Common Furnace Problems for Salt Lake City Homeowners (And How to Fix Them)
Common Furnace Problems for Salt Lake City Homeowners (And How to Fix Them)

As winter arrives in Salt Lake City, your furnace becomes one of the most important systems in your home. A reliable heating system keeps your household safe and comfortable through freezing temperatures, snowstorms, and dry winter air. But like any mechanical system, furnaces can experience issues—especially after sitting idle during warmer months or when neglected throughout the year.
At Taylor Heat and Air, we specialize in diagnosing and repairing furnace issues quickly and efficiently throughout Salt Lake and the surrounding cities. In this guide, we’ll cover the most common furnace problems Utah homeowners face and explain what causes them, how to prevent them, and when to call a professional HVAC technician.
1. Furnace Blowing Cold Air
If your furnace is running but only blowing cold or room-temperature air, it could be a sign of:
- A faulty thermostat: Miscommunication between the thermostat and furnace.
- Dirty flame sensor: Prevents ignition even when the system attempts to fire up.
- Pilot light or ignition failure: Common in older gas furnaces.
- Clogged air filter: Restricts airflow and causes overheating shutdown.
Solution: Start by checking and replacing your thermostat batteries and air filter. If the problem persists, contact a licensed HVAC technician in Salt Lake City for a thorough diagnosis and repair.
2. Furnace Won’t Turn On
A furnace that refuses to start is a common call we receive during early winter in Utah. This issue is usually caused by:
- Tripped circuit breaker or blown fuse
- Thermostat malfunctions
- Faulty ignition system
- Clogged condensate line or safety switch tripped
Solution: Homeowners can check the breaker and thermostat settings. If there’s no clear solution, it’s time to schedule furnace repair in Salt Lake City with a professional like Taylor Heat and Air.
3. Uneven Heating Between Rooms
Do you notice hot spots and cold zones throughout your home? Uneven heating can stem from:
- Blocked or leaky ductwork
- Improper furnace size
- Worn blower motor
- Clogged air vents or filters
Solution: Ensure all vents are open and unblocked. If the problem continues, you may need duct sealing or blower servicing from an HVAC contractor who understands Salt Lake City’s residential HVAC standards.
4. Strange Noises Coming From the Furnace
Unusual furnace noises are early warning signs that something is wrong. Each sound typically points to a different issue:
- Banging or popping: Could be delayed ignition or duct expansion
- Squealing: Loose belts or bearings
- Rattling: Loose panels or components
- Whistling: Airflow issues or duct leaks
Solution: Never ignore odd sounds from your HVAC system. While some may be minor, others could indicate serious mechanical failure. For your safety, call for professional heating service in Salt Lake City right away.
5. Constant Cycling (Turns On and Off Frequently)
This problem—also called "short cycling"—is one of the most energy-wasting furnace malfunctions. It’s usually caused by:
- Oversized furnace
- Dirty flame sensor
- Blocked airflow or dirty filters
- Faulty thermostat
Solution: Change the filter and check the thermostat programming. If the issue continues, your system may need cleaning, recalibration, or replacement.
6. Burning Smell or Dusty Odor
It's common for furnaces to emit a slightly dusty smell the first time they turn on for the season. However, persistent burning odors may point to:
- Overheating components
- Electrical issues
- Debris inside the unit
- Blocked exhaust vents or duct mold
Solution: Turn off the system and call a trusted HVAC technician. These smells could signal a fire hazard or internal system damage. Our Salt Lake City heating repair team is trained to address these concerns safely.
7. Increased Utility Bills Without Usage Change
If your energy bills are climbing but your thermostat settings remain the same, it’s likely due to:
- Poor furnace efficiency
- Old or aging components
- Inadequate insulation or leaky ducts
- Furnace overworking to meet demand
Solution: Schedule a furnace tune-up in Salt Lake City with Taylor Heat and Air. We’ll inspect, clean, and optimize your system for maximum efficiency.
When to Repair vs. When to Replace Your Furnace
Knowing when to repair or replace your furnace is crucial to protecting your investment. Here are general guidelines:
Repair Your Furnace If:
- The system is under 10 years old
- Repairs are minor and infrequent
- Efficiency is still reasonable
Replace Your Furnace If:
- It’s 15+ years old
- Repairs exceed 30–40% of the replacement cost
- It no longer heats your home evenly or efficiently
- Your energy bills have consistently risen
At Taylor Heat and Air, we provide honest recommendations and will only suggest furnace replacement in Salt Lake City if it truly makes sense for your home and budget.
Why Salt Lake City Homeowners Trust Taylor Heat and Air
- Licensed, insured HVAC contractors with deep local experience
- Fast response times across Salt Lake, Draper, Orem, and nearby cities
- Upfront pricing and transparent repair options
- Comprehensive maintenance plans to prevent costly breakdowns
- 5-star service built on professionalism, respect, and results
Whether you're dealing with cold air, loud noises, or a furnace that won’t start at all, we have the tools and training to get the job done right.
Schedule Furnace Repair in Salt Lake City Today
Don’t wait until temperatures drop below freezing to deal with a broken furnace. If you’re experiencing any of the issues listed above, contact Taylor Heat and Air today to schedule furnace repair, replacement, or a seasonal tune-up.
We proudly serve homeowners across Salt Lake City, Draper, Sandy, Orem, Lehi, and nearby Utah communities.



