Furnace Repair Checklist
1. Look at the Thermostat
To start, ensure your thermostat is telling your furnace to ignite.
Digital Thermostat
- Change the batteries if the display is not displaying anything. If the digital monitor is messed up, the thermostat might need to be changed.
- Make sure the button is switched to “heat” as opposed to “off” or “cool.”
- Make certain the program is showing the correct day and time and is programmed to “run.” If you’re having trouble getting out of the program, set the temperature by utilizing the up/down arrows and pressing the “hold” button. This will cause the furnace to ignite if thermostat is causing trouble.
- Turn the temperature setting to 5 degrees hotter than the temperature of the room.
If your heating hasn’t started within several minutes, make sure it has juice by moving the fan switch from “auto” to “on.” If the fan doesn’t begin to run, your heating system could be without power.
Smart Thermostat
If you utilize a smart thermostat—for example one made by Nest, Ecobee, Lux, Honeywell or Bosch—troubleshooting will depend on your model. Take a look at the manufacturer’s website for support. If you aren’t able to get your Wi-Fi thermostat to operate, reach us at 224-412-8308 for heating and cooling service.
2. Examine Breakers and Switches
Next, verify your breaker and furnace switch are on.
- Find your main electrical panel. If you aren’t sure where it is, search for a gray metal box in your basement, garage or closet.
- Make sure your hands and feet aren’t moist prior to using the panel or breakers.
- Look for the breaker titled “furnace” or “heat,” and double-check it’s turned “on.” If the breaker has tripped, it will be in the middle or “off” spot.
- Moving one hand, quickly turn the breaker to the “on” position. If the breaker trips right away and pops back to “off,” don't try to reset it and contact an expert from Controlled Comfort HVAC Inc at 224-412-8308 immediately.
It doesn’t matter how old your furnace is or what brand it is, it has at least one regular wall switch located on or by it.
- Make sure the control is moved up in the “on” spot. If it was shut off, anticipate your furnace could take up to five minutes to start. (If you’re unsure where your furnace is located, look in your basement, garage or utility closet. It might also be in a crawl space or attic.)
3. Get a New Air Filter
When it comes to furnace breakdowns, a grungy, clogged air filter is often to blame.
If your filter is too dusty:
- Your heating system won’t stay on, or it could get too warm from reduced airflow.
- Your gas expenses could be higher because your heat is working more than it should.
- Your heat might fail too soon due to the fact a dirty filter forces it to work overtime.
- Your heating system can be cut off from power if an excessively filthy filter results in a tripped breaker.
While it depends on what model of heater you own, your air filter will be inside the blower compartment of your furnace, 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 tilt it toward the light. If you can’t see light through it, get a new one.
- Install the new filter with the arrow motioning toward the furnace to avoid damage.
Flat filters ought to be replaced every month, while pleated filters should last about three months. If you have children or pets, you could have to change your filter sooner.
To make changing your filter easier in the future, use a permanent marker on your furnace housing or ductwork to list the airflow direction and filter size.
4. Examine the Condensate Pan
Commonly known as drain pans, condensate pans capture moisture your furnace removes from the air.
If liquid is leaking from your heating system or its pan has too much water in it, follow these steps.
- If your pan has a drain (look for a PVC pipe), make sure that it’s clear. If it requires draining, get a special pan-cleaning tablet you can buy at home improvement or hardware retailers.
- If your pan has a pump, inspect the float switch. If the lever is stuck “up” with standing water in the pan, contact us at 224-412-8308, because you will possibly have to buy a new pump.
5. Watch for Furnace Error Codes
If malfunctions keep on happening, peek inside your heating system’s plastic window to confirm the blower motor’s status. Depending on the model, the light may also be attached on the outside of your heating system.
If you see anything else besides a steady, colored light or blinking green light, reach us at 224-412-8308 for HVAC service. Your furnace could be emitting an error code that is calling for professional assistance.
6. Brush off the Flame Sensor
If your heater makes an effort to run but switches off without blowing warmth, a dirty flame sensor could be responsible. When this happens, your heater will attempt to ignite three times before a safety mechanism powers it down for about an hour.
If you feel okay with removing the panels from your heater, brushing off your flame sensor is a task you can do personally. Or, one of our heating service specialists has the ability to complete it for you.
If you are fine with cleaning the sensor on your own, you need:
- A 1/4” hex screwdriver or wrench
- Bit of light grit sandpaper, steel wool or emery cloth
- A dry, clean paper towel
Next:
- Disable the furnace’s power by using its wall switch or breaker. If your gas valve isn’t electric, you will need to turn off the gas as well.
- Lift off the heater’s front panel and track the wire to the flame sensor.
- Remove the rod and use your sandpaper, steel wool or emery cloth to lightly clean the metal rod.
- Wipe off the rod with a paper towel.
- Remount the sensor.
- Put the furnace doors back on.
- Turn the furnace’s power back on. It might proceed through a sequence of inspections before proceeding with usual running. If your heater doesn’t ignite, the sensor might need to be replaced or something else might be creating an issue. If this takes place, get in touch with us at 224-412-8308 for heating and cooling repair help.
7. Reignite the Pilot Light
If you own an outdated heating system, the pilot light could be out. To light it, find the steps on a label on your furnace, or follow these steps.
- Locate the toggle below your heater that says “pilot,” “on” and “off.”
- Push the switch to the “off” position.
- Wait at least five minutes to avoid sparking a fire.
- Move the dial to “pilot.”
- Push the “reset” lever as you bring the flame of a long lighter to the pilot light opening.
- Depress the “reset” lever once the pilot light is burning.
If you have followed the instructions twice and the pilot light still won’t light or remain burning, contact us at 224-412-8308 for furnace service.
Examine Your Fuel Source
Try using another gas appliance. If it doesn’t work, your natural gas delivery may be shut off, or you might have run out of propane.