
If you’ve noticed that the temperature in your home isn’t adjusting despite changing your thermostat, you’re likely frustrated and concerned. Whether your furnace is stuck at one temperature, blowing cool air, or not responding at all, this issue can lead to discomfort, especially in colder months. In this article, we’ll explore the possible reasons why your furnace might not be adjusting the temperature and offer some DIY solutions. However, for serious issues, it’s best to call a professional like Angels Heating Company to avoid further complications. The do furnace repair near you.
1. Thermostat Issues
Cause: Sometimes, the issue isn’t with the furnace but with the thermostat. If the thermostat is malfunctioning, it may not send the correct signals to the furnace, resulting in no temperature change.
Home Solution: Check the thermostat settings and ensure it’s set to “heat” and that the temperature is set higher than the current room temperature. Replace the batteries if necessary. If it’s a programmable thermostat, make sure the schedule settings are correct.
Tools Needed: Thermostat manual, batteries (if applicable), small screwdriver.
Why Call a Professional: If the thermostat still doesn’t respond, the wiring could be faulty, or the thermostat may need recalibration. In these cases, it’s best to have a technician from Angels Heating Company inspect and either repair or replace the thermostat to ensure your furnace is receiving the correct signals.
2. Dirty Air Filters
Cause: Clogged or dirty air filters can restrict airflow, which can cause your furnace to overheat and shut down prematurely, preventing the temperature from changing.
Home Solution: Replace the air filter if it’s dirty or clogged. Filters should be checked every month during heavy furnace use and replaced as needed.
Tools Needed: Replacement air filter (make sure it’s the correct size for your furnace), gloves, possibly a small vacuum for cleaning the filter housing.
Why Call a Professional: Regular maintenance, including filter replacement, is crucial to furnace efficiency. If your furnace continues to malfunction after replacing the filter, there may be a deeper issue, such as blocked ductwork or an internal mechanical problem, which requires professional attention from Angels Heating Company.
3. Pilot Light or Ignition Problems
Cause: If the pilot light on your gas furnace has gone out or the electric ignition is malfunctioning, the furnace may not heat up properly, causing the temperature to stay the same.
Home Solution: For a gas furnace, you can relight the pilot light if you’re familiar with the process (following safety precautions). For furnaces with electronic ignitions, a simple reset of the system might work.
Tools Needed: Lighter (for pilot lights), owner’s manual for relighting instructions.
Why Call a Professional: If the pilot light keeps going out or the ignition system fails repeatedly, it could indicate a gas supply issue or a failing ignition system, both of which can be dangerous if not handled correctly. A certified technician from Angels Heating Company can ensure the safety of your system and fix any underlying issues.
4. Blower Motor Issues
Cause: The blower motor is responsible for distributing warm air through your home. If it’s malfunctioning, you might notice that the furnace is running, but the temperature isn’t changing because the warm air isn’t circulating properly.
Home Solution: You can try checking the furnace’s blower compartment to ensure it’s not obstructed. If the motor is dirty or needs lubrication, that could cause it to slow down.
Tools Needed: Flashlight, screwdriver, lubricant (for certain types of motors).
Why Call a Professional: The blower motor is a crucial component of your furnace, and improper handling can lead to further damage. A technician from Angels Heating Company can repair or replace the motor and ensure the system is working efficiently without risk of overheating or failure.
5. Leaky Ductwork
Cause: If there are leaks or gaps in your ductwork, heated air can escape before it reaches your living areas, causing the furnace to work harder while the temperature in your home stays the same.
Home Solution: Inspect any visible ductwork for leaks or gaps. Small gaps can sometimes be sealed with duct tape or mastic sealant.
Tools Needed: Duct tape, mastic sealant, flashlight for inspecting ducts.
Why Call a Professional: While small leaks can be patched up, larger duct issues can significantly reduce the efficiency of your furnace and increase your energy bills. A professional from Angels Heating Company can thoroughly inspect the ductwork, identify problem areas, and make the necessary repairs to ensure your furnace is heating your home properly.
6. Furnace Size and Capacity
Cause: If your furnace is too small for your home, it may struggle to maintain the desired temperature. On the other hand, if it’s too large, it might short cycle, turning on and off too quickly to adequately heat your space.
Home Solution: Unfortunately, there’s no easy DIY solution to this problem. However, you can calculate the BTU requirements for your home based on its size and insulation level to see if your furnace is the right fit.
Tools Needed: BTU calculator (available online), furnace manual.
Why Call a Professional: If your furnace is improperly sized, a professional consultation with Angels Heating Company can help determine whether it needs replacement. We can recommend a correctly sized furnace that will keep your home at a comfortable temperature while operating efficiently.
7. Limit Switch Malfunction
Cause: The limit switch in your furnace controls when the blower fan turns on and off. If the switch is malfunctioning, the blower may not activate when it should, leading to temperature inconsistencies.
Home Solution: The limit switch is not something most homeowners should attempt to fix on their own, as it requires working with electrical components.
Tools Needed: None for a DIY fix.
Why Call a Professional: A malfunctioning limit switch can cause your furnace to overheat, leading to safety concerns. A trained technician from Angels Heating Company can diagnose and repair or replace the limit switch, ensuring your furnace operates safely and efficiently.
Frequently Asked Questions About Furnace Temperature Issues
- Why is my furnace not changing temperature even though the thermostat is set correctly?
This could be due to thermostat issues, dirty air filters, or a malfunctioning blower motor. A professional inspection can pinpoint the exact cause. - Can I fix my thermostat myself?
You can check for common issues like dead batteries or incorrect settings, but wiring or calibration problems should be handled by a technician. - What should I do if the blower motor isn’t working?
Check for obstructions and clean the motor, but if that doesn’t work, it’s best to call a professional. - How often should I change my furnace’s air filter?
Air filters should be checked monthly and replaced at least every 90 days, or more often if they become clogged. - Can leaky ductwork affect my furnace’s performance?
Yes, leaky ducts can cause warm air to escape, making your furnace less efficient. - What happens if my furnace is the wrong size for my home?
An undersized furnace will struggle to heat your home, while an oversized furnace may short cycle. Both issues reduce efficiency and comfort. - Why does my furnace keep shutting off before reaching the set temperature?
This could be due to short cycling caused by issues like a dirty filter, overheating, or a malfunctioning thermostat. - How do I know if my furnace’s pilot light is out?
If your furnace isn’t producing heat, check the pilot light. If it’s out, you can try relighting it if it’s safe to do so. - What tools do I need to check for simple furnace issues?
A flashlight, screwdriver, and replacement air filters are good to have on hand. For more complex issues, call a professional. - When should I call a furnace repair professional?
If DIY fixes like changing the filter or resetting the thermostat don’t work, or if you notice strange smells, noises, or frequent shutoffs, call a professional.