4 Common Furnace Repairs

When you understand how your furnace typically operates, it’s easier to identify things that are out of the ordinary. You can keep reading to learn more about four of the most common furnace repairs that we complete and learn the signs of each one. 

What are the most common furnace repairs that a furnace contractor should be prepared to handle?

• Starter issues – furnaces may fail to start due to a broken pilot light or electrical ignition; repair or replacement of the starter is often needed.
• Blower motor failures – problems like dirty or grinding bearings and worn belts can hinder airflow; cleaning, lubricating, or replacing the belt restores proper operation.
• Limit switch malfunctions – if the switch incorrectly detects overheating, it may prematurely shut the system off; recalibrating or replacing it resolves this.
• Thermostat calibration errors – inaccurate readings can cause incorrect cycling (on/off); recalibrating the thermostat ensures it works as intended.

This way you know when to call our team for furnace repair in Corvallis to stay ahead of major breakdowns. Remember, taking proactive steps to address furnace repair needs will go a long way toward helping your furnace operate at its best without any lasting issues, especially when paired with a furnace maintenance service plan.

Common Starter Problems and How to Fix Them

All furnaces have a pilot light or electrical ignition to offer a power boost at startup. If this startup mechanism stops working properly, your furnace may not turn on at all for a heating cycle. Initially, turning on requires a little bit of an extra power boost, which either the pilot light or electrical ignition offers.

Sometimes our team can fix the mechanism, but other times it needs to be replaced. Either way, we can repair your furnace and get it working again. If your furnace stops working completely, don’t panic right away. It may be as simple as fixing the starter or addressing unusual furnace operating noises that indicate early mechanical problems.

Troubleshooting and Repairing the Blower Motor

Blower motor repairs are also common inside of a furnace. After it produces heat, the blower has to move the heat out into the ductwork to blow through your home. With a large space to heat, the blower motor needs to be fairly powerful. This also means that all of the components have to work together smoothly.

Sometimes the bearings get dirty and begin grinding, resulting in lesser operation. We can clean out the bearings and lubricate them so that they can work together with ease to operate the blower motor. Other times the problem is a belt. 

Over time, the belt can loosen up and lose some of its effectiveness thanks to a lot of use. You may hear a squealing or other similar high-pitched sound as a result. A belt cannot be repaired, but we can replace it to get your furnace working at a higher level again, ensuring airflow is not compromised and furnace exhaust flue safety remains efficient.

How to Diagnose and Repair a Limit Switch

Your furnace has a limit switch that helps to protect against overheating. Yes, your furnace does have to get very hot in order to heat your home. But there is such a thing as too hot. If the limit switch detects that your furnace is overheating, it will signal for the entire system to shut off. 

This protects the furnace from damage due to overheating and also prevents potential damage to your home. If the limit which is not working, it may signal for your furnace to turn off at the incorrect times. If this is the case, we can fix it so that it senses the temperatures accurately and doesn’t interfere with regular heating.

Steps to Calibrate Your Furnace Thermostat

Sometimes a problem with your furnace isn’t actually a problem with your actual furnace at all. Instead, your thermostat is calibrated incorrectly and causing your furnace to turn on and off at the wrong times. Your home may get too warm or it may not get warm enough. 

It is possible that your thermostat signals for your furnace to stay on for longer or for it to turn off after a couple of minutes before completing a heating cycle all the way through. No matter what the issue, we can check out your thermostat and recalibrate it so that it can accurately read your indoor air temperature.

Frequently Asked Questions

Question: What are the most common furnace starter issues?
Answer: Sometimes the furnace won’t start because the pilot light or ignition system fails. The starter may just need a repair—or sometimes a full replacement—to ensure it can consistently provide the initial power boost your furnace needs to begin a heating cycle.

Question: What problems can occur with the blower motor?
Answer: Blower motor issues often stem from dirty or worn-out bearings that grind and slow the blower, or a loose belt that squeals. The solution typically involves cleaning and lubricating the bearings or replacing the belt to restore smooth airflow.

Question: What does a faulty limit switch do and why is it important?
Answer: A limit switch prevents overheating by turning the furnace off if temperatures rise too high. When it malfunctions—either shutting down the system too early or too late—it disrupts normal heating, and needs to be accurately recalibrated or replaced.

Question: How can thermostat calibration affect furnace performance?
Answer: If a thermostat is miscalibrated, it might signal the furnace to run too long or shut off prematurely, leading to inconsistent indoor temperatures. Recalibrating the thermostat ensures it properly reads your home’s air temperature and regulates furnace cycles correctly.

Your comfort is our business! Comfort Flow Heating serves all of Oregon, so contact our team today to schedule your appointment.