The thought of your furnace breaking down in the dead of winter is enough to send a shiver up your spine. No heat, no hot water, and no way to cook – it’s a nightmare scenario. And yet, furnaces do break down from time to time. If you find yourself in this situation, don’t panic. There are steps you can take to get your furnace up and running again.
- Check the thermostat:
The first thing you should do when your furnace breaks down is check the thermostat. Make sure it’s turned on and set to “heat.” If it is, then the problem may be with the furnace itself and not the thermostat. If the thermostat’s screen is blank, try changing the batteries. If that doesn’t work, you may need to replace it altogether. Call your emergency heating services for help.
- Check the fuse box:
If you suspect that your furnace may have a power issue, check your fuse box to see if any fuses are blown or tripped. If the fuses are good and intact, try resetting them. There may be an issue with your electrical wiring as well. Call a professional heating services contractor to inspect your system and fix any underlying problems.
- Check the air filter:
Next, check the air filter to make sure it isn’t clogged up or dirty. It could be restricting airflow, which would cause your furnace to break down prematurely. Make sure you replace it regularly so that this doesn’t become a recurring problem.
- Take a trip to the basement and check out the furnace room:
Once you’ve ruled out any easy fixes, it’s time to take a trip to the basement (or wherever your furnace is located). Inspect the following in your furnace room:
- Outdoor vents: Ensure that no leaves or other debris are clogging your outdoor vents.
- Fire extinguisher: Is your fire extinguisher up to date and ready to use?
- Pilot light: Is the pilot light lit? If not, you may need to relight it. Follow the instructions in your furnace’s manual for how to do this.
- Air filter: Again, check the air filter and replace it if necessary.
- Blower motor: Check to see if the blower motor is running. If not, try resetting the circuit breaker. If that doesn’t work, you may need to replace the motor.
- Call a professional:
If you’ve checked all of the above and your furnace is still not working, then it’s time to call in a professional. Your best bet is to find an emergency furnace repair service that can come out and take a look at your system. They’ll be able to determine what the problem is and fix it quickly so that you can get back to enjoying a warm home again.
Common Furnace Issues and Causes
Your furnace is a key part of your home’s heating system. Not only does it keep you warm during the cold winter months, but it can also help to reduce humidity and improve air quality. That’s why it’s important to stay on top of any potential problems with your furnace and know how to fix them when they do occur. Let us discuss some of the most common furnace issues and causes of repair.
- My furnace isn’t working.
If your furnace isn’t working at all, the first thing you should do is check the power supply. Make sure that the furnace is plugged in and that the breaker hasn’t been tripped. If everything looks fine there, you may need to replace the furnace’s thermostat or contact a professional to help troubleshoot the problem.
- My furnace is making strange noises.
If your furnace is making strange noises, there could be several different causes. It may be that you need to replace the blower or the belt that attaches it to the motor. In some cases, an obstruction or clog in the air vent may be creating a whistling or clanking sound. Whatever the cause, you should contact a professional to help determine what’s causing the problem and how it can be fixed.
- My furnace has reduced airflow.
If your furnace is having difficulty providing adequate heating, it could be due to a variety of issues. It may be the case that there is a blockage or obstruction in the air vent, which can reduce airflow and lower your furnace’s efficiency. A dirty filter can also cause a drop in airflow, so make sure to check yours regularly and replace it when necessary.
- My furnace has high energy costs.
If your furnace is costing more to operate than it used to, there could be a few different explanations. One possibility is that your furnace’s combustion chamber or heat exchanger is cracked, which can cause heat to escape and drive-up energy costs. Another potential issue could be a problem with the blower motor or fan, which can increase wear on the motor and lead to higher electricity usage. In addition to these possible causes, you may also want to check for any air leaks in your home that could be reducing your furnace’s efficiency.
If you are experiencing any of these common furnace issues, it’s important to contact a professional right away to prevent further damage and ensure that your furnace is working properly.
Crossway Mechanical is a leading provider of furnace repair and maintenance services in Tomball, TX, and surrounding areas. Our team of experienced and certified technicians is available 24/7 to help you with any furnace problems you may be having. Contact us today at 832-250-6191 to book an appointment!
