetime as a homeowner. Some issues require simple repairs you can do on your own, and others may require the use of a professional HVAC contractor or the need for a new appliance altogether. If you have issues with your furnace, you need to know how to handle some of these issues. Some issues are very common and if you're handy, you may be able to handle the repair yourself. Read on for some common issues and how you can repair them.

Your Thermostat Is Not Signaling Your Furnace

If your thermostat is not sending the right signal to your furnace to turn on, your furnace will not heat your home as it should. In this case, you need to check your thermostat and replace it if necessary. Test your thermostat by changing the temperature on the thermostat and then listening to see if it signals anything to the furnace at all. If your furnace vent is running but the heat is not turning on, it may be because the thermostat is not sending the signal to the furnace. Replace the thermostat with a new one that is more energy-efficient and that is a digital model, which can be more accurate.

Your Furnace Is Not Igniting

If your furnace is not igniting, the problem could be the ignition switch, or it could be the flame sensor. If the ignition switch is bad, you may be able to replace it yourself. Remove the old switch and replace it with a new one that is made for your particular model. If the flame sensor is dirty, your furnace may not ignite properly. You can clean the sensor with a piece of Emory cloth. Clean the sensor to remove the built-up soot that could be blocking the sensor from allowing the flame from being sensed.

You Have No Heat

If you have absolutely no heat coming from your furnace, and you don't have the vent running either, it could be an issue with the motor on the furnace. If the motor has gone bad on your furnace, you may need to replace the furnace with a new one. Replacing the motor may be too costly, and replacing the furnace itself may be a more cost-effective option.

If you are experiencing any of these common issues with your furnace, you may be able to repair them yourself, or you may need to call in a professional HVAC contractor to help you make the necessary repairs. If you are in doubt about your repair skills, you should hire a professional contractor.

For more information about residential furnace services, contact a local company.