Why Is My Furnace Running but My Michigan Home Still Cold?

Your furnace is running.

You can hear it.

But the house still does not feel warm.

That's a common heating complaint during a Michigan winter, especially once temperatures drop and your system has to work harder for longer periods of time.

The good news is that it doesn't automatically mean you need a new furnace.

Check the Simple Things First

Before scheduling a service call, take a look at a few basics.

Check that your thermostat is set correctly and make sure your furnace filter isn't excessively dirty. Also check that supply and return vents haven't been covered by furniture, rugs or other items.

Restricted airflow can make it much harder for your heating system to move warm air throughout the house.

Low humidity in homes during cooler months can also make it feel 3-4 degrees colder because of the evaporative effect on your skin. We have options to address indoor air quality and humidity to help improve comfort throughout your home.

Pay Attention to What the Furnace Is Doing

A few details can help diagnose the problem.

Is the furnace:

• Running almost constantly?
• Turning on and off frequently?
• Blowing air that does not feel very warm?
• Heating some rooms better than others?
• Struggling only when the temperature gets extremely cold?

Those symptoms can point toward different problems involving the furnace, airflow, controls, ductwork or the overall heating system.

Rural Michigan Homes Can Be Different

We work on a lot of homes outside dense subdivisions.

Farmhouses, older homes, additions, workshops and properties with unique heating systems can create challenges you don't always see in newer construction.

Longer duct runs, older insulation and years of changes to the house can all affect comfort.

That's why diagnosing a heating problem should involve looking at the entire system - not simply assuming the furnace needs to be replaced.

Michigan Weather Finds Weak Spots

A heating system might seem perfectly fine during a 45-degree November afternoon.

Then the temperature drops into the teens and suddenly it can't keep up.

Cold Michigan weather puts much more demand on heating equipment, which can expose problems that weren't obvious earlier in the season.

If something doesn't seem right, getting it checked before the next cold stretch can help prevent a small issue from becoming a bigger one.

Call Able and Talk to a Real Person

If you're not sure what's going on, call us.

At Able Heating & Cooling, you talk to a real person when you call. We will listen to what is happening and, when possible, may even be able to help you troubleshoot before sending a technician.

And when a heating problem cannot wait, our team offers 24/7 on-call emergency service.

We have been helping keep Homer and surrounding Michigan communities comfortable since 1998. When an evaluation is needed, we will send an experienced technician with 30-48 years in the industry to evaluate your system and make recommendations.

If your furnace is running but your house still isn't warm, call Able Heating & Cooling at 517-568-5522.

We'll help you figure out what's actually happening and what it takes to get your home comfortable again.