Furnace Repair Checklist
1. Look at the Thermostat
To start, make sure your thermostat is instructing your heater to turn on.
Digital Thermostat
- Swap out the batteries if the screen is not displaying anything. If the digital monitor is jumbled, the thermostat may need to be swapped out.
- Make sure the switch is switched to “heat” instead of “off” or “cool.”
- Ensure the program is set to the appropriate day and time and is set to “run.” If you’re having a hard time getting out of the program, set the temperature by using the up/down arrows and holding the “hold” button. This will cause the furnace to ignite if thermostat is causing an issue.
- Increase the temperature setting to 5 degrees warmer than the temperature of the room.
If your heater hasn’t kicked on within several minutes, make sure it has electricity by changing the fan switch from “auto” to “on.” If the fan doesn’t start, your furnace could be without power.
Smart Thermostat
If you use a smart thermostat—for example one manufactured by Nest, Ecobee, Lux, Honeywell or Bosch—troubleshooting will depend on your model. Refer to the manufacturer’s website for support. If you aren’t able to get your Wi-Fi thermostat to operate, call us at 602-832-7808 for heating and cooling service.
2. Examine Breakers and Switches
Next, verify your breaker and furnace switch are on.
- Locate your main electrical panel. If you have no idea where it is, keep an eye out for a metallic metal box in your basement, garage or closet.
- Make sure your hands and feet are dry before using the panel or breakers.
- Look for the breaker titled “furnace” or “heat,” and double-check it’s reading “on.” If the breaker has tripped, it will be in the middle or “off” position.
- With one hand, quickly turn the breaker to the “on” position. If the breaker trips right away and pops back to “off,” don't try to reset it and get in touch with a professional from Dial One Mears Air Conditioning & Heating Inc at 602-832-7808 quickly.
Regardless of your furnace’s age or brand, it has at least one ordinary wall switch located on or by it.
- Make certain the switch is flipped up in the “on” position. If it was turned off, anticipate your furnace could take up to five minutes to turn on. (If you’re unsure where to find your furnace, check your basement, garage or utility closet. It could also be in a crawl space or attic.)
3. Put in a New Air Filter
When we think about furnace problems, a grungy, full air filter is frequently to blame.
If your filter is too grungy:
- Your heating system won’t keep heating your home, or it may overheat from reduced airflow.
- Your utility expenses could be higher because your furnace is turning on more than it should.
- Your heat might fail too soon due to the fact a filthy filter forces it to work harder.
- Your heating may lose power if an excessively dirty filter results in a tripped breaker.
Depending on what type of furnace you own, 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:
- Cut the power to your heating system.
- Remove the filter and tilt it toward the light. If you can’t notice light through it, replace it.
- Install the new filter with the arrow facing toward the heating system to avoid damage.
Flat filters ought to 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 changing your filter smoother down the road, draw with a permanent marker on your heating system exterior or ductwork to list the airflow direction and filter size.
4. Look at the Condensate Pan
Otherwise known as drain pans, condensate pans catch moisture your furnace pulls from the air.
If water is leaking from your heater or its pan is overflowing, follow these recommendations.
- If your pan includes a drain (look for a PVC pipe), double-check that it’s clear. If it should be drained, get a special pan-cleaning tablet you can get at home improvement or hardware shops.
- If your pan has a pump, take a look at the float switch. If the button is jammed “up” with standing water in the pan, contact us at 602-832-7808, because you will probably have to install a new pump.
5. Watch for Furnace Error Codes
If faults continue, look at your heating system’s plastic window to confirm the blower motor’s status. Depending on the brand, the light could also be fixed on the exterior of your furnace.
If you notice anything except a steady, colored light or flickering green light, contact us at 602-832-7808 for HVAC service. Your heater could be communicating an error code that is calling for specialized assistance.
6. Clean the Flame Sensor
If your heater tries to operate but shuts off without blowing warm air, a filthy flame sensor can be to blame. When this occurs, your heater will make an attempt to start three times before a safety feature powers it down for approximately an hour.
If you feel comfortable with opening up your heater, gently scrubbing your flame sensor is a job you are able to do on your own. Or, one of our heating service specialists has the ability to finish it for you.
If you are confident cleaning the sensor yourself, you require:
- A 1/4” hex screwdriver or wrench
- Portion of light grit sandpaper, steel wool or emery cloth
- A dry, clean paper towel
Then:
- Shut off the heating system’s power through its wall switch or breaker. If your gas valve isn’t electric, you must shut off the gas as well.
- Remove the furnace’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 scrub the metal rod.
- Clean the rod with a paper towel.
- Put the sensor back in.
- Replace the furnace doors.
- Switch the furnace’s power back on. It could run through a set of tests before resuming normal operation. If your furnace doesn’t turn on, the sensor may have to be replaced or something else might be causing a problem. If this happens, call us at 602-832-7808 for heating and cooling repair assistance.
7. Relight the Pilot Light
If you are using an aging furnace, the pilot light could be extinguished. To relight it, locate the directions on a sheet on your heating system, or follow these steps.
- Locate the switch below your heater marked “pilot,” “on” and “off.”
- Turn the switch to the “off” position.
- Wait at least five minutes to prevent sparking a fire.
- Turn the switch to “pilot.”
- Press the “reset” lever as you push the flame of a long lighter to the pilot light opening.
- Depress the “reset” lever once the pilot light is burning.
If you have followed the instructions twice and the pilot light still won’t light or stay ignited, call us at 602-832-7808 for furnace service.
Double-Check Your Fuel Supply
Try turning on another gas appliance. If it doesn’t operate, your natural gas delivery may be turned off, or you could be out of propane.