Furnace Repair Checklist
1. Look at the Thermostat
To start, make sure your thermostat is instructing your heater to turn on.
Digital Thermostat
- Change the batteries if the screen is blank. If the digital monitor is messed up, the thermostat might need to be replaced.
- Make sure the button is switched to “heat” rather than “off” or “cool.”
- Make sure the program is set to the correct day and time and is set to “run.” If you’re having a hard time turning off the setting, set the temperature with the up/down arrows and pressing the “hold” button. This will cause the furnace to turn on if thermostat is causing an issue.
- Set the temperature setting to 5 degrees above the room temperature.
If your furnace hasn’t turned on within a couple minutes, ensure it has juice by switching the fan switch from “auto” to “on.” If the fan doesn’t start, your heater could be without power.
Smart Thermostat
If you use a smart thermostat—such as one designed by Nest, Ecobee, Lux, Honeywell or Bosch—troubleshooting will be determined by the model you have. Refer to the manufacturer’s website for assistance. If you aren’t able to get your Wi-Fi thermostat to work, contact us at 918-682-8238 for heating and cooling service.
2. Examine Breakers and Switches
Next, verify your breaker and furnace switch are on.
- Locate your main electrical panel. If you have no idea where it is, search for a gray metal box in your basement, garage or closet.
- Make certain that your hands and feet aren’t wet prior to using the panel or breakers.
- Look for the breaker labeled “furnace” or “heat,” and make sure it’s moved to “on.” If the breaker has tripped, it will be in the middle or “off” position.
- Using one hand, firmly flip the breaker to the “on” position. If the breaker immediately trips and pops back to “off,” don't try to reset it and get in touch with a professional from Hix Air Conditioning Service, Inc. at 918-682-8238 immediately.
No matter your furnace’s age or brand, it has no less than one ordinary wall switch installed on or close to it.
- Ensure the lever is facing up in the “on” position. If it was switched off, expect your furnace to take up to five minutes to start. (If you don’t know where your furnace is located, look in your basement, garage or utility closet. It may also be in a crawl space or attic.)
3. Put in a New Air Filter
When it comes to furnace problems, a filthy, blocked air filter is regularly to blame.
If your filter is too grungy:
- Your heater won’t be able to stay on, or it might get too warm from reduced airflow.
- Your energy bills might increase because your heat is working more than it should.
- Your furnace may fail too soon due to the fact a filthy filter triggers it to overwork.
- Your heater may be disconnected from power if an extremely clogged filter results in a tripped breaker.
Based on what type of furnace you own, your air filter is located within the blower compartment of your furnace, an attached filter case or wall-mounted return air grille.
To swap out your filter:
- Cut the power to your furnace.
- Remove the filter and angle it toward the light. If you can’t see light through it, get a new one.
- Install the new filter with the arrow pointing toward the heater to keep damage from happening.
Flat filters need to be replaced monthly, while pleated filters should last about three months. If you have children or pets, you could have to change your filter more frequently.
To make the process easier in the future, write with a permanent writing tool on your heating system outside or ductwork to show the airflow direction and filter size.
4. Look at the Condensate Pan
Commonly known as drain pans, condensate pans catch liquid your furnace draws from the air.
If liquid is dripping out of your heater or its pan has standing water in it, follow these steps.
- If your pan has a drain (look for a PVC pipe), check that it isn’t clogged. If it needs to be drained, get a special pan-cleaning tablet you can buy at home improvement or hardware retailers.
- If your pan uses a pump, inspect the float switch. If the lever can’t be moved from the “up” position with liquid in the pan, contact us at 918-682-8238, because you will probably need a new pump.
5. Look for Heating Error Codes
If faults keep on happening, take a look within your heater’s plastic window to confirm the blower motor’s status. Dependent on the type, the light could also be attached on the outside of your heating system.
If you see anything other than a steady, colored light or blinking green light, contact us at 918-682-8238 for HVAC service. Your furnace might be giving an error code that requires expert help.
6. Clean the Flame Sensor
If your heater attempts to start but switches off without distributing warm air, a dusty flame sensor could be responsible. When this happens, your heating system will try to turn on three times before a safety feature powers it down for about an hour.
If you feel comfortable with taking the panels off your heating system, gently scrubbing your flame sensor is something you are able to do on your own. Or, one of our heating service specialists has the ability to finish it for you.
If you want to clean 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
Then:
- Disable the furnace’s power through its wall switch or breaker. If your furnace’s gas valve isn’t electric, you will need to turn off the gas in addition.
- Take off the heating system’s front panel and track the wire to the flame sensor.
- Take off the rod and use your sandpaper, steel wool or emery cloth to lightly clean the metal rod.
- Clear the rod with a paper towel.
- Screw the sensor back in.
- Replace the furnace doors.
- Turn the furnace’s power back on. It may run through a set of checks before resuming usual operation. If your furnace doesn’t turn on, the sensor may need to be replaced or something else might be causing a problem. If this takes place, get in touch with us at 918-682-8238 for heating and cooling repair support.
7. Relight the Pilot Light
If you own an aging heater, the pilot light could be extinguished. To relight it, look for the directions on a sticker on your furnace, or try these steps.
- Look for the toggle on the bottom of your heater that says “pilot,” “on” and “off.”
- Push the switch to the “off” position.
- Don’t do anything for at least five minutes to prevent starting a fire.
- Move the dial to “pilot.”
- Press the “reset” switch 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 lit.
If you have used the instructions twice and the pilot light still won’t ignite or remain ignited, contact us at 918-682-8238 for furnace service.
Examine Your Energy Supply
Try turning on another gas appliance. If it doesn’t operate, your natural gas service might be turned off, or you might have run out of propane.