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Furnace Troubleshooting Guide: Keep Your Home Warm

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Furnace Troubleshooting Guide: Keep Your Home Warm

Posted On: November 2, 2024

Furnace Troubleshooting Guide: Keep Your Home Warm

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:

by Trevor Owens on Twintech Heating and Cooling

I returned from vacation to find my AC unit on the Fritz. After calling way too many places I connected with TwinTech. I’ve used the company in the past for my furnace so I was happy when I recognized Greg at my front door. He’s great and the service is always top notch. I’d highly recommend using twintech for honest, superior service in the Durham region. Thanks!

by Nicole Alain on Twintech Heating and Cooling

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!!

by Courtney Parkes on Twintech Heating and Cooling

Just hired TwinTech Heating & Cooling to do an A/C Unit removal & reinstall to allow for landscaping access on the side of my house, and they were wonderful!
Bob, Greg & Mitch make a great team! Quick appointment times, super knowledgeable, expert troubleshooting capabilities & very customer service oriented.
I would highly recommend them for all of your HVAC needs! Great job guys!!

by Jacqueline Graham on Twintech Heating and Cooling

Twintech Heating & Cooling installed my furnace in 2022 and in fall of 2023 installed my Panasonic Heat Pump. Greg and Mitch did a great job. Helped me through the rebate process. Super happy with the Heat Pump. Only used my furnace 5 times this winter. Energy bills lower, carbon emissions lower.Thank you Twintech. I recommend highly!

by Bill Grainger on Twintech Heating and Cooling

Just had a new furnace installed by Twintech. I can’t express how great these guys are at what they do. From the sales to installation they were professional all the way. Very reasonable pricing and courteous during the installation and willing to answer any questions I had. Highly recommended !!!

by Colin Vernon on Twintech Heating and Cooling

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!

by Heidi B on Twintech Heating and Cooling

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.

by Kirushanth Rasiah on Twintech Heating and Cooling

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.

by Leonard Glass on Twintech Heating and Cooling

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.

by Nicole Alain on Twintech Heating and Cooling

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!!

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See What Our Customers Are Saying:

by Trevor Owens on Twintech Heating and Cooling

I returned from vacation to find my AC unit on the Fritz. After calling way too many places I connected with TwinTech. I’ve used the company in the past for my furnace so I was happy when I recognized Greg at my front door. He’s great and the service is always top notch. I’d highly recommend using twintech for honest, superior service in the Durham region. Thanks!

by Nicole Alain on Twintech Heating and Cooling

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!!

by Courtney Parkes on Twintech Heating and Cooling

Just hired TwinTech Heating & Cooling to do an A/C Unit removal & reinstall to allow for landscaping access on the side of my house, and they were wonderful!
Bob, Greg & Mitch make a great team! Quick appointment times, super knowledgeable, expert troubleshooting capabilities & very customer service oriented.
I would highly recommend them for all of your HVAC needs! Great job guys!!

by Jacqueline Graham on Twintech Heating and Cooling

Twintech Heating & Cooling installed my furnace in 2022 and in fall of 2023 installed my Panasonic Heat Pump. Greg and Mitch did a great job. Helped me through the rebate process. Super happy with the Heat Pump. Only used my furnace 5 times this winter. Energy bills lower, carbon emissions lower.Thank you Twintech. I recommend highly!

by Bill Grainger on Twintech Heating and Cooling

Just had a new furnace installed by Twintech. I can’t express how great these guys are at what they do. From the sales to installation they were professional all the way. Very reasonable pricing and courteous during the installation and willing to answer any questions I had. Highly recommended !!!

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