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Furnace Troubleshooting Guide: Keep Your Home Warm
Posted On: November 2, 2024
Is your furnace acting up? There’s no need to panic just yet! A few basic troubleshooting steps can often save you time and money, especially if the problem is simple. Here’s a guide to help you identify common furnace issues, understand their causes, and perform some easy fixes.
1. Check the Thermostat
- Problem: The furnace doesn’t turn on or doesn’t seem to heat effectively.
- Solution: Ensure your thermostat is set to “Heat” and that it’s on a temperature setting higher than the current room temperature. Make sure it’s powered on, and check the batteries if it’s a battery-operated model.
Tip: Clean your thermostat regularly. Dust can affect its functionality, causing it to misread the room temperature.
2. Inspect the Air Filter
- Problem: Reduced airflow or uneven heating throughout your home.
- Solution: A dirty air filter restricts airflow, making your furnace work harder and less efficiently. Inspect and replace your filter every 1-3 months, depending on the manufacturer’s recommendations.
Tip: Consider setting a reminder to change your filter each season to help your furnace run smoothly.
3. Check the Furnace Switch and Circuit Breaker
- Problem: Furnace won’t start at all.
- Solution: Make sure your furnace switch (located near the furnace itself) is in the “On” position. If the furnace still doesn’t start, check your circuit breaker to ensure the furnace’s circuit is not tripped.
Tip: If you reset the circuit breaker and it trips again, avoid further troubleshooting and contact a professional. This could indicate a more serious electrical problem.
4. Ensure Proper Ventilation and Clear Vents
- Problem: Uneven heating, weak airflow, or furnace shutting down unexpectedly.
- Solution: Inspect your home’s vents and make sure they aren’t blocked by furniture, curtains, or other obstructions. Also, check for anything blocking the furnace’s external vents.
Tip: Periodically walk through your home to make sure vents and registers are fully open and free of obstructions.
5. Look at the Furnace Pilot Light (Gas Furnaces Only)
- Problem: Furnace isn’t producing heat.
- Solution: For gas furnaces with pilot lights, check to see if the flame is lit. A functioning pilot light should burn a bright blue. If it’s off or burning yellow, you may need to relight it or contact a professional to address a potential gas leak.
Warning: If you suspect a gas leak, leave your home immediately and contact emergency services. Do not attempt to fix this issue yourself.
6. Examine the Furnace Flame Sensor
- Problem: Furnace turns on but shuts down shortly after.
- Solution: A dirty or faulty flame sensor can cause your furnace to shut off unexpectedly. Carefully clean the flame sensor with a soft cloth or emery paper, but ensure the furnace is off before doing this.
Tip: If this doesn’t fix the problem, consider calling a professional for further inspection.
7. Listen for Unusual Noises
- Problem: Furnace is making strange noises (banging, rattling, or screeching sounds).
- Solution: Banging noises can indicate issues with the burner, while rattling may suggest loose parts. Loud screeching noises often point to issues with the blower motor. Tighten any loose panels, but if the noise continues, call a technician.
Tip: Regular maintenance can prevent many of these issues from developing in the first place.
8. Inspect Blower Motor and Belts
- Problem: Furnace blows cool air or has weak airflow.
- Solution: Check the blower motor for dust buildup or worn-out belts. Dust can sometimes prevent the blower motor from working effectively, and old belts might need replacing.
Tip: Be cautious when working near the blower motor. It’s best to turn off the furnace completely to avoid injury.
9. Test Furnace Safety Switches
- Problem: Furnace won’t start or shuts off unexpectedly.
- Solution: Safety switches prevent the furnace from overheating. If they’re malfunctioning, they may need to be reset or replaced.
Tip: Most homeowners should avoid handling safety switches, as incorrect handling can lead to further issues. If you suspect a switch problem, consult a licensed technician.
When to Call a Professional
If you’ve gone through these steps and your furnace is still not working properly, it’s time to call a licensed HVAC technician. Additionally, any issues related to gas leaks, electrical faults, or complex mechanical components are best left to professionals.
Regular Maintenance Keeps Your Furnace Running Smoothly
Remember, regular furnace maintenance, like cleaning the blower and replacing air filters, can help prevent many common issues. A professional inspection at least once a year can ensure your system is ready for the colder months.
With this troubleshooting guide, you’ll be better prepared to handle basic furnace issues and keep your home warm and comfortable throughout the winter.
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See What Our Customers Are Saying:
Jul 17, 2024
They've cleaned my furnace a couple of times and mentioned that the hot water tank standards were going to change soon so I decided to change mine out.
There were a few challenges during the process but the installers handled the problems without missing a stride! I now have really hot water again!
Jul 16, 2024
Highly recommend Twintech Heating company, we got honest and detailed information on what was needed to replace and install a new gas furnace. Bob and Greg made us feel comfortable withe process through their thorough explanation and knowledge of the right furnace for our needs. The professionalism and courteous friendly attitude towards the customer is what we liked the most as they treated us like family. So happy with our decision and new furnace we will be looking into get our rental water heater replaced and installed by Twintech team. We feel better having their knowledge on our side and will only trust them with any further maintenance of furnace.
Jul 15, 2024
Customer service and knowledge is priority in this industry, and Twintech has it. I've dealt with their team for maintenance and a furnace replacement. They're accommodating and make great recommendations, and came through at a great price over the big guys in the industry. They'll be my next call when I need service or maintenance.
Jul 14, 2024
I decided that the noises and age of the existing furnace which was old and not very efficient to replace it. Gave Greg a call and Grant and Greg got to work on it. Because of supply issues with the current heating type that would be an easier install Greg convinced me to change the location of the system and it would provide me better service for heat and efficiency. I had skeptical but went ahead anyway putting trust in Greg And Grant. Greg, Grant and Mitch came through and in 2 days had completely relocated my heating and A/C system. I can honestly say Greg was right my old house has been warmer and more evenly heated as it ever was. For anyone reading this rather long winded review can take my word for it, Twin Tech can take care of your needs.
Jul 13, 2024
I called Twin Tech when my air conditioning stopped working. Greg came over to diagnose the issue - the same day. He was able to diagnose the issue and resolve it quite quickly. Although it was a quick fix, Greg was very thorough in explaining the issue and provided great advice. Not to mention, I felt very comfortable having Greg in my home - which I consider very important when hiring a service provider. Twin Tech will be my go-to from now on. Thank you!!
Jan 4, 2023
Great Team! Furnace broke in the weekend, Bob visited same day and Greg installed new one on Monday. Team was professional, respectful and knowledgeable. Installation went very well, Greg found solutions to challenges, like hiding new conduits in the ceiling. Looks nice and new furnace is working great. Five Stars.
Jan 4, 2023
I used Twintech to install a new furnace for my home. Bob was terrific in explaining the sizing options and why the 2 stage furnace was the best option for me. Greg did a great job installing, clean and on time. Finished work looks great but the best part is how it works. The 2 stage heating is so much more comfortable. I run the fan continuously to keep the indoor air clean. Great investment! Would highly recommendTwintech!
Jan 4, 2023
Im going to start this by saying Im a very particular customer. My background is in mathematics and mechanical engineering so I have an eye for detail and a respect for technical knowledge.
Greg had already done an AC inspection and replaced a water heater tank and there was no question in my mind who to deal with replacing my rickety old furnace after it got pooched.
Bob dropped in ahead of time and clearly (and knowledgeably) outlined all technical, price and operational options.
Greg showed up on time, on the agreed date and did a fantastic job. (The OLD furnace was a house of horrors and was installed in a keystone cops sort of way- careless.)
The work Greg did was HIGHLY PROFESSIONAL and FAR MORE FUNCTIONAL than what I had.
Im also a musician with many instruments so maintaining predictable humidity/temperature is extremely important to me. Greg recognized this as did Bob. You NEVER feel like youre being brushed off.
In summary, if youre looking for PROFESSIONAL, QUALITY results by an EXPERIENCED, THOUGHTFUL team
(that also happen to be FRIENDLY and ATTENTIVE ) then youve come to the right page!!
Jan 4, 2023
Once again Twin Tech came through and fixed my furnace. A young man by the name of Mitch came by tonight and he was so nice explained everything he was quick he was clean he turned off the lights even when he left the furnace room its just above and beyond Twin Tech always delivers and I just found out about them last year and I will use no one else but thanks again Mitch you are fantastic
Jan 4, 2023
I had a problem with the Furnace (Armstrong ultra V) and Greg diagnosed it on the phone. Even told me what the issue was and I was able to fix it. This level of service from a Business that is almost unknown today.
If you require service, reach out to Greg. I will definitely use them in the future!
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