Why Does My Furnace Not Reach the Set Temperature?

Why Does My Furnace Not Reach the Set Temperature?

Macon area winters can get downright cold, especially in January and February, making an efficient furnace an important feature of your home. It’s not just frustrating when your furnace does not heat to the set temperature — it’s downright uncomfortable. You shouldn’t have to wear your winter coat to stay warm indoors. 

Instead, contact Ricky Heath Plumbing, Heating, & Cooling for fast, high-quality furnace repair. We’re experienced in all types of thermostats, furnace brands, heating systems, and heating installations. We’ll find out why your furnace isn’t reaching your desired temperature and fix the problem at its source. 

Common Reasons Your Furnace Does Not Heat To Set Temperature

If some rooms are much colder than others, or your furnace is not heating up to the set temperature, there are several possible causes.

1. Clogged or dirty air filters

Your furnace’s air filter is designed to catch dust, allergens like animal dander, and other small particles in the air. Over time, filters become saturated with debris, and air can no longer flow freely. The restricted airflow forces the furnace to work harder to produce adequate airflow, which causes less hot air to flow through your vents and into your home. 

A dirty air filter is an easy fix — all you have to do is change the filter to see almost immediate results. If you’re not sure what kind of filter to use, where to find the filter, or how to change it, schedule a service appointment with the Ricky Heath team for help. 

2. Thermostat issues

The thermostat controls your home's comfort by measuring the temperature around it to determine when the furnace should turn on and off. If the furnace is not keeping up with the thermostat, it could be because of an electrical or battery issue with the thermostat, a tripped circuit breaker, or an internal malfunction. 

A simple reset may resolve the issue, or it might be a bigger problem requiring thermostat replacement. Our technicians will find and fix your thermostat issue.

3. Incorrect furnace size

If your furnace is the wrong size for your house, it won’t be able to work efficiently. A furnace that’s too small can’t heat the space properly, and if it’s too big, it’ll start short cycling or turning on and off quickly without thoroughly heating the room. 

Calculating the right furnace size takes more than just knowing the square footage of your home. An HVAC expert will also consider the house layout, insulation levels, window placement, and more. If you suspect you have the wrong size furnace, give Ricky Heath a call to assess your furnace’s performance. We can show you the best options for your needs and install a furnace that’ll properly fit your house.

4. Problems with the ductwork

Leaky ductwork lets the hot air out before it reaches the rooms it’s meant to heat, which causes some rooms to receive less heat than others. At Ricky Heath, we know heating systems inside and out, and we’ll check everything, including your ducts, to find the source of the problem.

5. Dirty or malfunctioning blower motor

The blower motor pushes air through the vents and into your home. If it’s dirty or broken, it’ll reduce the airflow or stop working altogether. If you notice unusual noises or a lack of airflow, call Ricky Heath and one of our technicians will check the blower motor along with the rest of your furnace. 

6. Low or no gas supply (for gas furnaces)

When you run low on gas in a gas furnace, there’s no fuel available to burn, and it won’t be able to produce heat. Most furnaces automatically shut off when the gas runs out, but if you suspect a gas leak or any gas-related problems, call an expert right away for your safety.

7. Issues with the flame sensor or pilot light

If the thermocouple is damaged or corroded, the pilot light won’t stay lit. If the flame sensor in your gas furnace is faulty, it turns the gas supply off as a safety measure. If you suspect an issue with your pilot light or gas, call a professional right away to avoid danger to your home and family.

8. Furnace age and wear

An older furnace may struggle to keep up with modern demands. If your furnace is 15 to 20 years old, it might be time to consider upgrading to a newer, more energy-efficient model. You’ll enjoy better heat control, save money on your energy bills, and receive better technological options like programmable thermostats and smart home integration.

If you’re noticing any of these issues, call Ricky Heath. We’ll work with you to find the best solution for your situation. We have financing options for qualifying customers, and we can help you decide if it’s time to upgrade your furnace or if repairs are a better choice.

What To Do if Your Furnace Is Not Heating Up to the Set Temperature?

There are a few things you can do to troubleshoot if your house is colder than your thermostat setting. Make sure the vents are open and not blocked by furniture or rugs. Also, change the filter if you’re comfortable doing so, and double-check your thermostat settings.

If these quick fixes don’t help, it’s best to contact your local HVAC experts. If you’re in Georgia, call Ricky Heath Plumbing, Heating, & Cooling to request service. We’re available now to fix your system and get your home warm again.

Call Ricky Heath Plumbing, Heating, & Cooling for Furnace Repairs and Maintenance

At Ricky Heath Plumbing, Heating, & Cooling, we’ll troubleshoot your furnace issues, repair broken or malfunctioning parts, and expertly replace your old furnace with a new, efficient model you’ll love. We offer high-quality customer care, financing options, and fast help from trustworthy HVAC experts. 

Contact us today to schedule a service. We proudly take care of Macon and all of our Georgia neighbors in Mableton, Forsyth, Danville, Fayetteville, Knoxville, and the surrounding areas. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my house colder than the thermostat setting?

There could be many reasons why your house is colder than the thermostat setting, from a power outage to faulty ductwork. If your furnace isn’t keeping up with your thermostat setting, call your local HVAC experts at Ricky Heath to diagnose the problem for you. 

When should I call a professional about my furnace not reaching the set temperature?

The sooner you call a professional about your furnace, the better. The problem won’t go away on its own and will likely get worse if you ignore it. If your furnace isn’t doing its job, contact the Ricky Heath technicians for help. 

How often should I replace my furnace filter?

How often you should replace your furnace filter depends on the furnace type, how often you run it, and the type of filter you’re using. It’s best to follow manufacturer instructions, checking it often to see if it’s dirty. If it’s discolored or full of dust, it’s time to change it.

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