It didn’t take long for the first snow to show up in Alberta this year, and that means furnaces all over town are firing up again. If yours starts acting up, don’t worry – some problems are simple fixes you can handle yourself, while others are better left to the pros. At Battle River Plumbing & Heating, we’ve seen just about every furnace problem there is, so here’s a look at a few of the most common ones and what you can do about them.
START WITH QUICK SAFETY & MAINTENANCE CHECKS
- INSTALL & TEST CARBON MONOXIDE DETECTORS: Every Alberta home with a fuel-burning appliance or an attached garage should have working CO alarms on every level. Test them now and replace batteries as needed. If an alarm sounds or anyone feels dizzy, nauseous, or unwell, get outside and call 911. Then arrange a furnace inspection.
- CHANGE OR CLEAN YOUR FURNACE FILTER: Replace standard filters every 1-3 months. High-efficiency filters can last between 6-12 months, but if you have pets or allergies, consider replacing them more often.
- BOOK AN ANNUAL TUNE-UP: A professional fall inspection catches problems early, verifies safe operation, and helps your furnace run efficiently through the Camrose winter.
NINE COMMON FURNACE USSUES YOU CAN TROUBLESHOOT TODAY
- THE THERMOSTAT IS SET WRONG OR NEEDS NEW BATTERIES: Set the thermostat to Heat and a few degrees above room temperature. If it is battery powered, replace the batteries. Smart thermostats can also lose Wi-Fi or scheduling rules after a power blip, so double check settings.
- THE FURNACE SWITCH OR BREAKER IS OFF: There is a wall switch near the furnace that looks like a light switch. Make sure it is on. Then check your electrical panel for a tripped breaker and reset it once. If the breaker trips again, stop and call a pro.
- THE AIR FILTER IS CLOGGED: If rooms feel cool, airflow is weak, or the furnace starts and stops quickly, pull the filter and inspect against a light. If light does not pass through, replace it. Keep a few spares in the utility room so winter never catches you short.
- SUPPLY REGISTERS OR RETURN GRILLS ARE BLOCKED: Open all registers and keep furniture and rugs clear. Restricted airflow can cause overheating and short cycling.
- SNOW IS BLOCKING THE EXTERIOR INTAKE OR EXHAUST PIPES: High-efficiency furnaces vent outdoors through two plastic pipes. After every snowfall, check for snow, ice, leaves, or frost buildup and clear by hand or with a soft brush. Never kick or strike vent pipes. If you see solid ice, call a technician.
- THE DOOR SAFETY SWITCH IS OPEN: If you removed the blower door to look inside, make sure it clicks fully closed so the safety switch engages.
- THE CONDENSATE LINE IS BACKED UP: High-efficiency units create condensate that drains through a small tube or pump. If the line is kinked or the pump reservoir is full, the furnace may lock out. You can gently unkink a tube or empty the pump reservoir. For leaks, alarms, or repeated backups, call a pro.
- THE FURNACE IS ON BUT BLOWING COOL AIR: Start with the filter and vents. Then confirm the thermostat fan setting is Auto, not On. If the issue persists, you may have an ignition or sensor problem and need a technician.
- ODD NEW NOISES: A brief start-up hum is normal. Loud scraping, banging, or screeching is not. Shut the system off and book service to prevent additional damage.
PROBLEMS THAT USUALLY REQUIRE A PROFESSIONAL
- FREQUENT SHORT CYCLING: If the furnace turns on and off every few minutes, a dirty filter may be the culprit. If a new filter does not help, causes include overheating, a failing flame sensor, or a pressure switch fault. These need proper testing and repair.
- IGNITION OR PILOT PROBLEMS: Modern furnaces use hot surface igniters or spark igniters. Older models use standing pilots. If the burner does not light or keeps shutting down, do not keep cycling power. Professional diagnosis is the safe route.
- BLOWER MOTOR TROUBLES: A motor that screeches, grinds, or refuses to start can burn out. Power down and schedule a repair before more parts fail.
- PRESSURE SWITCH OR ERROR CODES: Rapid flashing lights on the control board often point to airflow or venting issues. Repeated lockouts mean the furnace is protecting itself. Book service.
- SUSPECRED HEAT EXCHANGER CRACK: Symptoms include soot, a persistent smell, or CO alarms. Shut the system off, ventilate the home, and call for immediate service. Safety first.
WHEN TO CALL BATTLE RIVER PLUMBING & HEATING
If you smell gas, hear new loud noises, see water pooling near the furnace, or the system keeps shutting down, leave the furnace off and call us. If you have cleared snow, replaced the filter, checked the thermostat, and still have no heat, we are ready to help. We service Camrose and the surrounding area and we are happy to keep your family comfortable through the long Alberta winter.
Need a hand today? Call Battle River Plumbing & Heating at 780-672-2847 to schedule your furnace service or emergency repair. We’ve got you covered.
