Hey there, folks! Everyone has encountered this situation during which you are nicely tucked into a blanket with a cup of hot chocolate when your furnace decides it is time for a trip. Yes, it’s referring to those annoying periods of time when your faithful old heater just isn’t cooperating. Do not be afraid, rest assured that we are here.: This is an unofficial yet convincing blog post which will guide you on the steps you should take when your furnace fails. Well, as you know, no one likes to feel cold at home.
What to Do When Your Furnace Is Not Working?
1. It’s really easy, just check your thermostat!
Your furnace’s main control is at the thermostat. This one controls and signals your heating system to either run or stop. However, the first step to take when your furnace refuses to work is checking the thermostat. Does it have the right temperature and mode? At times, this can be as easy as an individual adjusting the setting unintentionally. Make sure that it’s set at your favored temperature, “heat” option only, no fan only mode! In case your thermostat doesn’t work or it has dead batteries, you can change the batteries or buy a new one.
2. Is the Power On?
This might sound strange, but I should say it at least – is there electricity in your furnace? Ensure that the light is not loose, that all fuses and tripped circuits are working properly in your electrical panel. In some cases, the solution can be as simple as switching on your furnace. Go ahead and reset that tripped breaker or that blown fuse, and see if your heater will go back on again.
3. Don’t Ignore the Filter
The air filter improves indoor air quality and protects your furnace. Your furnace may fail to function properly or overheat due to a clogged filter. You must also be sure that it is changed or rinsed frequently, at least once a month, if not more often, based on the filter you possess. Ensure your furnace is taking in breath by providing it a clean filter which in turn is going to ensure that you get uninterrupted heating.
4. Furnace Not Working? Time to Reset!
Resetting your furnace could also be an option here. W: Read through, your owner’s manual or at your home heating unit’s control panel. Hit it again, rebooting your machine. In some instances, safety mechanisms in furnaces can be tripped thereby denying the same a start. Resetting can clear these issues. However, note that resetting is just one step in the troubleshooting process, and once this doesn’t work, please don’t panic as this could indicate the need for a professional opinion.
5. Pilot Light Problems
The people having older furnaces using the pilot light should ensure that the pilot light is on. If it’s not, follow the instructions provided by the furnace manual to restart the pilot light. At times, these are all that is needed to restore a working furnace. Nonetheless, it would be better to call for an expert in heating technology to examine what might be wrong.
6. When is it time to call in the professionals?
However, if a furnace remains broken even after all these efforts, it’s advisable to call for help from professionals. Here are some signs that indicate it’s time to reach out to a professional:
- Loud or uncommon noises including banging, squealing, and popping suggest some problem with your furnace. The noises may mean a faulty blower motor, a sliding belt, and worn out bearings.
- Short cycling is an indication that your hot water heater or furnace is in need of repair service by a professional. It might also cause your furnace to short-cycle, which will reduce its lifespan.
- It could mean that your heating system is faulty if some parts of your house remain warm whereas other parts are very much chill. It may be the result of problems with the duct work, a failed zone control system, or simply a small furnace for the size of dwelling.
- The intervention of expert help is inevitable if you notice that your furnace is producing cold air or is unable to warm properly. This is attributed to problems with the gas supply, ignition system or heat exchange device.
- If you smell unusual smells from the furnace, it means that some dangerous problems are present in the system and must be fixed now. For example, the presence of a strong smell of gas can signal a potentially hazardous situation such as gas leakage that needs urgent action.
- It may also indicate that a furnace is having trouble when you see an unexpected rise in the amount you pay for utilities like your electricity bill. A furnace with low efficiency may use a lot of energy without sufficient heating. It is also a tool that one could use to appraise its efficacy by a professional.
- In the event that your carbon monoxide detector sounds or you have a suspicion of a natural gas leak, evacuate your house and call a contractor right away. A defective furnace may release carbon monoxide – a deadly gas which is colorless and odorless.
7. Keep Up with Regular Maintenance
Isn’t it better to prevent rather than cure? Scheduling regular heating system maintenance will prevent any more furnace not working nightmares in the future. It is unlikely that a functioning furnace would leave you out in the cold. Professional maintenance consists of vacuuming, checking, and tune ups for your furnace. It saves your machine downtime and improves performance along with the system’s longevity. Considering it doesn’t cost much compared to what it saves in the long run.
8. If time, buy A new furnace.
In case your furnace has been good in the past but is always malfunctioning; it’s high time that you upgraded it. Older furnaces tend to be less efficient and suffer frequent problems. In addition, current energy-efficient furnaces are cost effective because they consume little energy that amounts to a lot of heat. Additionally, most are fitted with high-end additions like thermostats as well as zoned heating that increases your general comfort levels.
Finally, your furnace not functioning can really be a hassle. However, do not despair, there is a whole range of magic up your sleeve to bring the warmth in your life back! However, do not forget to begin with basic troubleshooting steps such as ensuring that the thermostat is set correctly and that the power is turned on and then move upward. In case all that has been discussed fails, there are advisers available to render assistance.
Therefore, repair that furnace, and again let coziness re-enter your house. Do not let yourself spend any winter day with a ruined furnace.
