Schedule your maintenance appointment before the cold weather hits when technicians are not as busy. Schedule maintenanceĪnnual maintenance is the best way to ensure that your furnace will run properly and efficiently throughout the winter. Make sure your thermostat is located properly, away from sunlight, lamps or other heat sources or drafts. Electromechanical thermostats may need a gentle dusting with a soft brush on the inside. If it doesn’t, check the batteries and replace them if necessary. This should trigger the furnace to turn on. Make sure the thermostat is set to “heat.” Test it by setting the temperature 5 or more degrees higher than the current room temperature. Remove anything that is restricting airflow, such as rugs, furniture or other objects. All vents and registers should be fully open and unblocked, even those in unused rooms. Clear the area around vents and registersīlocked vents and registers affect comfort and can result in duct leaks as well as HVAC breakdowns. Many furnaces will not operate if the front panel is not completely closed. In that case, follow standard safety precautions - evacuate the home and call the gas company and fire department from a safe distance. Do not proceed if there is any lingering gas smell. Consult your owner’s manual and follow the instructions. Turn off the gas for 10 to 15 minutes prior to relighting. If the flame is out completely, it needs to be relit. A flame that is any other color (red, yellow, purple, green) indicates a problem that should be addressed by a professional right away. This indicates that the fuel is burning safely and efficiently. Check the furnace flameĪ healthy furnace flame is blue and may have a yellowish tip. This may not be an issue you can correct, but it is useful information to provide to your HVAC technician. A key that shows the meaning of the code can be found inside one of the access panel doors. Flip the furnace switch off and back on and note the sequence of the flashing light. That code corresponds to a specific problem. Look for a codeįurnaces manufactured after 1990 have a small window that flashes a light in a certain sequence. Turn the furnace switch on to see if power is restored to the furnace. If you have a fuse box, look for the fuse that is melted or discolored. To reset the breaker, flip the switch all the way off and then back on. ![]() If the breakers aren’t labeled, look for one that is in the opposite position of the rest. Check the electrical panel/circuit breaker If that is not the issue, check that power is turned on at the breaker box or fuse box. If that is the case, simply flip the switch back on. Switches can inadvertently be turned off. Filters need to be replaced every 30 to 90 days or according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. ![]() If no or minimal light passes through, clean or replace it immediately. Check the filter every 30 days by holding it up to a light source. ![]() Lack of sufficient airflow can prevent the furnace from turning on and eventually that buildup can even become a fire hazard. ![]() This impedes the airflow necessary to keep your system running smoothly and efficiently. Check the furnace filterįurnace filters get clogged with dirt, dust and debris over time. From the filter to the thermostat, some basic knowledge might save you some money and get your furnace working again quickly. Before calling for a repair, here are 10 simple furnace troubleshooting tips you can check and potentially fix yourself. Regular maintenance goes a long way toward ensuring that your furnace functions properly all winter long.
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