Furnace Repair Checklist
1. Look at the Thermostat
To begin, make certain that your thermostat is instructing your furnace to ignite.
Digital Thermostat
- Change the batteries if the display is blank. If the digital screen is scrambled, the thermostat could need to be replaced.
- Make certain that the button is switched to “heat” rather than “off” or “cool.”
- Make sure the program is displaying the appropriate day and time and is set to “run.” If you’re having problems turning off the schedule, regulate the temperature with the up/down arrows and pressing the “hold” button. This will cause the furnace to ignite if thermostat is causing trouble.
- Set the temperature setting to 5 degrees hotter than the temperature of the room.
If your heating hasn’t kicked on within a few minutes, make certain that it has juice by switching the fan switch from “auto” to “on.” If the fan doesn’t begin to run, your furnace may not have power.
Smart Thermostat
If you use a smart thermostat—such as one designed by Nest, Ecobee, Lux, Honeywell or Bosch—troubleshooting will depend on your model. Refer to the manufacturer’s website for support. If you’re still unable to get your Wi-Fi thermostat to operate, contact us at 631-246-4029 for heating and cooling service.
2. Check Breakers and Switches
Next, check if your breaker and furnace switch are on.
- Locate your main electrical panel. If you have no idea where it is, look for a gray metal box in your basement, garage or closet.
- Make certain that your hands and feet aren’t moist before using the panel or breakers.
- Look for the breaker titled “furnace” or “heat,” and ensure it’s moved to “on.” If you discover a tripped breaker, it will be in the middle or “off” spot.
- Moving one hand, firmly turn the breaker to the “on” position. If the breaker instantly trips and pops back to “off,” don't try to reset it and contact a team member from Cool Power LLC at 631-246-4029 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 close to it.
- Ensure the switch is flipped up in the “on” placement. If it was switched off, anticipate your furnace could take up to five minutes to ignite. (If you don’t know where to locate your furnace, check your basement, garage or utility closet. It could also be in a crawl space or attic.)
3. Get a New Air Filter
When we consider heater issues, a filthy, blocked air filter is regularly the top culprit.
If your filter is too dirty:
- Your heater won’t stay on, or it may get too warm from restricted airflow.
- Your heating expenses could be higher because your heater is switching on too often.
- Your heating system might fail too soon due to the fact a dirty filter triggers it to work overtime.
- Your heating can be cut off from power if an extremely dirty filter causes the breaker to trip.
Based on what type of heater you use, your air filter can be found inside the blower compartment of your heater, an attached filter case or wall-mounted return air grille.
To swap out your filter:
- Switch off your heater.
- Pull out the filter and tilt it toward the light. If you can’t notice light through it, use a new one.
- Put in the new filter with the arrow facing 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 put in a new filter more frequently.
To make the process smoother in the future, write with a permanent writing tool on your heater housing or ductwork to show the airflow direction and filter size.
4. Look at the Condensate Pan
Commonly known as drain pans, condensate pans hold liquid your heating system removes from the air.
If water is leaking from within your furnace or its pan has standing water in it, follow these guidelines.
- If your pan includes a drain (look for a PVC pipe), check that it’s clear. If it should be drained, use a special pan-cleaning tablet you can purchase at home improvement or hardware retailers.
- If your pan contains a pump, check the float switch. If the button is jammed “up” with standing water in the pan, call us at 631-246-4029, because you will possibly have to install a new pump.
5. Look for Heater Error Codes
If malfunctions continue, peek inside your heater’s plastic window to confirm the blower motor’s status. Depending on the model, the light could also be fixed on the outside of your heating system.
If you notice anything except an uninterrupted, colored light or twinkling green light, contact us at 631-246-4029 for HVAC service. Your heating system may be communicating an error code that is calling for pro assistance.
6. Clean the Flame Sensor
If your furnace tries to work but switches off without putting out heated air, a dusty flame sensor could be to blame. When this takes place, your heating system will make an attempt to start three times before a safety device turns it off for about an hour.
If you feel confident with opening up your furnace, gently scrubbing your flame sensor is work you are able to do yourself. Or, one of our heating service experts has the ability to do it for you.
If you are confident cleaning the sensor on your own, you should have:
- A 1/4” hex screwdriver or wrench
- Piece of light grit sandpaper, steel wool or emery cloth
- A fresh paper towel
Next:
- Shut off the furnace’s power through its wall switch or breaker. If your furnace’s gas valve isn’t electric, you have to shut off the gas in addition.
- Lift off the furnace’s front panel and follow 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.
- Put the sensor back in.
- Put the furnace doors back on.
- Turn the furnace’s power back on. It could go through a set of examinations before proceeding with usual operation. If your furnace doesn’t start, the sensor may require replacement or something else might be wrong. If this happens, contact us at 631-246-4029 for heating and cooling repair help.
7. Relight the Pilot Light
If you are using an aging furnace, the pilot light could be extinguished. To light it, find the instructions on a sheet on your heater, or follow these recommendations.
- Locate the lever below your heater marked “pilot,” “on” and “off.”
- Move the switch to the “off” position.
- Take a break for at least five minutes to limit the possibility for starting a fire.
- Push the knob to “pilot.”
- Push the “reset” button as you push the flame of a long lighter to the pilot light opening.
- Depress the “reset” switch once the pilot light is lit.
If you have followed the instructions twice and the pilot light still won’t burn or remain lit, call us at 631-246-4029 for furnace service.
Check Your Gas Supply
Try switching on a second gas appliance. If it doesn’t work, your natural gas service may be switched off, or you could be out of propane.