HVAC and Furnace Troubleshooting in Santa Rosa

When the temperatures start to dip, most people crank up the heat in their homes, hoping to keep their space comfortable. If you adjust the temperature but don't feel any change, it could mean there is a problem with your furnace. An HVAC contractor Santa Rosa residents trust such as Next Level HVAC can get your house warmed up again, but there are a few troubleshooting steps you can try out.

1. Start with the Thermostat

To troubleshoot any system, it's good to start with the simplest and most obvious potential issues. For heating issues, begin with the thermostat. Aside from setting the temperature, you may not think much of it, but it is an important part of your climate control setup.

Make sure the thermostat is set to "heat" mode. This is easy to overlook, especially at the beginning of the season when the HVAC system has either been set to "cool" or has been off. For programmable thermostats, check that they have working batteries and are set correctly.

2. Inspect and Replace the Air Filter

Checking the air filter in your furnace is another easy troubleshooting step you can try. Clogged or dirty filters can prevent furnaces from blowing air properly, leaving your home cold. A full air filter is also less effective at pulling allergens and debris out of the air so your home's air quality may be affected. Aim to replace your filter every 90 days or so, depending on your needs.

3. Ensure Proper Ventilation

To feel the effects of your HVAC system, you need to make sure your vents can deliver the heated air to the right places. Check that your vents are not closed or blocked. It can be easy to accidentally place furniture, household items or even curtains above or in front of a vent in a way that prevents proper air circulation. You may notice cold spots in your home if this is the issue.

4. Check the Power Supply and Circuit Breaker

The next troubleshooting step involves the furnace itself and is an issue an HVAC contractor in Santa Rosa would check: the power supply to the unit. If your furnace has any electrical components, make sure it is getting proper power. Start with the circuit breaker box to make sure a circuit isn't tripped. Then make sure the furnace's power switch is on and there are no error messages.

5. Pilot Light and Ignition System Inspection

Gas furnaces rely on their pilot light or ignition system to operate, so problems in this area can lead to a non-working furnace. Some models have a continuous pilot light and the flame can occasionally go out. Check your unit's manual to carefully re-light the flame if needed. For units with electronic ignitions, give the professionals at Next Level HVAC a call as this may need the skills of a furnace expert.

6. Make Sure All Furnace Parts Are in Place

Take a moment and do an inspection of the furnace to make sure all parts are in place and in good working order. Is the front door panel closed and secure? Are all of the hoses properly attached and in good shape? Many furnaces have safety features to make sure they don't operate if something is out of place, so a quick check can go a long way in getting your furnace to work.

7. Call a Professional HVAC Contractor in Santa Rosa

The final way to figure out why your furnace isn't working is to call in the professionals. An HVAC technician is trained to do a more thorough troubleshooting process and can uncover problems you may not have considered. They also have the knowledge to fix it the right way.

It's especially important to get a professional involved when you suspect the internal workings of the furnace need repair. Opening the unit and trying to do the repair yourself could violate any warranties on your unit, and working on a furnace without the proper knowledge is dangerous.



Keep Your Furnace Working All Year

Troubleshooting your furnace isn't impossible. There are many basic issues you can detect and correct on your own. When you need help, Next Level HVAC can step in. Reach out to us today to set an appointment or consultation.