As the weather continues to cool down in North Carolina, you can expect to have your furnace running more and more frequently. If youbve already had it tuned-up for the season (and itbs still not too late to arrange it with us through our residential maintenance program!) then you probably wonbt run into any major operational problems.
But therebs never any guarantee that a furnace will always work at its best, even with regular maintenance. Below are some of the more common troubles that might crop up right as the furnace starts to get to work for another winter.

• Failed igniter: The old pilot lights have given way to electronic ignition systems to start up furnaces. They are more reliable and they consume less energy. But they are prone to failure as with any electronic device. If the burners on your furnace arenbt igniting, it may be a failed electronic ignition system. This is an easy replacement for an experienced furnace professional.
• Loose air handler: Does the furnace make an awful rattling sound whenever the blower fan comes on? This is likely the fault of an air handler thatbs loose and needs to be inspected and tightened. The sound could also be due to damage to the blower fan itself.
• Delayed ignition: If therebs a long pause between the igniter coming on and the burners actually igniting (often accompanied by a strong booming sound) then the problem could be blockage in the burners or a gas flow issue. As with anything connected to a gas main, you donbt want to investigate this on your own or try to tamper with the burners. Only licensed professionals should do the work.
• Insufficient heat: The furnace is coming onbbut it doesnbt seem to be getting your house warm enough. There are multiple reasons this could happen (make sure to check the filter to see if its clogged and needs to be changed), and it will take an HVAC technician to locate the problem and fix it.

Comfort Central, Inc. has the furnace repair services you may need this season in Mills River and throughout Western North Carolina.