How Common Heating Problems May Be Linked To Wear and Tear

Key Takeaways

This adjuster resource covers:

• Which common heating problems reported by policyholders may stem from wear and tear
• What heating system failures caused by wear and tear can look like
• Why verifying the cause of loss is essential for accurate claim resolutions

---

As the first chilly morning hits and your policyholders reach to turn on the heat, some might face an unwelcome surprise. Furnace or boiler issues that went unnoticed during the warmer months could leave them cold and frustrated.

But before settling claims for these HVAC systems, make sure you verify the cause of loss. The following common heating problems may be linked to wear and tear.

Heating system claims require swift, accurate resolutions so that your policyholders don’t have to brave the cold for long.

Heat Exchanger Failure: No Heat and Combustion Gas Risk

The most common heating system problem that could be tied to wear and tear is heat exchanger failure. Heat exchangers are used in both boilers and furnaces to transfer heat between two mediums. However, rust or corrosion of heat exchanger tubes over time can cause holes or cracks to form. Additionally, repeated heating and cooling cycles can lead to thermal fatigue, which weakens the metal and causes it to crack.

Heat exchanger failure can cause a furnace or boiler to stop operating, resulting in a loss of heat. A cracked heat exchanger can also allow combustion gases to escape rather than vent properly. These gases may include carbon monoxide, which is odorless and can potentially trigger a carbon monoxide alarm.

Furnace and Boiler Puffbacks: Smoke and Soot in the Vents

Smoke and soot can understandably be an alarming sight for policyholders. If they observe these substances flowing out of their boilers, furnaces, or vents, they may conclude that a fire has occurred. But if you see smoke and fire listed as perils in a boiler or furnace claim, you may want to have an HVAC expert take a closer look.

Smoke, soot, and sometimes even a loud bang are often signs that a boiler or furnace puffback has occurred. A puffback happens when unburned fuel accumulates and then ignites, causing a backfire from the burner rather than a clean burn. This can result in smoke or soot being released throughout the heating system or into the ductwork, potentially causing a significant mess in addition to a heating system failure. There are at least seven known causes of puffbacks, some of which could be linked to wear and tear.

Policyholders may also unknowingly contribute to a puffback if they manually reset their furnace too many times after it initially fails to ignite. In these cases, it would be important to fully examine the system to determine what led to the ignition failure.

This flue pipe shows signs of residue from a boiler puffback.

Thermostat Failure: The Heat Won’t Turn On

Sometimes when the heat won’t turn on, a thermostat failure may be the cause rather than an issue with the furnace or boiler itself. Though this could point toward an electrical problem, such as high voltage surge damage, it could also indicate wear and tear. That’s why it’s important not to assume the system requires an extensive repair or replacement just because a policyholder reports that the thermostat won’t power on.

A thermostat failure could cause policyholders to believe there is a larger heating system issue afoot.

Dirty Air Filters: Air Quality Is Poor and The Home Isn’t Staying Warm

Coughing and sneezing are common in fall and winter, but if poor indoor air quality is the cause and the house isn’t staying warm, policyholders might claim a heating system failure. However, instead of needing a replacement, some of these systems may simply require maintenance.

Furnace air filters should be replaced regularly, with the frequency depending on the size of the furnace and the home. Insureds with air filters that haven’t been changed may report higher energy bills in addition to lower air quality and colder indoor temperatures. This is because dirty air filters can cause a furnace to work less efficiently. Air filters that are dirty can also lead a furnace to overheat due to a lack of airflow. The furnace may then cycle on its high limit switch, which can result in catastrophic failure.

Verify the Cause of Loss When Common Heating Problems Arise

Some common heating problems may be linked to wear and tear. Homeowners may not realize that their furnace or boiler has simply reached the end of its useful life when they try to turn on the heat this fall or winter. In fact, the average age of residential boilers and furnaces assessed by HVACi’s expert team in 2025 was 22 years.

Before settling a heating system claim, enlist HVACi to perform an objective on–site assessment so that you can make an informed decision with just the facts. Our fast cycle times will help you resolve your claims fairly and accurately—without leaving your policyholders in the cold. Submit an assignment today.

Alpine Intel’s content is meant to inform and educate readers using general terms and descriptions. They do not replace expert evaluations that determine facts and details related to each unique claim.