Furnace Repair Checklist
1. Look at the Thermostat
To begin, make certain that your thermostat is telling your heater to start.
Digital Thermostat
- Swap out the batteries if the display is not displaying anything. If the digital screen is jumbled, the thermostat might need to be changed.
- Make certain that the button is switched to “heat” as opposed to “off” or “cool.”
- Make sure the program is set to the correct day and time and is scheduled to “run.” If you’re having problems overriding the program, set the temperature by utilizing the up/down arrows and using the “hold” button. This will cause the furnace to ignite if thermostat is causing an issue.
- Increase the temperature setting to 5 degrees above the room temperature.
If your heating hasn’t started within a couple minutes, ensure it has juice by changing the fan switch from “auto” to “on.” If the fan doesn’t operate, your heating system could be without power.
Smart Thermostat
If you utilize a smart thermostat—such as one made by Nest, Ecobee, Lux, Honeywell or Bosch—troubleshooting is very model-specific. Refer to the manufacturer’s website for assistance. If you aren’t able to get your Wi-Fi thermostat to operate, reach us at 740-200-5591 for heating and cooling service.
2. Inspect Breakers and Switches
Next, confirm your breaker and furnace switch are on.
- Look for your main electrical panel. If you aren’t sure where it is, keep an eye out for a metallic metal box in your basement, garage or closet.
- Make sure your hands and feet aren’t moist before touching the panel or breakers.
- Find the breaker marked “furnace” or “heat,” and ensure it’s turned “on.” If you find that the breaker tripped, it will be in the middle or “off” position.
- Moving one hand, firmly 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 a professional from Luikart Heating & Cooling at 740-200-5591 right away.
No matter your furnace’s age or brand, it has no less than one ordinary wall switch placed on or close to it.
- Ensure the control is moved up in the “on” position. If it was turned off, expect your furnace to take up to five minutes to ignite. (If you’re unsure where to find your furnace, look in your basement, garage or utility closet. It can also be in a crawl space or attic.)
3. Buy a New Air Filter
When we think about furnace problems, a grungy, full air filter is often to blame.
If your filter is too dusty:
- Your heat won’t stay on, or it may overheat from limited airflow.
- Your gas bills might be higher because your heater is switching on more often.
- Your heating system might stop working prematurely since a dirty filter triggers it to work harder.
- Your heater may be disconnected from power if an overly filthy filter is the cause of a tripped breaker.
Based on what type of heater you have, your air filter is located in the interior of the blower compartment of your furnace, an attached filter case or wall-mounted return air grille.
To put in a new filter:
- Turn off your heater.
- Pull out the filter and hold it up to the light. If you can’t notice light through it, get a new one.
- Put in the new filter with the arrow pointing toward the heater to keep damage from happening.
Flat filters should be replaced monthly, while pleated filters should last about three months. If you have children or pets, you may have to change your filter more often.
To make the procedure smoother in the future, use a permanent writing tool on your heater exterior or ductwork to indicate the airflow direction and filter size.
4. Look at the Condensate Pan
Otherwise known as drain pans, condensate pans capture moisture your heater draws from the air.
If water is leaking from within your furnace or its pan has standing water in it, try these steps.
- If your pan has a drain (look for a PVC pipe), make sure that it’s clear. If it should be drained, use a special pan-cleaning tablet you can buy at home improvement or hardware retailers.
- If your pan has a pump, take a look at the float switch. If the lever is stuck “up” with standing water in the pan, contact us at 740-200-5591, because you will probably have to install a new pump.
5. Check for Heating Error Codes
If malfunctions keep on happening, look at your furnace’s plastic window to verify the blower motor’s status. Depending on the model, the light may also be fixed on the outside of your furnace.
If you note anything except an uninterrupted, colored light or blinking green light, contact us at 740-200-5591 for HVAC service. Your heater could be giving an error code that needs professional help.
6. Brush off the Flame Sensor
If your furnace tries to operate but shuts off without blowing warm air, a filthy flame sensor could be to blame. When this takes place, your furnace will try to start three times before a safety device shuts it down for approximately an hour.
If you feel confident with opening up your heater, brushing off your flame sensor is work you can do yourself. Or, one of our heating service specialists can complete it for you.
If you are confident cleaning the sensor on your own, you require:
- A 1/4” hex screwdriver or wrench
- Bit of light grit sandpaper, steel wool or emery cloth
- A dry, clean paper towel
Then:
- Shut off the heating system’s power by using its wall switch or breaker. If your gas valve isn’t electric, you must switch off the gas in addition.
- Remove 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 gently rub the metal rod.
- Wipe off the rod with a paper towel.
- Screw the sensor back in.
- Put the furnace doors back on.
- Switch the furnace’s power back on. It might run through a series of checks before resuming usual heating. If your heater doesn’t ignite, the sensor could require replacement or something else could be wrong. If this takes place, call us at 740-200-5591 for heating and cooling repair assistance.
7. Light the Pilot Light
If you own an aging heater, the pilot light could be turned off. To reignite it, look for the instructions on a label on your furnace, or use these guidelines.
- Look for the switch beneath your heater marked “pilot,” “on” and “off.”
- Move the switch to the “off” position.
- Don’t do anything for at least five minutes to avoid sparking a fire.
- Push the switch to “pilot.”
- Press the “reset” button as you move the flame of a long lighter to the pilot light opening.
- Let go of the “reset” button once the pilot light is ignited.
If you have tried the instructions twice and the pilot light still won’t light or remain burning, contact us at 740-200-5591 for furnace service.
Check Your Gas Delivery System
Try switching on a second gas appliance. If it doesn’t work, your natural gas delivery could be shut off, or you might have run out of propane.