Furnace Repair Checklist
1. Look at the Thermostat
To start, make certain that your thermostat is signaling your furnace to start.
Digital Thermostat
- Replace the batteries if the screen is empty. If the digital screen is scrambled, the thermostat could need to be swapped out.
- Make sure the control is set to “heat” instead of “off” or “cool.”
- Ensure the program is set to the correct day and time and is set to “run.” If you’re having a hard time overriding the setting, adjust the temperature by utilizing the up/down arrows and using the “hold” button. This will make the heat to turn on if thermostat programming is causing an issue.
- Turn the temperature setting to 5 degrees warmer than what the room temperature currently is.
If your heating hasn’t kicked on within several minutes, ensure it has electricity by toggling the fan switch from “auto” to “on.” If the fan doesn’t operate, your heating system may not have power.
Smart Thermostat
If you use a smart thermostat—like one made by Nest, Ecobee, Lux, Honeywell or Bosch—troubleshooting is very model-specific. Refer to the manufacturer’s website for help. If you still can’t get your Wi-Fi thermostat to function, reachl us at 715-301-0727 for heating and cooling service.
2. Examine Breakers and Switches
Next, you ought to verify your breaker and furnace switch are on.
- Find your house’s main electrical panel. If you don’t know where it is, search for a gray metal box in your basement, garage or closet.
- Ensure your hands and feet are dry in advance of using the panel or breakers.
- Locate the breaker titled “furnace” or “heat,” and ensure it’s moved to “on.” If the breaker has tripped, it will be in the middle or “off” spot.
- After ensuring the breaker has been switched to the OFF position, move one hand and steadily flip the breaker to the “on” position. If the breaker trips right away and pops back to “off,” leave it alone and contact an expert from Gilray Heating and Cooling at 715-301-0727 quickly.
Regardless of your furnace’s age or brand, it has at minimum one regular wall switch set on or by it.
- Make certain the control is moved up in the “on” position. If it was turned off, expect your furnace to take up to five minutes to start. (If you’re unsure where to locate your furnace, look in your basement, garage or utility closet. It could also be in a crawl space or attic.)
3. Replace the Air Filter
When we consider heater problems, a dirty, full air filter is frequently the top offender.
If your filter is too grungy:
- Your heating system won’t stay on, or it might get too warm from reduced airflow.
- Your gas expenses could increase because your heater is switching on more often.
- Your heating system might break down prematurely due to the fact a filthy filter causes it to work harder.
- Your furnace can be cut off from power if an extremely clogged filter results in a tripped breaker.
While it depends on what type of heater you own, your air filter will be within the blower compartment of your heating system, an attached filter case or wall-mounted return air grille.
To swap out your filter:
- Turn off your heating system.
- Remove the filter and angle it toward the light. If you can’t view light through it, replace it.
- Put in the new filter with the arrow facing toward the heater to avoid damage.
Flat filters ought to be replaced monthly, while pleated filters should work around three months. You can also get a washable filter that will work for about 10 years. If you have children or pets, you could have to change your filter sooner.
To make changing your filter go more quickly in the future, use a permanent writing tool on your heater outside or ductwork to show the airflow direction and filter size.
4. Look for Furnace Error Codes
If faults continue, peek within your heating system’s plastic window to check the blower motor’s status. Depending on the type, the light may also be mounted on the exterior of your heating system.
If you see anything else besides a steady, colored light or twinkling green light, call us at 715-301-0727 for HVAC service. Your furnace might be communicating an error code that requires pro assistance.
Double-Check Your Energy Delivery System
Try using an additional gas appliance. If it doesn’t operate, your natural gas delivery might be turned off, or you may have run out of propane.