Furnace Repair Checklist
1. Check the Thermostat
First, ensure your thermostat is instructing your heat to start.
Digital Thermostat
- Swap out the batteries if the screen is not displaying anything. If the digital screen is jumbled, the thermostat could need to be changed.
- Make certain that the button is set to “heat” instead of “off” or “cool.”
- Make certain the program is showing the correct day and time and is programmed to “run.” If you’re having problems getting out of the setting, adjust the temperature by utilizing the up/down arrows and pressing the “hold” button. This will cause the furnace to start if thermostat is causing a problem.
- Increase the temperature setting to 5 degrees above the temperature of the room.
If your furnace hasn’t turned on within several minutes, make certain that it has electricity by changing the fan switch from “auto” to “on.” If the fan doesn’t begin to run, your heating system could be without power.
Smart Thermostat
If you have a smart thermostat—for example one manufactured by Nest, Ecobee, Lux, Honeywell or Bosch—troubleshooting will depend on your model. Check the manufacturer’s website for support. If you still can’t get your Wi-Fi thermostat to operate, call us at 336-853-6070 for heating and cooling service.
2. Inspect Breakers and Switches
Next, confirm your breaker and furnace switch are on.
- Find your main electrical panel. If you aren’t sure where it is, search for a metallic metal box in your basement, garage or closet.
- Ensure your hands and feet aren’t wet prior to opening the panel or breakers.
- Locate the breaker labeled “furnace” or “heat,” and double-check it’s turned “on.” If you find that the breaker tripped, it will be in the middle or “off” area.
- Using one hand, steadily 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 James Heating & A/C, Inc at 336-853-6070 quickly.
It doesn’t matter how old your furnace is or what brand it is, it has at least one regular wall switch set on or close to it.
- Make certain the switch is flipped up in the “on” position. If it was turned off, it could take your furnace up to five minutes to start. (If you don’t know where to locate your furnace, look in your basement, garage or utility closet. It could also be in a crawl space or attic.)
3. Buy a New Air Filter
When it comes to furnace issues, a grungy, clogged air filter is regularly the top culprit.
If your filter is too dusty:
- Your furnace won’t keep heating your home, or it could get too hot from limited airflow.
- Your energy expenses might increase because your heater is operating more often.
- Your heating system might fail prematurely since a filthy filter forces it to work overtime.
- Your furnace can be disconnected from power if an extremely filthy filter is the cause of a tripped breaker.
While it depends on what model of furnace you use, your air filter can be found in the interior of the blower compartment of your heating system, an attached filter case or wall-mounted return air grille.
To swap out your filter:
- Switch off your heater.
- Remove the filter and tilt it toward the light. If you can’t view light through it, replace it.
- Put in the new filter with the arrow motioning toward the heater to prevent damage.
Flat filters ought to 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 sooner.
To make the procedure smoother down the road, use a permanent pen on your heating system housing or ductwork to indicate the airflow direction and filter size.
4. Look at the Condensate Pan
Also known as drain pans, condensate pans capture moisture your furnace removes from the air.
If liquid is dripping from your furnace or its pan is overflowing, try these steps.
- If your pan contains a drain (look for a PVC pipe), make sure that it isn’t clogged. If it requires draining, 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 switch is stuck “up” with water in the pan, call us at 336-853-6070, because you will possibly have to buy a new pump.
5. Check for Heater Error Codes
If failures continue, take a look inside your heater’s plastic window to confirm the blower motor’s status. Depending on the brand, the light might also be fixed on the surface of your heater.
If you notice anything else besides a solid, colored light or flickering green light, call us at 336-853-6070 for HVAC service. Your furnace may be emitting an error code that is calling for pro service.
6. Scrub the Flame Sensor
If your heater tries to operate but turns off without distributing heated air, a grimy flame sensor could be at fault. When this happens, your heating system will try to ignite three times before a safety mechanism powers it down for around an hour.
If you feel okay with opening up your heating system, gently scrubbing your flame sensor is a task you are able to do on your own. Or, one of our heating service experts can finish it for you.
If you are confident cleaning the sensor personally, you require:
- A 1/4” hex screwdriver or wrench
- Portion of light grit sandpaper, steel wool or emery cloth
- A dry, clean paper towel
As the next step:
- Shut off the heating system’s power with its wall switch or breaker. If your gas valve isn’t electric, you will need to shut off the gas in addition.
- Remove the heating system’s front panel and trace the wire to the flame sensor.
- Unscrew 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.
- Secure the furnace doors.
- Turn the furnace’s power back on. It might proceed through a series of inspections before proceeding with usual operation. If your furnace doesn’t ignite, the sensor may require replacement or something else might be creating an issue. If this takes place, call us at 336-853-6070 for heating and cooling repair assistance.
7. Light the Pilot Light
If you own an outdated heating system, the pilot light could be out. To relight it, find the steps on a sheet on your furnace, or follow these recommendations.
- Look for the switch on the bottom of your heater labeled “pilot,” “on” and “off.”
- Turn the switch to the “off” position.
- Don’t do anything for at least five minutes to prevent creating a fire.
- Move the switch to “pilot.”
- Hold down the “reset” switch as you move the flame of a long lighter to the pilot light opening.
- Release the “reset” lever once the pilot light is ignited.
If you have used the guide twice and the pilot light still won’t light or keep burning, contact us at 336-853-6070 for furnace service.
Double-Check Your Fuel Supply
Try switching on a second gas appliance. If it doesn’t function, your natural gas delivery might be switched off, or you may have run out of propane.