3 Common Furnace Problems
Do You Know What to Do?
Winters are rarely mild on the South Shore. You need a heating system you can count on no matter how cold it gets outside. Scott Williams is here to keep you comfortable and save you money. We’re a trusted heating oil provider. We also install and repair boilers, furnaces, and water heaters.
For now, we’re going to focus on furnaces and how to address some of the common problems you may encounter this winter. Can you fix it yourself? Should you call in the pros for furnace repair? Is it time to replace your furnace? Scott Williams is here for whatever you need to keep your heating system running optimally for you and your family. Keep reading to find out what to do if you encounter and of the following common furnace problems.
Problem 1: Your Furnace Isn’t Running
If your furnace isn’t running, there are a few things to try before you call for professional help:
- Make sure your thermostat is on and has fresh batteries. Then adjust your thermostat five degrees higher than the current room temperature. For some thermostats you’ll also need to select “heat.” If your furnace doesn’t start up after a few minutes, go to step 2.
- Make sure that your system’s power switch is set to the “on” position. If it is, go to step 3.
- Check your oil tank. Is it at least 1/8 full? If it isn’t, call Scott Williams for a heating oil delivery. If you have more than 1/8 of a tank, go to step 4.
- Check your circuit breaker box. Are all the circuit breakers on? If they are, go to step 5.
- Turn off the system’s power so you can check how clean your filters are. A clogged filter can cause your system to overheat and shut down. To locate the filter, look along the return air duct. If it’s clean, go to step 6.
- Press and hold the “reset” button on the burner for 3 seconds. If your heat doesn’t come on after a few moments, do not push the button again. You could flood the combustion chamber with too much oil and then have a lengthy and costly repair on your hands. It’s time to contact Scott Williams for service.
A likely culprit when your furnace stops running is that you’ve run out of fuel. You can prevent that and make your life easier by signing up for automatic delivery. You won’t have to monitor your tank anymore. We’ll do that for you. You also won’t have to worry about a run-out or call for deliveries. For no additional fee, we’ll track your usage, keep an eye on the weather, and schedule your deliveries when you’ve got about ¼ of a tank left.
Problem 2: Your Blower Is Running Continuously
If your blower is running continuously, a bad limit switch is likely the culprit. Have a Scott Williams technician replace the limit switch to solve the problem.
Problem 3: Rapid Cycling
If you furnace is turning on and off too quickly, a likely culprit is a filter that’s dirty or worn out. If you can’t remember the last time you replaced it, try that first. If replacing the filter doesn’t solve the problem, there may be a problem with the blower motor or belts. It’s time to call Scott Williams for service.
Trust Scott Williams
At Scott Williams, we repair, maintain, sell, and install furnaces. So whatever your furnace needs are, we can help. And you can help avoid equipment breakdowns with a yearly maintenance visit. That’s why Scott Williams includes a thorough tune-up in all of our service plans. Avoid unexpected problems and save on labor and material costs for a variety of furnace repairs when you sign up for our Silver Platter Heating Oil Service Plan.
Contact Scott Williams today to schedule a maintenance or repair visit or to request a free heating system evaluation.