3 Problems To Look Out For In Your New Residential Furnace
Have you recently installed a new furnace in your home? If so, you may be expecting the system to be efficient, reliable, and low-maintenance. Unfortunately, a furnace can develop problems shortly after installation. If this happens, you need to address the issue promptly to restore system performance and improve indoor comfort. With this in mind, here are a few problems to look out for after installing a new furnace in your home.
Short Cycling and Temperature Imbalances
Furnaces typically cycle two or three times an hour, but they can cycle longer depending on the temperatures and quality of insulation in your home. However, if the furnace turns on and off too frequently, it is short cycling. Short cycling may occur if your new furnace is too big for your home.
Correctly sized heating systems are designed to heat a home evenly. However, an oversized furnace heats the rooms closest to it faster than those furthest from it. Once the rooms nearest to the appliance reach the pre-set temperatures, the appliance turns off. However, since the rooms further from the furnace aren't warm yet, it turns on shortly after. This cycle continues for as long as the appliance is on.
Short cycling can cause premature wear and tear of the furnace components. If you notice your temperature imbalances and short cycling, ask your contractor to check your heating system for faults and sizing issues.
Weak Airflow and Inadequate Heat
A new furnace should deliver adequate heat in all the heated rooms. If you experience weak airflow and inadequate heat, you could be dealing with the following issues:
- Leaking ductwork
- Clogged ducts
- Inadequate return vents
If you are using old ductwork from your previous system, check it for leaks and clogs. Leaks in the ductwork weaken airflow and reduce the furnace's performance. They also cause the system to consume more energy to heat the home. As you inspect the ducts, clean them to get rid of clogs that may impede airflow and cause the system to overheat.
When installing a new furnace in an old heating system, ensure there are adequate return vents. If the furnace isn't getting back as much air as it is sending into the home, your supply vents will have a weak flow. You may need to add more return vents to optimize the performance of the heating system.
Tripping Breaker
If your furnace keeps on tripping the circuit breaker, there is either a circuit overload or an electrical fault in the equipment. An overloaded circuit will trip to prevent an electrical hazard. Install a dedicated circuit for your furnace to fix this problem. However, if your dedicated circuit breaker is tripping, check the appliance for electrical issues.
Contact a heating contractor if you are experiencing any of the above issues with your new furnace. They can provide more information regarding furnace repair.
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