Furnace Repair Checklist
1. Inspect the Thermostat
To begin, make sure your thermostat is instructing your heat to start.
Digital Thermostat
- Change the batteries if the monitor is blank. If the digital display is messed up, the thermostat could need to be replaced.
- Make sure the control is switched to “heat” instead of “off” or “cool.”
- Ensure the program is showing the right day and time and is set to “run.” If you’re having problems getting out of the setting, set the temperature by utilizing the up/down arrows and pressing the “hold” button. This will cause the furnace to turn on if thermostat is causing trouble.
- Turn the temperature setting to 5 degrees above the temperature of the room.
If your heating hasn’t kicked on within several minutes, make certain that it has juice by toggling the fan switch from “auto” to “on.” If the fan doesn’t start, your furnace could be without power.
Smart Thermostat
If you have a smart thermostat—such as one manufactured by Nest, Ecobee, Lux, Honeywell or Bosch—troubleshooting is very model-specific. Refer to the manufacturer’s website for help. If you’re still unable to get your Wi-Fi thermostat to function, reach us at 478-202-3170 for heating and cooling service.
2. Check Breakers and Switches
Next, verify your breaker and furnace switch are on.
- Look for your main electrical panel. If you aren’t sure where it is, keep an eye out for a silver metal box in your basement, garage or closet.
- Make sure your hands and feet aren’t moist in advance of touching the panel or breakers.
- Find the breaker titled “furnace” or “heat,” and ensure it’s reading “on.” If the breaker has tripped, it will be in the middle or “off” position.
- With one hand, quickly flip the breaker to the “on” position. If the breaker trips right away and pops back to “off,” don't try to reset it and get in touch with an expert from Air Temperature Control at 478-202-3170 right away.
No matter your furnace’s age or brand, it has at minimum one standard wall switch positioned on or close to it.
- Ensure the lever is moved up in the “on” spot. If it was switched off, expect your furnace to take up to five minutes to ignite. (If you’re unaware of where to locate your furnace, check your basement, garage or utility closet. It could also be in a crawl space or attic.)
3. Buy a New Air Filter
When we think about heating issues, a dirty, blocked air filter is often the top offender.
If your filter is too grungy:
- Your heater won’t keep heating your home, or it may get too warm from limited airflow.
- Your heating expenses could be higher because your furnace is running more than it should.
- Your furnace may stop working too soon due to the fact a dirty filter forces it to work overtime.
- Your heating system might lose power if an overly clogged filter is the cause of a tripped breaker.
While it depends on what model of heater you own, your air filter can be found within the blower compartment of your heating system, an attached filter case or wall-mounted return air grille.
To replace your filter:
- Cut the power to your heating system.
- Remove the filter and angle it toward the light. If you can’t view light through it, get a new one.
- Insert the new filter with the arrow pointing toward the heater to prevent damage.
Flat filters ought to be replaced once a month, while pleated filters should last about three months. If you have children or pets, you might have to replace your filter more often.
To make the process go more quickly down the road, write with a permanent writing tool on your heater outside or ductwork to list the airflow direction and filter size.
4. Inspect the Condensate Pan
Commonly known as drain pans, condensate pans capture moisture your heating system pulls from the air.
If liquid is leaking from within your heating system or its pan has standing water in it, follow these guidelines.
- If your pan contains a drain (look for a PVC pipe), check that it’s clear. If it needs to be drained, get a special pan-cleaning tablet you can get at home improvement or hardware stores.
- If your pan uses a pump, take a look at the float switch. If the lever is jammed “up” with liquid in the pan, reach us at 478-202-3170, because you will possibly have to get a new pump.
5. Check for Heater Error Codes
If faults keep on happening, peek within your heating system’s plastic window to check the blower motor’s status. Subject to the model, the light might also be attached on the outside of your heating system.
If you see anything except a steady, colored light or twinkling green light, call us at 478-202-3170 for HVAC service. Your heating system may be giving an error code that is calling for specialized service.
6. Brush off the Flame Sensor
If your heating system attempts to run but switches off without putting out warmth, a dirty flame sensor might be at fault. When this occurs, your heating system will try to turn on three times before a safety device powers it down for around an hour.
If you feel okay with opening up your heater, brushing off your flame sensor is a task you have the ability to do personally. Or, one of our heating service experts is able to complete it for you.
If you want to clean the sensor on your own, you should have:
- A 1/4” hex screwdriver or wrench
- Bit of light grit sandpaper, steel wool or emery cloth
- A fresh paper towel
Then:
- Shut off the furnace’s power by using its wall switch or breaker. If your gas valve isn’t electric, you must turn off the gas in addition.
- Remove the heater’s front panel and trace the wire to the flame sensor.
- Remove the rod and use your sandpaper, steel wool or emery cloth to carefully rub the metal rod.
- Clean the rod with a paper towel.
- Put the sensor back in.
- Replace the furnace doors.
- Switch the furnace’s power back on. It might proceed through a series of inspections before proceeding with regular heating. If your heater doesn’t turn on, the sensor may need to be replaced or something else could be creating an issue. If this takes place, call us at 478-202-3170 for heating and cooling repair assistance.
7. Relight the Pilot Light
If you are using an outdated furnace, the pilot light could be out. To light it, find the instructions on a label on your heating system, or use these recommendations.
- Locate the toggle beneath your furnace labeled “pilot,” “on” and “off.”
- Turn the switch to the “off” position.
- Don’t do anything for at least five minutes to avoid creating a fire.
- Move the knob to “pilot.”
- Push the “reset” button as you move the flame of a long lighter to the pilot light opening.
- Depress the “reset” button once the pilot light is ignited.
If you have used the instructions twice and the pilot light still won’t ignite or stay lit, get in touch with us at 478-202-3170 for furnace service.
Check Your Energy Source
Try switching on an additional gas appliance. If it doesn’t function, your natural gas delivery could be shut off, or you may have run out of propane.