Has your furnace quit working? These leading 5 heating system problems and their simple options might assist to get it working.
Having problem with your heating system? You're not alone. Thankfully, many problems have simple Do It Yourself repairs. The first action: Examine whether your A/C system has power. You don't desire heating and cooling companies to have a service tech come to your home just to turn a switch at the breaker box. If power isn't the issue, check other possible problems before calling for service.
# 1 PROBLEM: Thermostat isn't working.
LIKELY PERPETRATOR: If your heat isn't coming on at all, try altering the batteries in the thermostat, if it has batteries. While you're at it, offer the thermostat an excellent dusting inside with a little paintbrush.
You can also try to reboot it. With the thermostat set to Heat, turn the temperature down to about 60º. Then, turn the breaker switch off for 30 seconds and turn it back on Still nothing? Employ an expert.
# 2 PROBLEM: System not turning on.
LIKELY OFFENDER: Check the emergency shutoff switch for the furnace. It may be at the entryway to the heater closet, at the top of the basement stairs, or on the furnace. It may have a red switch plate. if somebody switched it off, the furnace won't work.
# 3 ISSUE: Unclean filter
LIKELY CULPRIT: Not swapping out an old filter can trigger a host of issues, not to mention increasing your energy bill. To ensure your furnace doesn't work overtime, alter your filter each to 2 months. Here's how: Turn off your heating system, discover the filter, get rid of the old one (and bear in mind of the size), replace it and turn the heater back on.
# 4 PROBLEM: Furnace isn't sparking
MOST LIKELY PERPETRATOR: Does your furnace click as though it's about to turn on, but then go silent and never ever begin? If you've inspected the power, checked the thermostat and altered the filter, the pilot light or the ignition sensor is likely the issue. To repair it, start by switching off the gas to your heating system. Then remove the front panel and find the igniter or ignition sensor, which is typically near the burners. Snap a picture of the sensor to remind you of how it's attached and then remove the ignition sensor. Rub it with steel wool to get rid of residue, bewaring to not harm it. Then put it back precisely as you discovered it and change the panel prior to turning the gas back on. If you have any hesitation about this job, play it safe and employ the pros.
# 5 PROBLEM: Heating system keeps tripping the breaker
LIKELY OFFENDER: If your heater keeps tripping the breaker or blowing the fuse when the heat begins, it's more than likely an electrical problem. To keep you and your household safe, call in the pros to diagnose the cause.
While numerous typical heater concerns can be repaired without employing the specialists, it is very important to have your furnace professionally serviced once a year, specifically if you're not comfy performing a few of the necessary maintenance tasks yourself.