A convenience that any homeowners enjoy is the ability to warm their home up when it is cold, often by turning on the central heating system. When you are used to obtaining heat anytime you desire, it can be frustrating to suddenly not being able to do so, especially when temperatures outside are very low. A common reason this problem can occur when you are using a central heating system is that the furnace, which produces your system's heat, is not working properly.  As you will learn below, even if your heater is working, it might not be working efficiently if there is something wrong with your furnace. Here are some questions you might ask yourself that indicate that you may need furnace repair:

Why Doesn't the Heater Warm Up?

If a heater turns on but doesn't warm up, an HVAC technician can inspect it and diagnose the issue. The first part of the system that should be checked is the furnace pilot. If the pilot isn't ignited, no heat will be produced, and the heater won't warm up. A technician can actually reignite a pilot in a short amount of time to resolve the problem. However, in some cases, the pilot may be damaged and will need to be repaired, which can take a little longer. Other problems that can lead to a heater not warming up are a dirty filter, weak circulation from the blower fan assembly, and gas or electrical issues.

Why is the Heater so Noisy?

One common problem a central heating system experiences is that it begins making a lot of noise because of a damaged or dirty blower fan assembly. If there is dirt on the fan, it can lead to a sporadic rotation pattern that creates a lot of noise. Usually, getting the fan cleaned by a professional is the key to resolving the problem. If the fan is damaged or has become loose, it can also lead to a lot of of noise. A damaged fan might need to be replaced, but if it is simply loose, a technician can quickly tighten it up.

Why Won't the Heater Turn On?

If you can't hear any noise when the heater is turned on, it might not be a furnace problem. In cases like this, the thermostat is often the cause of the issue, so a technician will inspect it first. If it isn't the problem, then the technician will examine the rest of the system to identify the problem.