How to Troubleshoot Your Furnace Repairs
Don’t get left out in the cold – furnace problems in winter months can be uncomfortable and downright dangerous. People aren’t built to be cold, and neither are your pipes; they can freeze and burst. If you’re experiencing furnace problems, it can be simple to determine what the problem is. Try these easy troubleshooting tips to figure out what’s wrong with your furnace before you call for repairs.
Easy Checks
Worried that your furnace isn’t running at all? Sometimes this can be easy to fix at home. Common issues at home can interfere with effective furnace operation:
- Are heat registers blocked? Cabinets, large pieces of furniture, errant boxes, and more can easily keep hot air from circulating.
- Is the thermostat set to heat? Is it on? Sometimes a dead or low battery can keep the thermostat from running the furnace.
- Is your air filter clean? Dirty and clogged filters can block the free flow of air from the furnace through the ducts. Filters should be replaced regularly to maintain optimum furnace operation and air quality.
- Is the circuit breaker thrown? If the circuit is broken for any reason, the furnace isn’t receiving power and can’t run.
If none of these problems are contributing to your furnace performance issues, you may need to contact a maintenance provider in your area.
Noisy Furnace and Ducts
Is your noisy furnace making sleep difficult? Do loud sounds interrupt your focus or relaxation at home? Pinging, popping, and rattling noises are common due to heat expanding the duct work. Loose screws can also contribute to this annoyance. Check all of your panel covers to ensure screws are tightened. If the noises bothering you are squealing or grinding these can indicate problems with the furnace blower motor. This fix requires more expert attention – contact a technician to determine whether repairs or replacement are needed.
Pilot Light Won’t Stay Lit
If the fan is blowing but you don’t feel any heat, there could be issues with your furnace pilot light. This small component of your furnace either stays constantly lit or is ignited whenever heat needs to be dispersed. You should check the ignition tips for soot and buildup. Turn off the gas and examine the tips for any sign of debris. A toothbrush is a good tool for cleaning them, but if you want to be more thorough you can detach the tips (after turning off the gas and power) and soak them in a degreasing solution. This should become part of your home maintenance plan for regular maintenance. If this doesn’t solve your problem, more involved solutions include your ignition switch, flame adjusters, or gas supply. Consider contacting a professional for assistance with these matters.
What To Do If You Smell Gas
If you’ve been experiencing furnace issues and smell gas there’s only one thing you should do: evacuate your home immediately and contact the gas company. Don’t try and solve this yourself – any other course of action could cause a tragedy that could have been prevented.
Are you experiencing problems with your furnace? Need more assistance? Contact us to schedule a service call and get your no-obligation estimate.
