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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:
Aug 5, 2022
Our old water tank was installed in 1997. Wasn't working as well as it should so we looked into a tankless as it is more efficient and a space saver! we had used Twintech in the past for a furnace cleaning and were satisfied with that so we decided to ask for a quote for the changeover. Gary arrived and provided the options and the quote fit within our budget so we decide to go with them after receiving a few alternative quotes from other companies. They did what the said would be done and it was completed within a reasonable time frame! Removal and cleanup of the old tank was seamless. We are now enjoying consistent and efficient Hot water! I recommend Twintech and would use them for future projects!
Aug 4, 2022
One of the most honest HVAC companies out there! Dave was very helpful and informative in helping us choose a new AC unit. While they werent the lowest quote, we went with them because we trusted Dave and he was the most honest guy out of the companies that quoted us.
Greg and his crew who installed the unit were very professional and did a great job. If I could do it over again I would choose Twintech again.
Aug 3, 2022
Relocated and replaced our air conditioning unit. Fast, professional, and high quality service. We would definitely use them again for future projects!
Aug 2, 2022
The term excellent or incredible does not seem high enough praise for the Twintech Heating and cooling company that recently replaced our 15 year old furnace. To start with, the response from Dave at Twintech to our original pricing request was the quickest and most professional of the 5 prices we received which included two of the primary natural gas providers. The Twintech pricing was the most competitive by a considerable margin.
We had Dave visit our home to confirm all pricing which he did and scheduled us for next day installation which was not offered my the majority of the other providers.
The installation; the team arrived on time and provided coverings to all of the hardwood flooring and stairs and proceeded with the removal and reinstallation of the new furnace, the workers predicated six hours and were completed in five hours. I have to mention how courteous and polite the workers were each time we interacted with them from start to finish.
The final result was amazing, all materials were cleaned up and removed from the house and the workmanship very impressive.
One feature that really stood out for me which shows a high level of professionalism was that we had various condensation hoses from the furnace , humidifier and an air filtration unit meeting at the one drain, the installation crew ran PVC tubing including elbows along two sides of the furnace to guide the hoses into one PVC tube at the drain, it looks great!
When the install was completed and tested the Twintech technician guided us through the features and recommendation's for care of the new furnace.
We highly recommend Twintech to anyone for the outstanding service provided to us.
Aug 1, 2022
I didn't hesitate to call Twintech in for a 2nd time as they did an outstanding job installing my new furnace last year. This time my 18 year old air conditioner was on its last legs. Greg and the team are top notch, highly skilled technicians. The job was executed in a timely and professional manner. Greg was extremely thorough and went the extra mile to make sure everything was operating efficiently. Lastly, Dave is a true gentleman and really made the customer experience pleasurable and worry free. Always remember that good work ain't cheap and cheap work ain't good.
Jul 31, 2022
It's so hard to find solid companies these days, but I was very pleased to find one in Twintech. Greg and his crew were very clean, respectful and professional. We were most impressed at how all the things they said they would do, were done. Sounds strange, but usually when a contractor comes to your home they say they will take care of this and that, make sure this is done, etc but when the work starts you have to constantly remind them of your previous discussions. Greg ensured every item he said he would do was done, no reminders required. The work was done right, at a fair price and on time. We will be sure to call them when our A/C unit dies (fingers crossed that's not going to happen too soon :) )
Jul 30, 2022
Replaced our aging hot water tank with a tankless system. Excellent work, fast efficient and clean.
Walked us through the new system and recommended maintenance schedule.
This is our second time working with TwinTech and we are very happy with the quality of their work and professionalism.
Jul 29, 2022
Efficient work and great follow up by the team at Twin Tech. Great product and communication.
Jul 28, 2022
On coldest night of the year our furnace quit. At 8:40 in the morning Greg arrived and gave us a diagnosis and a recommendation. By 2:30 we had a new furnace and were warm again. Great company. Great customer service. Good reasonable price.
Peter, Pickering
Jul 3, 2022
Twin tech team was very efficient and prompt. They provided a quote within hours of request and got the job done on time. No disruption to home function. We would highly recommend this team. Job well done.
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