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8 Common Furnace Problems Michigan Homeowners Can Expect

When your furnace works correctly, home temperatures are comfortable, and utility costs are low. However, noise, strange odors, poor air quality, and no heat are common with older systems.

While fixes like changing the filter or thermostat batteries are easy, others require a trained technician who can quickly diagnose the issue and make repairs.

Below, we will explore common furnace problems and when to schedule service.

1. No heat

If you search online for “What is wrong with my furnace?” or “Why is the air not warm?” check the thermostat.

Your thermostat might be on cool instead of heat or auto Switch it to auto to engage the fan setting.

2. Poor air quality

Among the most common problems with furnaces is poor airflow. Filters prevent debris and dust from flowing out of your ducts and into your rooms, but dirty filters decrease the life span of your furnace.

Change the filter every month based on the manufacturer’s directions to improve the air quality.  

3. No pilot light

Furnace problems best left for the experts include:

• Pilot lights, ignition controls, propane, or natural gas issues
• Gas valve, feed, or pressure regulator problems
• Mechanical problems from age or excess usage

Whether your furnace is older or newer with an electronic ignition, no flame to ignite the fuel might be an ignition problem, and our repair personnel can fix it.

4. Frequent cycles

HVAC systems should run until it reaches the desired temperature and then shut off. However, if yours cycles on and off frequently, it could be overheating from a clogged filter or a faulty safety switch that prevents shutdowns.

Replace the filter and call us for service if it persists.

5. Not powering on

Your furnace should turn on when prompted by the thermostat, but if rooms are cold or your thermostat has a blank screen, check for a tripped circuit breaker.

Flip the furnace switch in your breaker box and adjust your thermostat to a higher setting to cause it to kick on.

6. It smells

If your furnace smells like burnt metal, schedule a service call. If the odor is rotten eggs or sulfur, it might be a gas leak. Leave immediately and call 911 from a neighbor, especially if you use propane.

Your utility company will cut the gas off, and our furnace contractors can make repairs.

7. It’s noisy

Furnaces make routine noises like clicking at a set temperature or whooshing when the blower sends air into your ducts.

Noises that require attention include knocking or rattling, which might be a loose part, while screeching or rumbling could be a clogged burner, airflow reduction, or fuel in the combustion chamber. Turn the furnace off and contact us.

8. It leaks

If your furnace leaks condensation at its base and does not have a cool exhaust or condensation pipes to route water into a drain, let us know.

Stay on top of common furnace issues:

• Routinely inspect your thermostat or upgrade to a smart or remote model for programmable features and energy savings data.  
• Regularly check that registers and room vents are open to avoid furnace problems.    
• Monitor gas or oil furnace consumption and fuel levels to avoid running out.  
• Replace worn or damaged insulation and seal doors and windows to block drafts.   

Why Choose Us?

Backed by five decades of experience, AAA Service Network provides comprehensive HVAC service and emergency appointments for gas, oil, and electric furnaces, heat pumps, and boilers. 

Whether you need furnace repair or a furnace replacement, we offer flexible financing, federal tax credits and rebates up to $1,500, and online coupons for maximum savings.  

With one-year repair warranties and free installation estimates, we service all brands. Rely on our NATE-certified technicians for your heating needs!

Find a heating contractor in Michigan today. Call AAA Service Network at (517) 548-5040.