{"id":1161,"date":"2021-11-15T11:00:27","date_gmt":"2021-11-15T16:00:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.jnaonline.com\/blog\/?p=1161"},"modified":"2025-12-28T22:39:56","modified_gmt":"2025-12-29T03:39:56","slug":"10-things-that-might-go-wrong-with-your-furnace","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.jnaonline.com\/blog\/heating-service\/10-things-that-might-go-wrong-with-your-furnace\/","title":{"rendered":"10 Things That Might Go Wrong With Your Furnace"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image alignright\"><img loading=\"lazy\" width=\"300\" height=\"200\" src=\"https:\/\/www.jnaonline.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/iStock-978894702_800x533-300x200.jpg\" alt=\"Furnace repair tool bag filled with pliers, screwdrivers, and safety goggles outdoors.\n\" class=\"wp-image-1072\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.jnaonline.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/iStock-978894702_800x533-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.jnaonline.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/iStock-978894702_800x533-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.jnaonline.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/iStock-978894702_800x533.jpg 800w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>The winter temperatures are here. We know that you\u2019re feeling them out there. While we\u2019re sure that you\u2019re looking forward to all the fun that comes along with the holidays, you know like we know that a bad heater can ruin this. If you\u2019re noticing that your furnace isn\u2019t performing the way that you\u2019d like it to, then it\u2019s time to schedule an appointment with our professionals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2><strong>What are the most common signs you need furnace repair?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul><li>Unusual noises like banging or rattling<\/li><li>Inconsistent or uneven heating throughout your home<\/li><li>Rising energy bills without increased usage<\/li><li>Furnace frequently turns on and off (short cycling)<\/li><li>Weak airflow from vents<\/li><li>Thermostat not responding or displaying incorrect readings<\/li><li>Strange odors coming from the furnace or vents<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you notice something odd going on, then it\u2019s time for you to schedule an appointment for <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.jnaonline.com\/service-areas\/new-lenox-il-hvac-services\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">furnace repair in New Lenox, IL<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Since we\u2019re a team of trained professionals, we can get into your home, diagnose your issue, solve the problem, and get out of your hair in record time. Let\u2019s start by figuring out the signs that you may have something going wrong with your heater.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<!--more-->\n\n\n\n<h2>10 Common Winter Furnace Problems and How to Spot Them<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Here are some furnace issues that you might encounter this winter season.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3>1. Long Cycles<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You might have heard of short cycling when it comes to a furnace system, but it\u2019s common for this issue to happen the opposite way too. If you notice your heater is running in long cycles, then it means it\u2019s time to schedule an appointment with us.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3>2. A Loud Furnace<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Your furnace shouldn&#8217;t be a system you consider loud. Any loud or disruptive noises you hear are an issue. This is the sound of your heater laboring to work. A loud furnace typically gives way to other furnace issues.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3>3. Frequent Cycling<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Short cycling is just as much an issue as long cycling. If you notice that your heater is cycling frequently, then you should address the issue before it becomes a greater problem.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3>4. A Malfunctioning Thermostat<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Have you noticed that your thermostat can\u2019t accurately read the temperature in the room anymore? If the readings are consistently off, then you should invest in proper heating care to get it right.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3>5. Odd Scents<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Your heater should never emit foul odors. When it does, it means it\u2019s time to schedule an appointment for heating repairs.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3>6. High Energy Bills<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">High energy bills typically mean that your home\u2019s heating system can\u2019t perform efficiently. We\u2019re prepared to help you with this when you want quality work.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3>7. Increased Dust<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If your home is dusty all the time when you run your heater, it\u2019s a sign your heater is having difficulty cycling air through your vents.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3>8. Hot and Cold Spots<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Are you noticing great temperature disparities in your home? This should be the case. Temperature leaps from room to room are the sign of an unhealthy heater.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3>9. Discolored Pilot Light<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Your furnace\u2019s pilot light should always burn a steady blue flame. If it doesn\u2019t, then it means that it\u2019s time for you to schedule an appointment with our professionals. Your pilot light can start to turn a different color or start to flicker. Make sure you address this promptly.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3>10. Trouble Turning On or Staying On<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Is there always a struggle getting your furnace to turn on? What about getting your furnace to stay on? Your furnace should be able to come on when you need it most. If you can\u2019t count on it, then it\u2019s a sign you should schedule prompt furnace repair.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2><strong>Frequently Asked Questions<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Question:<\/strong> What are the most common signs that my furnace might be failing?<br><strong>Answer:<\/strong> Common indicators include loud or unusual noises, long or frequent on,off cycles, trouble turning on or staying on, and inconsistent heating across rooms. These signs suggest your furnace isn\u2019t operating efficiently and may need professional inspection or repair.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Question:<\/strong> Why does my furnace cycle too often or run for very long periods?<br><strong>Answer:<\/strong> Irregular cycling, either frequent short cycles or extended run times, can signal airflow issues, thermostat problems, or underlying mechanical faults. Both patterns often reduce efficiency and should be checked by an HVAC technician.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Question:<\/strong> What should I do if I notice odd smells coming from my furnace?<br><strong>Answer:<\/strong> Foul or unusual odors from your furnace aren\u2019t normal and may indicate clogged filters, electrical problems, or airflow issues. Turn off the system and schedule a professional to diagnose and resolve the issue promptly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Question:<\/strong> Can a malfunctioning thermostat affect furnace performance?<br><strong>Answer:<\/strong> Yes. A thermostat that reads temperatures inaccurately or doesn\u2019t communicate correctly with your furnace can cause frequent cycling, inefficient heating, and comfort problems. Recalibration or replacement may be necessary.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Question:<\/strong> Why might my energy bills suddenly go up when using the furnace?<br><strong>Answer:<\/strong> Higher energy bills can indicate your furnace is struggling to heat efficiently due to issues like restricted airflow, worn components, or poor combustion. A professional tune up or repair can often improve efficiency and lower costs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\">\n{\n  \"@context\": \"https:\/\/schema.org\",\n  \"@type\": \"FAQPage\",\n  \"mainEntity\": [\n    {\n      \"@type\": \"Question\",\n      \"name\": \"What are the most common signs that my furnace might be failing?\",\n      \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n        \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n        \"text\": \"Common indicators include loud or unusual noises, long or frequent on,off cycles, trouble turning on or staying on, and inconsistent heating across rooms. These signs suggest your furnace isn\u2019t operating efficiently and may need professional inspection or repair.\"\n      }\n    },\n    {\n      \"@type\": \"Question\",\n      \"name\": \"Why does my furnace cycle too often or run for very long periods?\",\n      \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n        \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n        \"text\": \"Irregular cycling, either frequent short cycles or extended run times, can signal airflow issues, thermostat problems, or underlying mechanical faults. Both patterns often reduce efficiency and should be checked by an HVAC technician.\"\n      }\n    },\n    {\n      \"@type\": \"Question\",\n      \"name\": \"What should I do if I notice odd smells coming from my furnace?\",\n      \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n        \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n        \"text\": \"Foul or unusual odors from your furnace aren\u2019t normal and may indicate clogged filters, electrical problems, or airflow issues. Turn off the system and schedule a professional to diagnose and resolve the issue promptly.\"\n      }\n    },\n    {\n      \"@type\": \"Question\",\n      \"name\": \"Can a malfunctioning thermostat affect furnace performance?\",\n      \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n        \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n        \"text\": \"Yes. A thermostat that reads temperatures inaccurately or doesn\u2019t communicate correctly with your furnace can cause frequent cycling, inefficient heating, and comfort problems. Recalibration or replacement may be necessary.\"\n      }\n    },\n    {\n      \"@type\": \"Question\",\n      \"name\": \"Why might my energy bills suddenly go up when using the furnace?\",\n      \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n        \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n        \"text\": \"Higher energy bills can indicate your furnace is struggling to heat efficiently due to issues like restricted airflow, worn components, or poor combustion. A professional tune up or repair can often improve efficiency and lower costs.\"\n      }\n    }\n  ]\n}\n<\/script>\n\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\"><b>Contact Johansen &amp; Anderson Inc today to <\/b><a href=\"https:\/\/www.jnaonline.com\/contact\/schedule-service\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><b>schedule an appointment<\/b><\/a><b> with our professionals. Call J&amp;A today, sleep-tight tonight.&nbsp;<\/b><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Let\u2019s start by figuring out the signs that you may have something going wrong with your heater. <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[76],"tags":[226,99],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.jnaonline.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1161"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.jnaonline.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.jnaonline.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.jnaonline.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.jnaonline.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1161"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/www.jnaonline.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1161\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1679,"href":"https:\/\/www.jnaonline.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1161\/revisions\/1679"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.jnaonline.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1161"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.jnaonline.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1161"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.jnaonline.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1161"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}