With colder temperatures hitting our homes, the need for a well-functioning furnace becomes more important than ever. The last thing anyone wants is a furnace breakdown during a cold winter night. Furnaces need proper maintenance and attention to ensure their longevity and prevent surprising breakdowns. However, even with proper care, a furnace may unexpectedly stop working. In such a situation, having knowledge about troubleshooting tips can help get the furnace back in working condition. In this blog post, we’ll share our top troubleshooting tips for what to do if your furnace stops working.
Clean and Check Air Filters
The most common culprit for a malfunctioning furnace is a dirty air filter. A dirty air filter restricts the airflow, which ultimately affects the furnace’s heating process. Therefore, the first thing you should do if your furnace stops working is to clean or replace the air filter. It’s recommended to clean or replace the filter every three months, but if you have pets or allergies, it should be done more frequently.
Check Thermostat Settings
Sometimes the furnace may stop working because the thermostat settings are incorrect. Check the thermostat and make sure it’s switched on, the temperature is set appropriately, and it’s in “heat” mode. If the thermostat’s batteries are low, replace them, and see if the furnace starts working.
Inspect the Circuit Breaker
If the thermostat settings are correct, and the air filter is clean, check the circuit breaker. Check if the furnace’s circuit breaker is tripped or not. If it is, flip the circuit breaker back on. If it trips again, there may be an electrical issue that requires professional assistance.
Look for Obstructions
Sometimes there may be a physical obstruction that’s preventing the furnace from working correctly. Examine the furnace, and ensure that there isn’t anything blocking the furnace’s vent or intake pipe. Regularly cleaning dust and debris around the furnace can help reduce the chances of blockages.
Schedule a Professional Inspection
If you have exhausted all the above troubleshooting tips, it’s time to call in a professional. Scheduling professional help can identify and fix the issue early and prevent any significant breakdowns from happening later. A furnace repair professional can identify problems with your furnace that you may not be able to diagnose yourself. Don’t ignore an issue with the furnace; ignoring it may lead to more significant problems.
A well-functioning furnace is essential for your home’s safety and comfort, especially during winter. It’s crucial to maintain and service your furnace regularly to prevent sudden breakdowns. In case you encounter problems with your furnace, cleaning or replacing the air filter, checking the thermostat settings, examining the circuit breaker, and looking for obstructions can help troubleshoot the issues. However, if these methods do not work, do not hesitate to call a furnace repair professional. With proper care and maintenance, your furnace can keep your home warm and your family safe this winter season. Reach out to Steve Patrick Air, serving Fresno and Clovis, CA, for your furnace repair needs. Call us at 559-224-1729.
