Troubleshooting your furnace is important to get prepared for the cooler weather. While we don’t get snow, we do see a drop in temperature that will cause our furnaces to kick on. As long as your furnace is functioning properly, you’ll stay comfortable in your home all winter. However, if it’s malfunctioning, like blowing cold air or simply not working at all, you may be facing some chilly days ahead. Fortunately, we asked our HVAC experts what you can do to troubleshoot your broken furnace, and when you should call a technician. Read their tips below.
#1: Double-Check Your Thermostat
Sometimes troubleshooting your furnace is as simple as double-checking the obvious. Make sure the settings are set to “heat” and that the temperature is set where you want it. In some cases, someone may have accidentally turned it off or programmed it improperly, causing you to think your furnace is broken when it isn’t. If everything appears to be set up properly, try turning up the temperature by a few degrees, to see if that helps.
If your thermostat is broken, or you’re looking to upgrade to a smart, programmable thermostat, our team can help. We offer a variety of programmable thermostats by Trane, like the COMFORTLINK™ II XL1050. Our experts can help you select the thermostat that will work best for your home comfort needs.
#2: Replace Old Thermostat Batteries
A common solution to a broken furnace system is simply replacing old batteries. Your thermostat cannot communicate with your heating system if its batteries are dead. If you have a battery-powered thermostat, try replacing the old batteries with fresh ones, and see if that solves the problem.
#3: Replace Your Furnace Filter
Dirty air filters contribute to poor air quality but did you know, they can also cause your furnace to shut off completely? Newer models come with technology that allows them to shut themselves off to avoid overheating, which can happen if they’re filtering dirty air. Replace your furnace filter and see if your heating situation improves.
#4: Check Your Fuse Box
In some cases, you may have just blown a fuse. Locate your fuse box and make sure the switch marked “furnace” is flipped on. If it’s not marked, but you see a switch that’s flipped opposite of all the other ones, turn it back on.
#5: Look At The Fuel Source
This scenario is less common, but it is possible that the fuel valve may have been turned off. If you look to check, be sure to exercise caution as propane or gas is involved. If you smell gas, call an HVAC expert immediately as leaks can be very dangerous.
When To Call a Professional
If you’ve tried all the steps listed above and are still experiencing issues, it may be time to contact an HVAC professional for furnace repair. If you have any of the following problems, get in touch with someone who can help:
- Noisy Furnace
- Faulty Pilot Light or Furnace Flame
- Incorrectly Installed Furnace
- Gas Line Issue
If you need furnace repair or need a new system, our experienced team of HVAC technicians can help you choose the one that’s best suited for your home. With our variety of Trane products, like the ultra-quiet S9V2-VS or the highly-efficient XC95m, you can feel confident that your home will be comfortable again in no time.
Contact Our Skilled HVAC Technicians Today
For more information about furnace repair and our furnace selection, or to schedule an appointment for repair or maintenance, contact us today at (409) 962-2476, or visit us at airsolutionstx.com/contact.