7 Tips for Troubleshooting Your Furnace
If you're a homeowner, then you know that one of the most important things to keep in mind is the upkeep of your furnace. After all, you rely on your furnace to keep your home warm and comfortable during the colder months. But what happens when your furnace starts acting up? In this blog post, we'll go over seven tips for troubleshooting common furnace problems. With these tips, you'll be able to get your furnace up and running in no time!
Tip #1: Check the Pilot Light
One of the most common issues with furnaces is that the pilot light has gone out. If this is the case, you'll need to relight the pilot light according to the manufacturer's instructions. Once you've done that, you should see a small flame burning near the bottom of the furnace. If the pilot light won't stay lit, there could be a problem with the gas valve or thermocouple. In either case, it's best to call a professional for help.
Tip #2: Check the Thermostat
Another common issue is that the furnace isn't blowing hot air even though the thermostat is set to "heat." This could be because the thermostat itself is not working properly. First, try replacing the batteries in the thermostat. You may need to calibrate the thermostat or replace it if that doesn't work.
Tip #3: Check the Circuit Breaker
If your furnace suddenly stops working, it could be because of a blown fuse or tripped circuit breaker. To check if this is the case, locate your fuse box and see if any of the fuses are burnt out or if any of the switches have been tripped. If so, simply replace the fuse or reset the switch and see if that solves the problem.
Tip #4: Inspect Your Air Filter
Your furnace may not be working properly because of a dirty air filter. A clogged air filter will restrict airflow and cause your furnace to overwork itself, leading to all sorts of problems like strange smells or noises coming from your furnace. To avoid this, be sure to inspect your air filter every month and replace it as needed.
Tip #5: Check for Obstructions
Another reason your furnace may not be blowing hot air is obstructions in front or around it. So take a look and see if any boxes, furniture, or other objects block airflow to or around your furnace. If so, simply move them out of the way and see if that fixes the problem.
Tip #6: Listen for Strange Noises
If you start hearing strange noises from your furnace—such as banging, popping, rattling, or squealing—then that's an indication something's wrong. It could be something as minor as loose panels or worn-out belts or something more serious like a cracked heat exchanger. In either case, it's best to call a professional for help so they can diagnose and fix the problem before it gets worse.
Tip #7: Check for Gas Leaks
If you smell gas near your furnace—or anywhere else in your home—that's a definite sign that something's wrong, and you should leave your home immediately! Do not try to fix a gas leak yourself—call 911 and wait for emergency services to arrive before entering your home again. Once they've determined that it's safe to do so, they can assess the situation and make repairs as needed.
Following these seven tips should help you troubleshoot the most common furnace problems. However, if you're still having trouble with your furnace or think there may be a more serious issue, don't hesitate to call our team, Meyers Companies, Inc., for help at (219) 240-0610. We will be able to quickly diagnose and fix any problems so you can have peace of mind knowing that your furnace is in good working order.
