Nothing is a bigger bummer than an HVAC issue! But as any homeowner knows, it usually only happens during a cold snap, after hours, or during the holidays. Before you pick up the phone to call for a heating repair, make sure to troubleshoot for these easy to fix problems. Sometimes all it takes is a little bit of know-how to save yourself a whole lot!
Check Air Filters
An air filter is the line of defense against dirt and debris making its way to your ductwork and furnace where it can build up and cause damage. Over time, the filters, however, get dirty and can lead to reduced airflow. If they become clogged, it can also lead to poor air quality in you home and increase the risk of fire. If you notice that airflow has diminished significantly, first turn off your furnace. Then, check your air filter to make sure that it isn’t worn and dirty. You should be able to see through the air filter when you hold it up to the light. If there is excessive dirt, replace it immediately.
Check the Thermostat
Your thermostat is the tool that tells the furnace when to turn on and off. If your furnace isn’t working properly, it might be a thermostat issue. The best way to know is to turn the heat setting on your thermostat to five degrees higher and wait to see if the furnace kicks on. If not, then try to change the batteries on the thermostat. And also, make sure that there isn’t any dust or dirt that might be harming the connections. If neither of those work, it might be time to replace the thermostat with a new one.
Check the furnace Electrical Panel and Switch
If it isn’t the thermostat, then there might be a problem with the power. First, check to make sure that the switch is “on”. The switch will be located next to the furnace, and sometimes it can accidentally switch to “off”. If that doesn’t solve the problem, then make sure that the electrical box is working properly and that it isn’t a problem with the fuse or the fuse box. Check the breaker box and look for labels for the furnace by flipping it off and then on again. If the fuse doesn’t work, you might need to call for a repair.
Check the Flame on the Furnace
The furnace has something called a pilot light. Check to make sure that there is a flame lit. If it is out, make sure that you read your owner’s manual before attempting to relight it. And make sure to turn the gas off for a minimum of 15 minutes before trying to reignite it. If there is a gas smell, do not relight the pilot. That can signal a gas leak, which is very dangerous. If you smell gas at all, shut off the supply and call the gas company immediately.
If you are having a heating problem over the holidays, it can lead to an expensive emergency call. Before you pick up the phone to call for heating repair, try these quick troubleshooting tips. Because the furnace is nothing to mess around with; however, if you smell gas, or none of these tips work, it is best to call Carney & Son and allow our trained technicians to take care of the problem!