If you're having problems with a gas furnace, you may not need to actually get rid of it just yet. Many problems, even if they're recurring, can be fixed with some simple repairs or replacement of a particular part. The problem might not even be the furnace itself but something else in the home. Note a few things to consider when it comes to your home's gas furnace and problems you may be having, and remember to call a professional if you're not sure of how to handle these on your own so you know they'll be done properly and safely.
1. Pilot light consistently goes out
Cleaning the area of the pilot light can sometimes be all that's needed to keep it lit; if there is dust or debris in the light orifice, it won't get enough fuel to keep the flame lit. There is also usually a flame adjustment screw near the orifice that controls the amount of gas that goes through; you might need to just turn this up slightly so the orifice gets enough gas to support a strong flame. You might also check the valves to the gas pipe. If there is a leak in this area, then there isn't enough gas being delivered to the pilot light. The flame may also be in an area with a strong draft, and you may need to address this draft or create a safe barricade in front of the furnace so the flame doesn't get blown out.
2. The furnace doesn't come on
If you've checked all the obvious problems such as a tripped circuit breaker and a properly set thermostat, note if your furnace model has a separate fuse at its main panel. You can usually find this main panel by simply removing the face of the furnace. Note if you see fuses below the electrical wiring and, if so, see if any have popped out. Replacing this fuse can get your unit working again.
3. No warm air pushed through vents
If you hear the furnace kick on but no warm air gets pushed through the vents, first make sure all the vents are open. If they are, remove the face of the furnace and note if there is a belt between two pulleys that has come loose. This might need replacing so the furnace fan works. If the fan has exposed bearings, they may need oiling, as they may seize up or stop working if they're not oiled properly. The fan itself may have simply worn out and need replacing; a furnace repair tech can test if it's in good working order, and if not, you can usually just have the fan replaced rather than the furnace itself.
Often a simply repair is all that is necessary for your gas heater to start working again, so don't jump to the conclusion that you have to buy an entirely new system every time something goes wrong. For more information or help with ducted gas heating repairs, contact a local HVAC company.
