Crestwood, Kentucky’s humid subtropical climate is the reason for the area’s hot, muggy summers. Yet that doesn’t mean winters don’t get cold. The city usually gets several inches of snow in the winter, with temperatures dropping below freezing. As such, experiencing a furnace breakdown in the middle of winter is a problem.
As Crestwood’s certified furnace repair professionals, we at Air Support Heating and Cooling often address the many reasons for furnace failure. Keep reading to learn the main culprits behind heating system breakdowns.
5 Reasons for Furnace Failure in Crestwood
No heating system will last forever. Furnaces can experience several problems that require professional assistance or routine maintenance to restore the equipment’s functionality and performance the closer they get to the end of their lifespan. Below are the top causes of furnace breakdowns in Crestwood.
1. Thermostat Malfunctions
Sometimes, inefficient heating has nothing to do with the furnace’s capabilities and everything to do with the thermostat. Your home’s thermostat triggers the heating system to turn on and shut down. If the device malfunctions for any reason, it will affect the furnace’s performance.
Common problems with thermostats include:
- Incorrect settings that prevent the furnace from operating efficiently
- Dead batteries or insufficient powers
- Damage to wiring or other components
If your furnace isn’t working correctly, you can test the thermostat to see if it’s causing the heating problem. To test the device, adjust the temperature to a higher setting to trigger the heater to start.
You likely have a wiring problem if the temperature adjustment triggers your furnace’s operations. Yet, if the change doesn’t turn the heater on, the thermostat might need new batteries. In some cases, a thermostat replacement is necessary to address mechanical failure.
2. Filthy Air Filters
Clogged filters can also cause a furnace breakdown. Air filters are essential for trapping airborne debris like dust and pet dander and keeping it out of your furnace. Unfortunately, the filters can clog and restrict essential airflow through the heating system. As a result, your heating unit will overwork itself to achieve and maintain the temperature on the thermostat, which can lead to premature wear and tear.
3. Wear and Tear
Consistently using your furnace will wear down its components. Wear and tear usually happens naturally, but premature wear is possible if you don’t get routine maintenance to clean and lubricate moving parts or replace damaged components.
4. Ignition Issues
Gas and electric furnaces in Crestwood can experience problems with their ignition systems. For instance, electric heating systems can have old or damaged ignitors.
Since gas furnaces rely on combustion to produce heat, they could have thermocouple or pilot light problems that prevent the combustion process from starting correctly. Dirty burners can also prevent the system from staying on, which can affect your Crestwood home’s warmth and your furnace’s energy efficiency.
Heat exchanger cracks are another common issue. This component helps distribute warm air through ductwork to heat a property. Though repairing this damage is sometimes possible, it’s usually best to replace it.
5. Blower Motor Failure
A furnace’s blower motor also helps push conditioned air through air ducts by controlling the blower fan’s operations. Yet if the fan collects too much dirt and debris due to a lack of maintenance, the debris buildup can put unnecessary stress on the blower motor, causing premature failure.
How To Maintain Your Crestwood Furnace
Though some furnace breakdowns are unavoidable due to age and installation quality, you can take the following steps to minimize the risk of failure and maximize your system’s longevity:
- Change Filters Regularly. One of the easiest ways to maintain your furnace in Crestwood is to replace its air filters regularly. The general frequency is once every three months.
- Check the Thermostat. As soon as you notice problems with your furnace’s operations, ensure that the thermostat has enough power and the correct settings.
- Schedule Routine Maintenance. Before winter, contact a local HVAC company to tune up your furnace. Regular maintenance includes a furnace inspection, cleaning, recalibration, and minor repairs, which can improve the system’s performance and efficiency.
Let Our HVAC Professionals Give Your Crestwood Home’s Heating the Care It Deserves
Whether you’re experiencing a furnace breakdown or want to avoid one this winter, count on our experts at Air Support Heating and Cooling to keep your system running smoothly. Our crew of experienced licensed technicians offers comprehensive HVAC services for customers throughout Crestwood, Kentucky. We have the expertise and tools to handle everything from AC coil cleaning to blower motor repair.
Experience our dedication to transparent communication, fair pricing, and quality heating solutions yourself — reach out now to learn more.