Common Furnace Problems: Your DIY Troubleshooting Guide (Katy, TX Homeowners)
Is the air suddenly chilly in your Katy home? A furnace hiccup is never convenient, but before you panic and dial for emergency service, there are a few simple checks you can perform yourself. At BVS Home Experts, we pride ourselves on being fast, honest, and here for your comfort. Sometimes, the fix is so easy you don’t even need us!
Our goal is to help you understand your home’s heating system better. Below is a step-by-step guide to troubleshooting the 5 most common furnace problems homeowners face. If these simple fixes don’t work, remember our team is standing by 24/7 with our Rest Easy Pledge™.
DIY Troubleshooting: 5 Common Furnace Problems and How to Fix Them
Problem 1: The Furnace Isn't Producing Any Heat
This is the most alarming problem. Luckily, it often has the simplest solutions. Before inspecting your furnace, check the first two items below.
Ensure your thermostat is set to HEAT and not COOL. Then, check that the temperature is set at least 5 degrees higher than the current room temperature.
Locate the furnace power switch (it looks like a standard wall light switch, usually near the unit). Ensure it is in the ON position. Next, check your home’s electrical panel (breaker box) to see if the furnace breaker has tripped. If it has, reset it.
Many modern furnaces have a reset button (often on the control panel inside the unit). CAUTION: You should only press this once. If it trips immediately again, stop and call a professional.
If you have a gas furnace, ensure the gas valve is open (the handle should be parallel to the pipe). If you smell gas, leave your home immediately and call your gas provider, then BVS Home Experts.
Problem 2: The Furnace is Blowing Cold Air
If your furnace is running but you’re feeling a chilly breeze, your unit is struggling to ignite or retain heat.
This is the #1 culprit. A clogged, dirty filter restricts airflow, causing the heat exchanger to overheat and shut down early (a safety measure). Replace the filter with a clean one and try running the furnace again.
The blower motor cabinet often has a safety switch. If the door is not fully closed and latched, the motor will not run properly or may run cold. Ensure the access panel is secure.
Ensure the exhaust flue (the pipe carrying combustion gases out of your home) is not blocked by debris, snow, or an animal nest. A blocked vent can prevent the furnace from starting.
Problem 3: The Furnace Cycles On and Off Too Quickly (Short Cycling)
When your furnace runs for only a few minutes, turns off, and then turns on again shortly after, this is called “short cycling.”
A dirty filter or blocked supply vents can cause the furnace to overheat rapidly, triggering a safety shut-off switch. Ensure all vents and registers in the home are open and unblocked by furniture or rugs.
The flame sensor is a thin metal rod that confirms a burner flame is lit. If it’s covered in soot, it can’t detect the flame and shuts the unit down. You can gently wipe it clean with a fine emery cloth or steel wool.
If your home has major air leaks (like a cracked window), the thermostat will constantly call for heat, leading to short cycling as the furnace struggles to reach the set temperature.
Problem 4: Strange Noises Coming from the Furnace
Your furnace should operate with a relatively quiet hum. If you hear anything else, pay attention!
Usually a problem with the blower belt or motor bearings. DIY: Check the blower housing for loose screws or worn belts (though belt replacement is often best left to pros).
Often caused by dirty burners. Dust buildup can delay ignition, causing a small, loud explosion of built-up gas. DIY: You can try a new air filter, but burner cleaning requires a professional tune-up.
Typically, a loose panel or screw. DIY: Carefully examine the outside panels of the furnace and tighten any loose screws.
Problem 5: The Thermostat is Blank or Not Responding
The furnace’s brain needs power to communicate.
If you have a battery-powered thermostat, replace the batteries. This is the simplest fix for a blank screen.
A dedicated circuit breaker powers your furnace and often the thermostat. If it’s tripped, the unit and the thermostat will lose power.
Turn the furnace switch off for 60 seconds, then turn it back on. This can sometimes clear a minor electrical fault.
When is it Time to Call the Experts?
We hope these steps helped you resolve the issue! However, sometimes the problem is bigger than a dirty filter or a tripped breaker. As a family-owned HVAC company serving Katy and West Houston since 1981, we always prioritize your family’s safety and comfort.
It’s time to stop troubleshooting and call BVS Home Experts immediately if you notice any of the following:
You’ve tried the DIY steps above, and the furnace still won’t turn on.
You hear a loud grinding, metal-on-metal noise.
You smell burning plastic/electrical smells or an overpowering odor of gas or rotten eggs.
Your furnace is running, but your carbon monoxide detector goes off.
Get Expert Help Fast: Our Rest Easy Pledge™
If your furnace issues persist, don’t worry—BVS Home Experts is here for you 24/7. We stand by our promise to get your heat running quickly and safely.
Call us now for emergency repair service, and experience the Rest Easy Pledge™:
We guarantee a specialist will be at your home within one hour of your service call, or we will give you $59 off your repair.
Stop shivering and start calling! Let the most trusted heating and cooling company in Katy take care of the rest.
