Furnace repair can involve replacing various parts and components. Heating and cooling contractors replace some more frequently than others. Therefore, many companies stock their trucks with common parts so that heating repair jobs can go faster. This means a technician can often evaluate and restore your furnace on the same day.
A malfunction or failure involving any furnace part can prevent your HVAC system from heating your home. No matter what type of unit you have, whether it’s powered by gas, oil, or electricity, you’ll likely require a furnace repair sometime during its lifespan. When it does, a contractor specializing in heating repair and replacement can work with these most frequently replaced furnace parts:
- Ignitor
- Pilot Control
- Flame Sensor
- Burner
- Gas Valve
- Control Board
- Contactor/Capacitor
- Thermostat
- Blower Motor
- Flue/Vent Pipe
1. Ignitor
Once your furnace receives a signal from the thermostat, the ignitor sparks to ignite the incoming gas. Some furnaces use an electronically controlled ignitor that generates a high-voltage spark. Others use a hot surface ignitor system, which contains a resistance heating element that works like a light bulb filament. Both types have a typical lifespan of just a few years.
If the ignitor isn’t working, neither will your furnace. The part can fail due to:
- Age-related wear
- Damage from a power surge
- Faulty ignition wiring
2. Pilot Control
In an older furnace, a clog or a draft can cause the pilot light to go out. An issue with the gas supply can too. Call a heating repair professional whenever the pilot light doesn’t stay lit. An issue with the component can signal a more serious problem and increase the risk of carbon monoxide exposure. Replacing an aging or malfunctioning pilot control can restore your heating and safety. Or, if the furnace is near the end of its lifespan, your HVAC contractor may recommend replacing it with a modern, high-efficiency system.
3. Flame Sensor
The flame sensor or thermocouple monitors the burner flame. If it’s not burning properly, carbon monoxide can escape and put everyone in your household in danger, or a home fire can occur. A dirty sensor can often be cleaned. However, if it is rusted, cracked, or malfunctioning, it must be replaced. Although the flame sensor is an important part of your heating system, replacing it is often an inexpensive furnace repair.
4. Burner
In some cases, an ignition failure can be caused by a faulty burner. If the burner component isn’t dirty, or cleaning it doesn’t restore heat, a repair may be needed to restore proper gas combustion. Aside from insufficient heat, a bad burner can cause the flame to turn yellow, meaning the gas isn’t burning properly. Your furnace may also operate loudly and use more energy, which increases your energy bills. A contractor can replace the burner unit to resolve these issues.
5. Gas Valve
The gas valve opens and closes to control the flow of gas into your HVAC system. It can be damaged after years of use. A faulty valve must be replaced, but it’s not always easy to diagnose with an untrained eye. Call a professional to diagnose any heating issues and schedule regular maintenance. It’s during this time that a technician checks for faulty gas valves and other components. In either case, changing the gas valve is quicker and less costly than calling for help in an emergency.
6. Control Board
Your furnace’s control board is an important and durable component. However, it can be damaged by thermal expansion or a power surge. Issues with switches and solder connections can also cause the board to malfunction. Since this vital component controls the ignition, blower activation, gas flow, and other functions, your furnace cannot work without it.
If it fails, replacing the board is the only option. This type of heating repair varies in price depending on many factors. You could spend a couple hundred to over $1,000 to replace the control board.
7. Contactor/Capacitor
Many smaller electrical parts enable your furnace to function properly. Contactors and capacitors provide power to the system and its components. However, they are constantly exposed to high voltages, which wears them out over time. If one of these parts fails, the fan may run but the furnace may not provide heating. Replacing contactors or capacitors is typically not a complex or expensive task; they’re some of the least costly replacement parts for furnace repairs.
8. Thermostat
Your furnace turns on and off and generates a specific amount of heating in response to signals from the thermostat. If the thermostat isn’t working properly, your furnace may not supply heat. Or, rooms can be too warm or too cool. Assuming the issue is with the thermostat and not something else, it can be caused by a loose or damaged wire, faulty sensor, or blown fuse. A thermostat can also malfunction due to dirt buildup, in which case it can be cleaned without a professional, or it may be incompatible with other HVAC components.
The solutions for a malfunctioning thermostat include::
- Clean the thermostat
- Replace the batteries
- Adjust it to the proper settings
- Repair the unit
- Relocate it away from drafts and heat sources
- Tighten or replace wiring
- Install a new thermostat
9. Blower Motor
A furnace’s job isn’t done when it has heated the air inside it. Heated air must then be circulated. A fan blows the air so your home reaches the desired temperature. If the blower motor malfunctions, a lack of airflow can cause the temperature to be too low. While this can be caused by setting the thermostat incorrectly, a fan problem isn’t out of the question. Issues include structural problems with fan blades, faulty bearings, or a failing blower motor, which can occur with years of wear and tear.
10. Flue/Vent Pipe
As part of the heating process, your furnace produces combustion byproducts that must be vented out of your home. A damaged flue or vent pipe can prevent gases from being removed. Therefore, fumes, including harmful and potentially deadly carbon monoxide, can back up if a heating repair isn’t performed in time.
Releasing exhaust gases isn’t only for safety reasons. It also allows your heating system to draw in enough fresh air for combustion, so your furnace can operate efficiently. Therefore, your heating system should be properly maintained to avoid safety hazards and premature ventilation failures.
Vent pipes can be damaged by the following:
- High temperatures
- Corrosive gases
- High humidity
- Rust
- Improper installation
- Extreme weather conditions
With so many reasons for furnace pipe damage, it pays to know what to look for. The signs of a faulty vent pipe include:
- Visible rust or corrosion
- Rattling or buzzing sounds
- Unusual odors
- Increased humidity
- Moisture near vents
- Decreased heating performance
- Higher energy bills
Prompt Heating Repair Can Save You Money
The sooner you call a repair professional, the faster your furnace can be restored, and the less likely you’ll deal with multiple component failures. One faulty part can strain the system. If you notice any symptoms, call for help. A technician can fix it before the damage and costs escalate.
Regular maintenance also helps protect your furnace and save money. Many common furnace replacement parts aren’t expensive, but the more work needed, the more you’ll pay in labor and service fees. Therefore, don’t delay that next repair call.
Schedule Furnace Repair with Sky Heating & Air Conditioning
We’re available 24/7 in Portland and The Dalles to provide emergency heating repair. Therefore, you can depend on us to keep your furnace going when the cold air arrives. Our technicians are licensed and fully trained. Their experience and fully stocked vehicles enable them to quickly and efficiently restore your furnace regardless of the problem. If your home is lacking heat, repair technicians from Sky can help. Call (503) 694-4665 or schedule service online for prompt furnace repair.