A Simple Furnace Troubleshooting Guide

How To Troubleshoot Your Furnace

Colder weather is just around the corner, which means you'll probably be turning off your AC and turning on your furnace in a few weeks. Most of the time, a furnace will start right up after the summer months. Sometimes, though, it needs a little extra TLC. Use this guide to troubleshooting furnace issues to help you determine whether you can fix the issue yourself and when you should rely on professional HVAC technicians. 

Check the Thermostat First

Most people set their thermostat at the temperature they like and forget about it until warm weather begins to arrive again. Even so, you'd be surprised how many times a "broken" furnace is actually just a thermostat that's been bumped or needs new batteries. It's also a good idea to check this first. Ensure it's set to "heat" and to the right temperature. If your thermostat requires batteries, it's a good idea to change them now as well. This way, you can be sure the thermostat is communicating properly with the rest of your heating system.

Clean the Filter

If your furnace doesn't seem to kick on or isn't putting out enough heat, checking the filter should be your first troubleshooting task. A dirty filter not only affects the air quality in your home but could be a fire hazard as well. Even if the furnace seems to work, there could be other indicators that it's time to clean the filter, such as allergy issues or higher energy bills. Check your filter and clean or replace it, depending on the manufacturer's recommendations. Keep in mind that your furnace's filter should be changed every 1-3 months to ensure optimal working conditions.

Flip the Circuit Breakers

Sometimes, the only problem with a furnace is that it's accidentally blown a fuse. Check your fuse box to ensure the switch is in the right position. If it isn't, flip it back on. Hopefully, this will fix the furnace issue. However, if your HVAC system continues to blow a fuse, it could be a bigger issue. In this case, it's important to call a licensed HVAC technician for help.

Consider if Something Else May Be the Issue

Sometimes, people complain that their home has uneven temperatures throughout it, with some rooms being colder than others. If you're experiencing the same problem, it's a good idea to make sure the culprit is actually the furnace. In a lot of cases, it could be because there is a drafty door or window, or because the attic insulation isn't holding heat in. Repairing these issues may ensure your furnace works properly.

When To Call a Professional

There are several situations in which you should call an experienced HVAC technician to work on your unit. If your furnace is making a lot of loud or unusual noises, it could have loose or broken parts. To prevent further damage to the unit or to your home, you'll need to call a professional. It is also important to avoid trying to fix the problem yourself if you notice the smell of gas coming from your furnace or if you have a faulty pilot light or ignition switch that isn't fixed with basic troubleshooting help. If you need a professional who can help you with troubleshooting furnace issues, contact Next Level HVAC at 707-228-9921.