Furnace Repair Checklist
1. Examine the Thermostat
To start, make certain that your thermostat is telling your heater to turn on.
Digital Thermostat
- Swap out the batteries if the screen is blank. If the digital display is mixed up, the thermostat could need to be changed.
- Make sure the button is switched to “heat” as opposed to “off” or “cool.”
- Ensure the program is showing the appropriate day and time and is set to “run.” If you’re having problems overriding the program, set the temperature by utilizing the up/down arrows and holding the “hold” button. This will cause the furnace to ignite if thermostat is causing trouble.
- Increase the temperature setting to 5 degrees above the temperature of the room.
If your heat hasn’t kicked on within a couple minutes, make sure it has power by moving the fan switch from “auto” to “on.” If the fan doesn’t start, your heating system may not have power.
Smart Thermostat
If you utilize a smart thermostat—for example 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 support. If you aren’t able to get your Wi-Fi thermostat to work, call us at 614-879-9091 for heating and cooling service.
2. Inspect Breakers and Switches
Next, confirm your breaker and furnace switch are on.
- Locate your main electrical panel. If you aren’t sure where it is, look for a metallic metal box in your basement, garage or closet.
- Make sure your hands and feet aren’t wet prior to touching the panel or breakers.
- Find the breaker labeled “furnace” or “heat,” and make sure it’s turned “on.” If you discover a tripped breaker, it will be in the middle or “off” area.
- Moving one hand, quickly switch the breaker to the “on” position. If the breaker instantly trips and pops back to “off,” don't try to reset it and contact a team member from West Jefferson Plumbing and Heating, Inc. at 614-879-9091 immediately.
Regardless of your furnace’s age or brand, it has at least one ordinary wall switch set on or close to it.
- Make certain the control is flipped up in the “on” placement. If it was shut off, anticipate your furnace could take up to five minutes to ignite. (If you’re unaware of where to find your furnace, check your basement, garage or utility closet. It may also be in a crawl space or attic.)
3. Buy a New Air Filter
When we think about heating issues, a grungy, blocked air filter is frequently the top offender.
If your filter is too dirty:
- Your heating system won’t stay on, or it may get too warm from limited airflow.
- Your heating costs could increase because your heat is switching on more than it should.
- Your heat might fail sooner than it should since a dirty filter causes it to work harder.
- Your heating may lose power if an overly clogged filter causes the breaker to trip.
Based on what model of heater you use, your air filter can be found within the blower compartment of your furnace, an attached filter case or wall-mounted return air grille.
To replace your filter:
- Turn off your furnace.
- Take out the filter and hold it up to the light. If you can’t see light through it, replace it.
- Insert the new filter with the arrow facing toward the furnace to prevent damage.
Flat filters should be replaced once a month, while pleated filters should last about three months. If you have children or pets, you may have to replace your filter more often.
To make the process go more quickly in the future, draw with a permanent marker on your heating system housing or ductwork to show the airflow direction and filter size.
4. Inspect the Condensate Pan
Also known as drain pans, condensate pans hold water your furnace pulls from the air.
If liquid is seeping from within your heater or its pan is overflowing, follow these steps.
- If your pan includes a drain (look for a PVC pipe), make sure that it isn’t full. If it should be drained, use a special pan-cleaning tablet you can get at home improvement or hardware shops.
- If your pan contains a pump, take a look at the float switch. If the button can’t be moved from the “up” position with water in the pan, reach us at 614-879-9091, because you will probably have to buy a new pump.
5. Check for Heating Error Codes
If failures continue, peek at your heater’s plastic window to check the blower motor’s status. Dependent on the type, the light might also be attached on the surface of your heating system.
If you see anything else besides a steady, colored light or twinkling green light, reach us at 614-879-9091 for HVAC service. Your furnace might be giving an error code that requires specialized service.
6. Brush off the Flame Sensor
If your heating system attempts to work but shuts off without blowing warmth, a filthy flame sensor can be at fault. When this happens, your furnace will make an attempt to turn on three times before a safety device turns it off for around an hour.
If you feel okay with taking the panels off your heating system, gently scrubbing your flame sensor is work 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 are confident cleaning the sensor yourself, you require:
- A 1/4” hex screwdriver or wrench
- Bit of light grit sandpaper, steel wool or emery cloth
- A dry, clean paper towel
As the next step:
- Disable the heater’s power through its wall switch or breaker. If you don’t have an electric gas valve, you have to turn off the gas in addition.
- Take off the furnace’s front panel and follow the wire to the flame sensor.
- Take off the rod and use your sandpaper, steel wool or emery cloth to carefully scrub the metal rod.
- Wipe off the rod with a paper towel.
- Remount the sensor.
- Replace the furnace doors.
- Switch the furnace’s power back on. It could proceed through a sequence of inspections before proceeding with regular running. If your heater doesn’t ignite, the sensor may need to be replaced or something else could be causing a problem. If this takes place, get in touch with us at 614-879-9091 for heating and cooling repair help.
7. Reignite the Pilot Light
If you are using an aging heater, the pilot light could be turned off. To light it, look for the steps on a label on your heating system, or follow these steps.
- Locate the switch beneath your heating system that says “pilot,” “on” and “off.”
- Turn the switch to the “off” position.
- Wait at least five minutes to limit the possibility for creating a fire.
- Push the dial to “pilot.”
- Push the “reset” lever as you bring 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 followed the list twice and the pilot light still won’t light or remain burning, get in touch with us at 614-879-9091 for furnace service.
Double-Check Your Gas Source
Try turning on a second gas appliance. If it doesn’t work, your natural gas service may be turned off, or you could be out of propane.