Top Reasons Why Furnaces Stop Working

Winter is here, meaning staying warm is of the utmost importance. A furnace that works efficiently and effectively is the key to ensuring that your home is a warm haven during the cold months. There's nothing worse than coming home to a house that's as cold as the outdoors, usually caused by a malfunctioning furnace.

The frustration can be overwhelming and can cause a great deal of inconvenience to home dwellers. Hence, knowing why furnaces stop working is crucial to prevent such situations.

In this guide, we will provide you with an overview of the top reasons why furnaces stop working. We will also discuss the importance of furnaces during winter and why ensuring they are working seamlessly is crucial.

Lack of Maintenance

Regular maintenance is essential to keep your furnace in top condition. It helps in identifying potential problems before they cause major breakdowns. During regular maintenance, professional technicians can detect and fix small issues before they escalate into major problems. It can result in significant savings in repair costs and can add life to your unit.

Regular maintenance also helps to keep your furnace running efficiently. A well-maintained furnace uses less energy, reduces your energy bills, and has less impact on the environment. It will also improve the indoor air quality of your home by reducing the amount of dust, debris, and pollutants in the air.

Simple Maintenance Tasks that Can Prevent Furnace Breakdowns

While some maintenance tasks require a professional technician, there are simple things you can do yourself to keep your furnace running efficiently. Here are some examples:

• Replace Air Filters - Dirty air filters can cause furnace breakdowns. Replace them once a month during the winter season. Clean filters can help to improve airflow, reduce energy bills, and prolong the life of your furnace.
• Clean the Unit - Clean the furnace regularly to remove any debris, dust, and dirt that may have accumulated on and around the unit. It can prevent overheating and improve operational efficiency.
• Schedule Annual Professional Inspection - Always schedule an annual furnace inspection by a professional technician to ensure everything works smoothly.
• Check the Thermostat - Ensure that your thermostat is working correctly. If not, replace it with a newer, more reliable model. A malfunctioning thermostat can cause your furnace to run constantly, depending on the thermostat's issue.

Thermostat Malfunction

A thermostat is a device that regulates your home's temperature, ensuring it remains at your desired temperature. It detects the temperature in your home and signals the furnace to turn on or off to keep the temperature constant. It also enables you to adjust and control the temperature with ease.

Symptoms of a Malfunctioning Thermostat

A malfunctioning thermostat can cause a lot of frustration and inconvenience by affecting the temperature inside your home. Here are some signs that could indicate a malfunctioning thermostat:

• Inaccurate Temperature Control - If you set your thermostat at a certain temperature and your furnace doesn't respond, your thermostat might malfunction.
• Constant Running - A faulty thermostat might cause your furnace to run constantly, even if the desired temperature has been reached.
• Short Cycling - A malfunctioning thermostat may cause your furnace to continually turn on and off, which can cause unnecessary wear and tear on your unit.
• No Heat - If your furnace doesn't produce heat or turn on, it could be due to a malfunctioning thermostat.

Importance of Replacing a Malfunctioning Thermostat

If you suspect your thermostat is malfunctioning, replacing it as soon as possible is essential. A malfunctioning thermostat can cause your furnace to run inefficiently, leading to higher energy bills and wear and tear on your unit. Replacing your thermostat with a newer, more reliable model can help prevent these issues and ensure that your furnace is regulating the temperature in your home effectively.

Pilot Light or Ignition Control Issues

A pilot light is a small flame that ignites the gas in your furnace. The pilot light's flame is a permanent light responsible for heating the thermocouple, which signals the valve to open, allowing gas to flow to the main burner.

Causes of Pilot Light Failure

Several factors, such as a blown-out pilot light or a faulty thermocouple, can cause pilot light failure. Here are some common causes:

• Dirty Pilot Light - If the pilot light is dirty or clogged with debris, it may not function correctly.
• Damaged Pilot Light - If the pilot light is damaged or worn out, it will not generate enough heat to open the gas valve.
• Faulty Thermocouple - A faulty thermocouple can cause the pilot light to go out, preventing your furnace from igniting.

Overview of Ignition Control and Its Issues

Ignition control is responsible for managing the ignition sequence in your furnace. It starts by checking the thermostat setting and then initiates the ignition process by sending a signal to the gas valve. If the ignition control malfunctions, your furnace can fail to start or experience problems in the ignition sequence.

The issues with ignition control could result from several different factors. The most common causes of ignition control problems include faulty wiring, a malfunctioning fan limit switch, or a damaged control board.

Dirty or Clogged Air Filters

Air filters trap dust, debris, and other particles from circulating through your home's air. These filters play a crucial role in maintaining your indoor air quality and improving the efficiency of your heating and cooling system. The filter captures these impurities and helps prevent damage to your furnace by protecting it from dirt and debris.

Symptoms of Dirty or Clogged Air Filters

Dirty or clogged air filters can cause a variety of problems, including:

• Uneven Heating - If the air filter is clogged, it can restrict airflow, causing uneven heating in your home.
• Dust Buildup - You might notice more dust and debris buildup in your home if you have dirty air filters.
• Overheating - When air filters are filthy, they block airflow to the furnace, causing it to overheat and potentially shut down.
• Higher Energy Bills - A clogged air filter makes your furnace work harder, increasing energy bills.

Mechanical Wear and Tear

Furnaces are complex machines with hundreds of parts. Over time, these components can wear out, become damaged, or break down due to normal use and everyday wear and tear. Neglecting regular maintenance can also contribute to more significant mechanical problems in the long run.

Types of Mechanical Failures

Mechanical failures may occur due to factors such as age and lack of maintenance. These are some common types of mechanical failures:

• Blower Fan Failures - The blower fan is an essential component in your furnace that pulls air from your home through the filter system and distributes it throughout your home. If the blower fan is worn out or damaged, it can lead to inefficient heating in your home.
• Ignition System Failures - The ignition system controls the gas flow to your furnace's main burner and ignites it when necessary. If there is a problem with the ignition system or its components are worn out, it may cause your furnace to fail to ignite or have issues during ignition.
• Loose Connections - Loose wiring connections can cause problems with various components within the furnace system, like switches and sensors, which may result in improper unit functioning.

Conclusion

Various factors, including dirty or clogged air filters, faulty wiring, damaged components, and mechanical wear and tear, can cause furnace problems. Regular maintenance is key to keeping your furnace in good working order. If you suspect that there may be an issue with your furnace, it's best to contact a professional HVAC technician for assistance. They can diagnose the problem and help you find a solution to get your furnace back up and running quickly.

https://furnace-repair-toronto.ca/why-furnaces-stop-working/

How to Install Return Air Duct in Wall

Installing a return air duct in your wall is an essential step in ensuring that your home's air quality is as good as it can be. It's a job that you can do yourself with a few simple tools and some know-how. But, how to install return air duct in wall? In this how-to guide, we'll walk you through the steps involved in installing a return air duct in your wall, so you can get the job done right.

What is A Return Air Duct?

A return air duct is a duct that is used to return air to a furnace or air conditioner. The returned air is typically warmer than the air supplied to your house's rooms, so it helps to improve the efficiency of your heating and cooling system.

The air would not adequately circulate without a return air duct, resulting in higher energy expenses. The primary "duct" in return air ducts often flows back toward the heating system via ceiling joist voids. These joist gaps are exact ducts that exit into the furnace's side after running adjacent to the joists.

Why Install A Return Air Duct?

There are many benefits to installing a return air duct, including:

• Improved air quality: By returning air to your furnace or air conditioner, you can improve the air quality in your home.
• Increased efficiency: Return air ducts help to increase the efficiency of your heating and cooling system by allowing the air to circulate properly.
• Lower energy costs: By improving the efficiency of your heating and cooling system, you can lower your energy costs.

How to Determine Where to Install Your Return Air Duct

You may think that a return duct should be placed directly across from the supply vents since its job is to draw air back into the system. Both halves of this statement are accurate. Yes, this would be a successful arrangement, but this isn't the only way to achieve it.

It would be more than possible to install a return duct in every room with a supply vent, but this isn't always the greatest option. It would be best to avoid placing return ducts in kitchens or bathrooms. Cooking moisture and smell would then easily move throughout the heating and air system as a result of this. It would be a cause for catastrophe and unpleasant odours.

The situation might be a little more complicated in two-story houses, but generally speaking, you should put the return as near as possible to the thermostat. The thermostat will be able to track and measure the temperature cycled back through the system if you follow this basic rule of thumb. The thermostat is also often positioned in a central location.

You may gather temperature and circulation measurements from every area by centralizing the return duct and thermostat. However, not all house designs may benefit from this configuration. Installing returns in every house room, except the kitchen and bathrooms, may be required under these circumstances.

Steps on How to Install Return Air Duct in Wall

Installing a return air duct is fairly simple and can be done in just a few steps. Here's how:

Identify where to place your return air duct.

Determine the location of the return air ducts where you wish to install your return air grille, and create a low hole in the drywall. Be careful not to cut any electrical wires or pipes in the wall while installing new return registers in an old home.

Before continuing, make a little hole in the wall with your hands to inspect the inside. The hole should be the proper size for the screen. Cut through the floor via the gap. You should now have a hole in the area between the basement ceiling joists. Perform the procedure again until you achieve the desired number of return air holes. Except for the bathroom, each room should contain at least one.

Start placing the panning.

Fill the holes with wood screws and washers. The goal is to make it so that the screen is completely covered. Place the panning over each hole.

Securely attach each piece of panning by driving in nails or screws around the perimeter, about every eight inches. If you're using screws, be sure to also use washers to make sure you install them correctly.

Create a cover for the new ductwork.

Install the joist-perpendicular square return air duct. Take the time to make sure that it's level and plumb. The goal is for the new ductwork to be completely hidden, so be sure to create a cover that will blend in with the rest of your home's décor.

You can use anything from fabric to wood to metal to create a cover for your new ductwork. Whichever material you choose, be sure to attach it securely so that it doesn't come loose and cause any damage.

Connect the new air return duct to the furnace.

Now that the new ductwork is in place, it's time to connect it to the furnace. The easiest way to do this is to use a flexible air duct. If you're not comfortable doing this yourself, you can always hire a professional to do it for you.

Add the air filter.

The final step is to add the air filter. It will help keep your home's air quality high and prevent dust or dirt from getting into the ductwork.

Be sure to check the air filter regularly and replace it as needed. Depending on your filter type, you may need to replace it every few months or so.

Conclusion

Installing a return air duct in your wall is a simple process you can do in just a few steps. By taking the time to do it yourself, you can save money and ensure that your home's air quality is as good as it can be. You can also hire an HVAC professional to do it for you if you're not comfortable doing it yourself. Expert technicians at Furnace Repair Toronto will be more than happy to help you out.

https://furnace-repair-toronto.ca/how-to-install-return-air-duct-in-wall/

How to Size A Furnace Properly

We want to feel cozy inside our house when it's freezing outside. Nothing is more crucial to ensuring comfort in the winter than a furnace. However, the furnace must be the correct size to operate well. Knowing how to size a furnace is vital in deciding when it's time for installation or a replacement.

Follow our thorough instructions on precisely determining the best furnace size for your home to avoid these hassles.

Measure Your Home's Square Footage

The first step is to measure the square footage of your home. It is crucial to note that you are under no obligation to measure for spaces without vents or for spaces you do not intend to heat.

To do this, you'll need to measure the length and width of each room and multiply those numbers. For example, if a room is 10 feet wide by 12 feet long, its square footage would be 120. Then, add up all the square footage for each room in your house to determine how much space you need to heat.

For example, if your home has the following dimensions:

- 10 x 12 living room

- 15 x 20 family room

- 12 x 12 kitchen

- 30 x 30 garage

The total square footage of your home would be 1,080 square feet (120 + 300 + 144 + 900).

Determine the BTUs Per Square Foot 

The next step is determining how many BTUs (British Thermal Units) of heat you need per square foot. BTU is a measurement unit that quantifies your furnace's heat output.

For newer homes, 30 to 35 BTUs per square foot is typical. Living in an older home may need as many as 45 BTUs per square foot. And, if any of your rooms have high ceilings (over 8 feet), you'll need to add 600 BTUs for each room.

We'll need 30 to 35 BTUs per square foot for our example home. That means we'll need between 324 and 378 BTUs per square foot (1,080 x 0.3 = 324; 1,080 x 0.35 = 378).

Consider The Climate

When sizing your furnace, you'll also need to consider the climate. In a milder climate, you can get away with fewer BTUs. However, you'll need more BTUs to heat your home in a colder climate.

For instance, if you live in Toronto, you'll only need between 35 and 45 BTUs per square foot. But, if you live in Winnipeg, you'll need between 40 and 50 BTUs per square foot.

In our example home, we'll need between 35 and 45 BTUs per square foot because we live in a milder climate.

Consider Other Factors

You'll need to consider a few other factors when sizing your furnace.

• Ceiling height: If your ceilings are above 8 feet, you'll need to add 600 BTUs per square foot.
• The number of windows: More windows means more heat loss. For every window in a room, add 1,000 BTUs.
• Doors: Just like windows, doors can also lead to heat loss. Add 400 BTUs for each door in a room.
• Ceiling fans: Ceiling fans can help circulate heat, so you may be able to reduce the size of your furnace if you have them.
• Desired temperature: If you like your home to be warmer than most, you'll need a bigger furnace.
• Ductwork: The size of your ductwork and furnace may not be compatible, which might lead to issues. For example, if your furnace's ductwork is too small, the furnace's lifetime will be shortened since the air that the furnace generates won't have enough room to pass through. As a result, the airflow will be restricted, leading to an overheated furnace. Ensure that the furnace you choose fits your ducting properly.
• The number of people in the house: Because the human body radiates heat into the air around it, it will need fewer BTUs to heat if it often accommodates many people.

Conclusion

When it comes to sizing a furnace, there are several factors you'll need to consider, including the square footage of your home, the climate, and other features like windows and doors. By considering all these things, you can be sure to choose a furnace that's the right size for your home. If you need assistance, contact a furnace specialist. They can help you determine the perfect size for your needs.

Contact Furnace Repair Toronto for all your furnace repair and replacement needs in the GTA. We are a team of certified technicians serving the Greater Toronto Area for many years. Our team is available 24/7 for emergency services. Call us today!

https://furnace-repair-toronto.ca/how-to-size-a-furnace-properly/

Gas Furnace Maintenance Checklist

A gas furnace is a vital part of any home during the colder months, and it's crucial to ensure it's well-maintained to keep your family warm and safe. A gas furnace maintenance checklist can help you stay on top of all the tasks you need to complete to keep your furnace running smoothly.

Here are some key things to include on your gas furnace maintenance checklist.

Replace The Filters

The primary purpose of the furnace air filter, which is often found in the return duct, is to prevent particles from entering your house. A cheap furnace air filter will only stop a small amount of dust and debris. Consequently, dust and debris will build up in your furnace, polluting the air inside your home.

The adversary of all HVAC systems, dust and dirt, must always be remembered. Your heating system won't obtain enough air supply to maintain the correct temperature if dust and other small particles build up. Consequently, it will take longer for your heating system to provide the necessary temperature.

Once more, high-quality air filters for furnaces tend to block a wide variety of pollutants, including dust, pollens, trash, germs, etc.

Check The Flame Sensor

If your furnace is gas-powered, you'll need to check the flame sensor from time to time. The flame sensor's purpose is to ensure a gas flame is present when the furnace is turned on. If the sensor isn't working correctly, it could prevent the gas valve from opening, preventing the furnace from turning.

To test the flame sensor, simply turn on the gas valve and then use a multimeter to test for continuity between the two terminals on the sensor. If there is no continuity, the sensor will need replacement.

Clean The Blower Assembly

The blower assembly is what circulates the air through your furnace and into your home. Over time, the blower assembly can become clogged with dust and debris, reducing efficiency. It's essential to clean it regularly to keep the blower assembly running smoothly.

To clean the blower assembly, remove it from the furnace and then use a brush or vacuum to remove any dust and debris.

Inspect Gas and Electrical Connections

You'll need to inspect the gas connections regularly if your furnace is gas-powered. Loose gas connections can be hazardous, so it's crucial to ensure they're tight and secure. You should also inspect the electrical connections to ensure they're not loose or damaged.

Inspect the gas connections by looking for any leaks. If you see any gas leaks, you'll need to have them repaired immediately. To inspect the electrical connections, simply use a multimeter to test for continuity between the terminals.

Clean The Burners

The burners are what heat the air that's circulated through your furnace. Over time, the burners can become clogged with soot and debris, reducing their efficiency. It's also essential to clean them regularly.

To clean the burners, remove them from the furnace and then use a brush or vacuum to remove any soot and debris.

Check Heat Exchanger

Only eye examinations are necessary for heat exchangers. Cracks, soot, and sounds are some warning indicators that an exchanger is experiencing problems and smells similar to formaldehyde. If you detect any of these, please shut off your gas furnace and contact a professional HVAC technician as soon as possible. Heat exchanger cracks can release carbon monoxide into the air, which can be extremely dangerous.

Inspect The Flue Pipe

The flue pipe carries the exhaust from the furnace out of your home. Over time, the flue pipe can become clogged with soot and debris, which can cause the furnace to overheat. Your home's flue pipe is in charge of eliminating fuel byproducts. A professional will assess the fit and flow of your flue pipe. An improper installation can cause gas leaks and fires.

Check The Thermostat

The thermostat is what controls the temperature of your home. If the thermostat isn't working properly, it can cause the furnace to overheat or not heat the home sufficiently. To test the thermostat, simply set it to a lower temperature and see if the furnace turns on. If it doesn't, then you'll need to replace the thermostat.

Conclusion

A gas furnace is a vital part of any home during the colder months, and it's essential to ensure it's well-maintained to keep your family warm and safe. A gas furnace maintenance checklist can help you stay on top of all the tasks needed to keep your furnace running smoothly. Furnace Repair Toronto should be your first call when you're ready to book a gas furnace tune-up or if something goes wrong and you need gas furnace repair in Toronto.

If you have any questions about gas furnace maintenance or anything related to HVAC, feel free to contact us. One of our friendly and knowledgeable staff members would be happy to help you.

https://furnace-repair-toronto.ca/gas-furnace-maintenance-checklist/