Hey There! Tony Here!
The Goodman GR9S960803BN Furnace is a highly efficient 96% AFUE single-stage gas furnace designed for both upflow and horizontal applications. While it’s built for reliability, even the best HVAC systems can run into occasional problems. The good news? Many of these issues are easy to troubleshoot at home—saving you time, money, and stress.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through the 10 most common furnace issues and provide step-by-step troubleshooting tips. Whether your furnace isn’t firing up, blowing cold air, or cycling too often, you’ll learn what to check before calling in a professional.
1. Furnace Won’t Turn On
The most common frustration homeowners face is when the furnace doesn’t start. Begin with the basics:
-
Check the thermostat settings. Make sure it’s set to “heat” and the temperature is above the room temp.
-
Verify power supply. A tripped breaker or blown fuse could be the culprit.
-
Look for a dirty or clogged air filter restricting airflow.
If these don’t fix the issue, the problem could be with the control board or transformer.
👉 Learn more about troubleshooting thermostat issues from the U.S. Department of Energy.
2. Weak or No Airflow
If the blower is running but the air isn’t strong, clogged filters or blocked ducts are the most likely culprits. Also, check for:
-
A failing blower motor.
-
Loose belts in older models.
-
Obstructions in vents or registers.
Proper airflow is essential for efficiency and safety.
👉 Read about airflow and duct efficiency from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
3. Furnace Blowing Cold Air
When the Goodman GR9S960803BN blows cold air, it’s often related to:
-
The pilot light (if applicable) or ignition system.
-
Flame sensor contamination.
-
Gas supply interruptions.
Cleaning the flame sensor with fine-grit sandpaper often restores proper ignition.
4. Short Cycling
Short cycling occurs when your furnace turns on and off too frequently. This wastes energy and stresses the system. Common causes include:
-
Dirty air filters.
-
Improperly sized furnace.
-
Malfunctioning thermostat or limit switch.
Addressing airflow and thermostat calibration usually fixes the problem.
5. Loud or Strange Noises
No furnace should sound like a rock concert. Banging, rattling, or squealing noises often mean:
-
Loose ducts or panels.
-
Worn blower bearings.
-
Delayed ignition causing “booms.”
Regular tune-ups can prevent most of these issues.
👉 Learn more about furnace noises and their causes from One Hour Comfort.
6. Furnace Keeps Running
If your Goodman furnace doesn’t shut off, the fan limit switch might be stuck, or the thermostat may be misconfigured. Always start by resetting the thermostat and inspecting the fan control settings.
7. Pilot Light or Ignition Problems
Modern Goodman models use electronic ignition, but dirty sensors or faulty igniters can prevent start-up. Replacing an igniter is often a straightforward fix for homeowners comfortable with DIY HVAC care.
8. High Energy Bills
If your furnace is running but your bills are skyrocketing, efficiency may be compromised. Possible causes include:
-
Dirty filters and coils.
-
Duct leaks.
-
Old or malfunctioning blower motors.
👉 Explore tips on reducing furnace energy costs with ENERGY STAR® recommendations.
9. Furnace Shuts Down Mid-Cycle
When the furnace shuts down unexpectedly, check:
-
Clogged filters.
-
Dirty flame sensor.
-
Blocked flue or vent.
Safety sensors often trigger these shutdowns to prevent overheating.
10. Burning Smells
If you notice burning smells when your furnace kicks on, it could be:
-
Dust burning off after a long off-season.
-
Overheating blower motor.
-
Electrical wiring issues.
If the smell persists, shut off the furnace and call a professional immediately.
Final Thoughts from the Trusted Tech
The Goodman GR9S960803BN Furnace is engineered for efficiency and durability, but like all HVAC systems, it may face occasional hiccups. With these troubleshooting steps, you can often identify and resolve common issues before they escalate into costly repairs.
And if you do need a replacement or parts upgrade, you can find the Goodman GR9S960803BN Furnace available at The Furnace Outlet.
Want to know about how to maximize efficiency for this unit? Visit: How to Keep Your 96% AFUE Furnace Running at Peak Performance.
By staying proactive with maintenance, filter changes, and annual tune-ups, you’ll maximize the lifespan of your unit and keep your home comfortable year-round.
Until next time,
- Tony the Trusted Tech
