Furnace Repair Checklist
1. Inspect the Thermostat
To begin, make sure your thermostat is signaling your heat to ignite.
Digital Thermostat
- Replace the batteries if the screen is not displaying anything. If the digital screen is mixed up, the thermostat might need to be changed.
- Make certain that the control is switched to “heat” as opposed to “off” or “cool.”
- Make sure the program is set to the right day and time and is programmed to “run.” If you’re having a hard time getting out of the setting, regulate the temperature with the up/down arrows and using the “hold” button. This will cause the furnace to turn on if thermostat is causing a problem.
- Turn the temperature setting to 5 degrees hotter than what the room temperature currently is.
If your heating hasn’t kicked on within a couple minutes, make sure it has juice by toggling the fan switch from “auto” to “on.” If the fan doesn’t start, your furnace could be without power.
Smart Thermostat
If you use a smart thermostat—for example one made by Nest, Ecobee, Lux, Honeywell or Bosch—troubleshooting is very model-specific. Take a look at the manufacturer’s website for support. If you’re still unable to get your Wi-Fi thermostat to work, reach us at 979-335-4262 for heating and cooling service.
2. Examine Breakers and Switches
Next, check if your breaker and furnace switch are on.
- Find your main electrical panel. If you don’t know where it is, keep an eye out for a gray metal box in your basement, garage or closet.
- Ensure your hands and feet aren’t moist before opening the panel or breakers.
- Locate the breaker marked “furnace” or “heat,” and ensure it’s switched “on.” If you find that the breaker tripped, it will be in the middle or “off” spot.
- Using one hand, quickly flip the breaker to the “on” position. If the breaker instantly trips and pops back to “off,” don't try to reset it and call a professional from E.B. Air, LLC at 979-335-4262 quickly.
Regardless of your furnace’s age or brand, it has no less than one regular wall switch installed on or by it.
- Ensure the switch is facing up in the “on” position. If it was switched off, anticipate your furnace could take up to five minutes to turn on. (If you’re unaware of where your furnace is located, 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 think about furnace problems, a filthy, clogged air filter is regularly to blame.
If your filter is too dirty:
- Your heater won’t keep heating your home, or it might get too warm from reduced airflow.
- Your gas bills could increase because your heat is switching on more than it should.
- Your furnace may fail too soon because a filthy filter triggers it to overwork.
- Your heating system might be disconnected from power if an extremely dirty filter causes the breaker to trip.
While it depends on what model of heating system you have, your air filter can be found inside the blower compartment of your heating system, an attached filter case or wall-mounted return air grille.
To put in a new filter:
- Turn off your heating system.
- Take out the filter and hold it up to the light. If you can’t view light through it, use a new one.
- Put in the new filter with the arrow motioning toward the furnace to prevent damage.
Flat filters need to be replaced monthly, while pleated filters should last about three months. If you have children or pets, you might have to change your filter more frequently.
To make the procedure go more quickly in the future, use a permanent marker on your heating system outside or ductwork to indicate the airflow direction and filter size.
4. Examine the Condensate Pan
Also known as drain pans, condensate pans catch moisture your heating system pulls from the air.
If moisture is leaking out of your furnace or its pan has too much water in it, follow these guidelines.
- If your pan has a drain (look for a PVC pipe), check that it’s clear. If it needs to be drained, use a special pan-cleaning tablet you can purchase at home improvement or hardware shops.
- If your pan uses a pump, take a look at the float switch. If the switch is jammed “up” with water in the pan, reach us at 979-335-4262, because you will probably need a new pump.
5. Look for Heater Error Codes
If malfunctions persist, peek within your heating system’s plastic window to verify the blower motor’s status. Dependent on the model, the light could also be fixed on the outside of your heating system.
If you note anything else besides a steady, colored light or flickering green light, reach us at 979-335-4262 for HVAC service. Your heating system might be giving an error code that is calling for professional service.
6. Clean the Flame Sensor
If your heating system makes an effort to start but switches off without putting out warmth, a grimy flame sensor might be to blame. When this occurs, your heating system will attempt to start three times before a safety device shuts it down for approximately an hour.
If you feel confident with removing the panels from your heater, cleaning your flame sensor is a job you can do on your own. Or, one of our heating service experts can do it for you.
If you are fine with cleaning the sensor yourself, you require:
- A 1/4” hex screwdriver or wrench
- Portion of light grit sandpaper, steel wool or emery cloth
- A dry, clean paper towel
Next:
- Disable the heating system’s power with its wall switch or breaker. If your furnace’s gas valve isn’t electric, you have to turn off the gas along with it.
- Lift off the heating system’s front panel and trace the wire to the flame sensor.
- Take off the rod and use your sandpaper, steel wool or emery cloth to gently scrub the metal rod.
- Clear the rod with a paper towel.
- Screw the sensor back in.
- Secure the furnace doors.
- Switch the furnace’s power back on. It might proceed through a set of checks before proceeding with regular heating. If your furnace doesn’t turn on, the sensor may require replacement or something else might be wrong. If this takes place, call us at 979-335-4262 for heating and cooling repair support.
7. Light the Pilot Light
If you own an aging heating system, the pilot light could be out. To light it, find the guide on a sticker on your heating system, or follow these steps.
- Look for the toggle beneath your heater marked “pilot,” “on” and “off.”
- Push the switch to the “off” position.
- Don’t do anything for at least five minutes to prevent sparking a fire.
- Move the dial to “pilot.”
- Push the “reset” lever as you bring the flame of a long lighter to the pilot light opening.
- Depress the “reset” lever once the pilot light is burning.
If you have tried the list twice and the pilot light still won’t light or keep ignited, call us at 979-335-4262 for furnace service.
Double-Check Your Gas Delivery System
Try using an additional gas appliance. If it doesn’t work, your natural gas source might be turned off, or you may have run out of propane.