Furnace Repair Checklist
1. Inspect the Thermostat
First, make certain that your thermostat is instructing your heat to start.
Digital Thermostat
- Replace the batteries if the display is not displaying anything. If the digital monitor is jumbled, the thermostat might need to be changed.
- Ensure the switch is set to “heat” instead of “off” or “cool.”
- Make certain the program is set to the right day and time and is programmed to “run.” If you’re having problems overriding the schedule, adjust the temperature by using the up/down arrows and using the “hold” button. This will cause the furnace to ignite if thermostat is causing trouble.
- Increase the temperature setting to 5 degrees hotter than what the room temperature currently is.
If your furnace hasn’t turned on within several minutes, make certain that it has electricity by moving the fan switch from “auto” to “on.” If the fan doesn’t operate, your heater may not have power.
Smart Thermostat
If you use a smart thermostat—like one made by Nest, Ecobee, Lux, Honeywell or Bosch—troubleshooting will be determined by the model you have. Refer to the manufacturer’s website for help. If you aren’t able to get your Wi-Fi thermostat to function, reach us at 308-321-4703 for heating and cooling service.
2. Inspect Breakers and Switches
Next, verify your breaker and furnace switch are on.
- Look for your main electrical panel. If you don’t know where it is, look for a gray metal box in your basement, garage or closet.
- Ensure your hands and feet aren’t moist prior to using the panel or breakers.
- Locate the breaker titled “furnace” or “heat,” and ensure it’s reading “on.” If you find that the breaker tripped, it will be in the middle or “off” area.
- Moving one hand, quickly flip 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 Jack's Heating, Cooling, Stoves & Fireplaces at 308-321-4703 quickly.
It doesn’t matter how old your furnace is or what brand it is, it has at least one regular wall switch installed on or close to it.
- Make sure the switch is moved up in the “on” position. If it was switched off, it could take your furnace up to five minutes to turn on. (If you don’t know where to locate 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 it comes to furnace issues, a dirty, clogged air filter is regularly to blame.
If your filter is too dirty:
- Your furnace won’t stay on, or it may overheat from reduced airflow.
- Your utility costs could be higher because your heat is running more often.
- Your heat might break down sooner than it should due to the fact a filthy filter triggers it to work overtime.
- Your heating system may be cut off from power if an extremely dirty filter results in a tripped breaker.
Based on what make of furnace you own, your air filter can be found inside the blower compartment of your heater, an attached filter case or wall-mounted return air grille.
To replace your filter:
- Switch off your heating system.
- Pull out the filter and hold it up to the light. If you can’t view light through it, replace it.
- Insert the new filter with the arrow facing toward the heater to avoid damage.
Flat filters should be replaced monthly, while pleated filters should last about three months. If you have children or pets, you might have to replace your filter more frequently.
To make the procedure easier in the future, write with a permanent writing tool on your heater outside or ductwork to list the airflow direction and filter size.
4. Check the Condensate Pan
Commonly known as drain pans, condensate pans hold water your heater pulls from the air.
If water is leaking from within your heating system or its pan has standing water in it, try these steps.
- If your pan contains a drain (look for a PVC pipe), double-check that it’s clear. If it requires draining, drop in a special pan-cleaning tablet you can get at home improvement or hardware stores.
- If your pan has a pump, take a look at the float switch. If the button is stuck “up” with liquid in the pan, call us at 308-321-4703, because you will probably have to get a new pump.
5. Check for Heating Error Codes
If failures continue, peek inside your furnace’s plastic window to verify the blower motor’s status. Dependent on the model, the light could also be mounted on the surface of your furnace.
If you note anything other than a solid, colored light or blinking green light, call us at 308-321-4703 for HVAC service. Your heating system may be giving an error code that needs specialized help.
6. Brush off the Flame Sensor
If your heating system tries to work but turns off without putting out warmth, a filthy flame sensor can be at fault. When this takes place, your heating system will make an attempt to ignite three times before a safety feature turns it off for around an hour.
If you feel okay with removing the panels from your heater, cleaning your flame sensor is a job you have the ability to do on your own. Or, one of our heating service experts has the ability to do it for you.
If you are fine with cleaning the sensor personally, you should have:
- A 1/4” hex screwdriver or wrench
- Piece of light grit sandpaper, steel wool or emery cloth
- A dry, clean paper towel
Then:
- Disable the heating system’s power by using its wall switch or breaker. If your gas valve isn’t electric, you have to shut off the gas along with it.
- 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.
- Put the sensor back in.
- Secure the furnace doors.
- Switch the furnace’s power back on. It might go through a set of tests before resuming normal heating. If your heating system doesn’t turn on, the sensor might need to be replaced or something else may be wrong. If this occurs, call us at 308-321-4703 for heating and cooling repair assistance.
7. Light the Pilot Light
If you own an outdated heater, the pilot light could be extinguished. To reignite it, look for the instructions on a label on your heater, or try these steps.
- Locate the lever below your heater that says “pilot,” “on” and “off.”
- Move the switch to the “off” position.
- Wait at least five minutes to prevent sparking a fire.
- Turn the dial to “pilot.”
- Hold down the “reset” button as you bring the flame of a long lighter to the pilot light opening.
- Depress the “reset” lever once the pilot light is lit.
If you have tried the list twice and the pilot light still won’t light or stay burning, contact us at 308-321-4703 for furnace service.
Inspect Your Energy Delivery System
Try turning on an additional gas appliance. If it doesn’t work, your natural gas source may be turned off, or you may have run out of propane.