Imagine this scenario – you’re in the midst of a bitter winter, and then, all of a sudden, your American Standard furnace ceases to operate. You try to reach your trusted technician but somehow fail to get him.
While we hope that this never happens to you, it’s also a real possibility as furnaces are known to act up when you need them most. Fortunately, there are many things you can do to ensure that your American Standard furnace operates optimally. Read on to find out the most common problems and some American Standard furnace troubleshooting tips.
American Standard Furnace Troubleshooting – The Most Common Problems
Problems with American Standard furnaces vary from mild to extreme. Some of the minor issues can be fixed quickly and might not need the attention of an HVAC technician. However, an untrained person should never attempt some repairs as such a person could be taking unnecessary risks. Moreover, repairs conducted by non-professionals could damage your precious furnace.
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There are many minor problems that your furnace could pose, including:
Failing To Heat or Producing Inadequate Heat
When your furnace produces less-than-adequate heat or completely fails to heat, there’s a possibility that the furnace’s power switch has blown or that the igniter is faulty. In such a situation, you should reset the furnace’s circuit breaker. If resetting does not solve the problem, there’s a possibility that the circuit breaker is blown, in which case you’ll need to replace it. You should also inspect the igniter to determine if it’s cracked – cracks usually call for replacement.
Furnace Going On And Off
Does your furnace go on and then off without your intervention? This irregular cycle indicates problems with the furnace’s thermostat, and there’s a possibility the thermostat is no longer working. You should consider getting a technician to check the unit and advise if you need a thermostat replacement.
You might be pleasantly surprised to learn that your thermostat is failing to work optimally because its batteries are dead, in which case you’ll not need to get it replaced.
Furnace Blowing Cold Air
If your American Standard furnace does not blow hot air, one possible culprit is the blower motor. When the blower motor burns out, it no longer receives power, and the result is that the furnace won’t be able to blow hot air. In some cases, the motor could be in good condition yet fail to function correctly because the belt that is supposed to connect it has broken. Replacing the belt is much cheaper than replacing the motor, and you’d do yourself a favor to have the unit inspected before considering any repairs.
In some instances, the airflow could be inhibited by dirty filters. One of the main functions that the filters are tasked with is to ensure that dust and other debris do not reach the blower fan. When such debris accumulates around the filters, they no longer work as they are supposed to, and as a result, the airflow is no longer optimal.
Filters do not cost a lot, but they could prove very costly when they are no longer working at their peak. First, dirty and clogged filters make your furnace work harder than it should, and this reduces its life expectancy. When you consider the cost of replacing a furnace before its due date for the simple reason that you did not check the condition of your filters, you begin to appreciate that you cannot trivialize this easy but highly crucial task.
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When your furnace is overworked because of dirty filters, your power bills will also be alarming. To save on your energy bills, you cannot take your filters for granted.
For obvious reasons, filter replacement should be a central part of your American Standard furnace troubleshooting arrangements. When your furnace is used regularly and if you live in a location that has plenty of dust, you should consider getting the filters replaced at least once a month. When you do not use the furnace very frequently, replacing the filters after three months will suffice.
Furnace Blowing Excessive Air
Another common problem you might experience with your furnace is when the unit releases too much air. When this happens, there’s a huge possibility that the furnace’s blower motor is running continuously hence the excessive amount of air.
It’s also possible that the furnace’s control board is no longer working and can therefore not control the amount of voltage reaching the blower motor. Should this be the case, you’ll have no option other than to replace the control board. In some situations, the problem of excessive air release is caused by a faulty thermostat, and replacing it could end this problem. To get the real cause diagnosed, it’d help to get in touch with a competent technician.
When to Seek Professional Help for Your American Standard Furnace
As we have noted above, there are plenty of situations where the trouble with your furnace can be addressed quickly, and a solution is found without using the services of a technician. However, some problems can only be solved by a qualified technician, and any layman attempts at fixing these problems could cause injuries (or even fatalities) in addition to damaging your furnace. You should therefore seek pro help when you notice the following issues:
When the Furnace Emits a Gas Odor
Should you smell gas around the furnace, you must seek professional help immediately as a gas leak could cause a fire. A fire could start if you innocently switch on electricity or even use your mobile phone. Problems with gas leaks should only be handled by a qualified technician, your gas supplier, or the fire department.
When the Furnace Produces Strange Noises
When a furnace is operating optimally, its operations are smooth, and you should be wary when your furnace suddenly starts to produce strange noises. An untrained person cannot be relied on to correctly diagnose the problem with the furnace and, since so many things could have gone wrong, you are best off contacting the pros.
Conclusion
Your furnace is a significant investment, and you should take good care of it. While a perfectly working furnace is a pleasure to have, a faulty one is not only stressful but could also endanger the lives of your loved ones or cause property damage.
We’ve shared some American Standard furnace troubleshooting tips, but you are encouraged to seek professional help whenever you doubt your ability to find a solution.