Furnace Troubleshooting? Don’t Panic (and Don’t Rack Up Unnecessary Charges)
A malfunctioning furnace can be a major inconvenience, especially during the cold winter months. Before you rush to call a technician and potentially incur unnecessary service charges, there are a few simple steps you can take to diagnose and potentially fix the problem yourself. In this guide, we’ll walk you through some common furnace issues and provide tips on what to do.
- What to Do When You Have No Heat
- Common Furnace Problems and Solutions
- What to Do When You Have No Cooling
- What Is Not Covered Under the Manufacturer’s Warranty
- When to Call a Professional
Contact Service 1st whenever you need professional furnace troubleshooting you can trust.
1. What to Do When You Have No Heat
If you have no heat, here are some basic furnace troubleshooting steps you can take.
Before calling a technician, there are a few simple steps you can take to potentially resolve the issue yourself and avoid unnecessary service charges:
Check the Air Filter:
A dirty air filter can restrict airflow and prevent your furnace from working efficiently. Replace the filter with a clean one. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to check and replace a dirty air filter:
- Locate the Air Filter: This is usually found in a compartment near the furnace. It might be behind a panel or door.
- Remove the Old Filter: Carefully take out the old filter.
- Inspect the Filter: Hold the filter up to a light source. If you can’t see light through it, it’s time for a replacement.
- Choose a New Filter: Ensure you purchase the correct size and type of filter for your furnace. Consult your owner’s manual or consult with a professional at a hardware store. Often, your HVAC company will carry the type of filter you need.
- Install the New Filter: Slide the new filter into the compartment, ensuring it fits snugly.
- Replace the Cover: Secure the cover or panel to the compartment.
By following these simple steps, you can maintain optimal performance of your furnace and improve indoor air quality.
Verify Power Supply:
Ensure that the furnace switch is turned on and that the circuit breaker hasn’t tripped. Check the breaker panel to reset any tripped breakers.
Inspect the Thermostat:
Replace the batteries in your thermostat if necessary. Also, ensure it’s set to the correct heating mode and temperature.
Clear Vents and Exhaust:
Check the intake and exhaust vents for any obstructions like ice, snow, or debris. Remove any blockages to allow proper airflow.
Consult the Owner’s Manual:
Refer to your furnace’s owner’s manual for specific troubleshooting steps and error code information.
If, after checking these items, you still don’t have heat, it’s time to call a professional HVAC technician.
2. Common Furnace Problems and Solutions
Check to see if your thermostat is set correctly.
The following are some of the more common furnace troubleshooting issues that you may encounter.
Thermostat Malfunctions:
A malfunctioning thermostat can prevent your furnace from working correctly. Common thermostat problems include:
- Incorrect Settings: Ensure your thermostat is set to the correct heating mode and temperature.
- Low Batteries: Replace the batteries in your thermostat if necessary.
- Faulty Wiring: Loose or damaged wiring can cause thermostat malfunctions. Consult a professional for repairs.
Blocked Air Filters:
A dirty air filter can restrict airflow and reduce your furnace’s efficiency. This can lead to higher energy bills and potential damage to your furnace. To prevent this, change your air filter every 1-3 months, or more often if you have pets or allergies.
Strange Noises:
Unusual noises coming from your furnace can indicate a variety of problems. Some common noises and their potential causes include:
- Rattling: Loose components or debris in the blower motor or ductwork.
- Banging: Expansion and contraction of metal components due to temperature changes.
- Squealing: Worn-out blower motor bearings.
If you hear any strange noises, it’s best to consult with a professional HVAC technician to diagnose and fix the issue.
Pilot Light Issues:
If you have an older gas furnace, it may still use a pilot light. A pilot light is a small flame that ignites the main burner in your furnace. If your pilot light goes out, it can prevent your furnace from producing heat.
To relight a pilot light, follow the instructions in your owner’s manual. Typically, you’ll need to locate the pilot light access panel, turn off the gas supply, and use a lighter or a pilot light tool to ignite the flame.
If you’re unable to relight the pilot light or if it keeps going out, it may be a sign of a more serious issue, such as a faulty thermocouple or gas valve. In these cases, it’s best to call a professional HVAC technician.
3. What to Do When You Have No Cooling
Replace your air filter if it is dirty.
Before calling a technician, try these simple steps to troubleshoot your air conditioning system:
Check the Air Filter:
A dirty air filter can restrict airflow, reducing cooling efficiency. Replace it with a clean one. Refer to the steps above for general instructions on how to check and replace your air filter.
Verify Power Supply:
Ensure the circuit breaker hasn’t tripped. If it has, reset it to restore power to your AC unit.
Inspect the Thermostat:
Check the batteries in your thermostat and make sure it’s set to the correct cooling mode and temperature.
Look for Water Leaks:
Check for water leaks around your furnace, as this could indicate a problem with the drainage system.
Check for Ice Buildup:
Inspect the indoor coil and outdoor unit for ice buildup. Ice buildup can prevent your AC unit from functioning properly.
Consult the Owner’s Manual:
Refer to your AC unit’s owner’s manual for specific troubleshooting steps and error code information.
If these steps don’t resolve the issue, it’s time to contact a professional HVAC technician.
4. What Is Not Covered Under the Manufacturer's Warranty
It is good to understand what is and is not covered by your manufacturer’s warranty.
It’s important to understand that manufacturer’s warranties have limitations. Here are some common issues that are typically not covered under a warranty:
- Fuse/breaker found in the off position
- Furnace switch found turned off
- Plugged outside venting due to snow, ice or debris
- Damage caused by lack of equipment maintenance
- Dirty furnace filter or humidifier pad
- Fuse blown on furnace due to improper removal of electronic filter (refer to
proper removal of filter in your owner’s manual) - Part failure caused by dirty air ducts
- Condensate pump failure due to dirt in condensate drain line as a result of
lack of maintenance - Call back to re-program thermostat, dead batteries or incorrect
programming by homeowner - Compressor failure due to lack of maintenance or corrosion caused by
animal urine, mouse infestation or earwigs - Rust or corrosion caused by covering a/c in winter
- Abuse, negligence or improper use
- Damage caused by power failure, power surges or lightning strikes
- Parts not covered by the manufacturer’s warranty
- Work performed or parts replaced by an unauthorized technician
- Damage caused by faulty plumbing, shut-off valves or scale build-up
- Flood damage
- Damage caused to furnace by existing air conditioner coil leakage
- Existing duct work issues
Please note that your HVAC company is not liable for any damage caused by factors beyond its control, such as those listed above. It’s important to consult with a qualified HVAC professional to diagnose and repair any complex issues with your heating and cooling system.
5. When to Call a Professional
If none of your basic furnace troubleshooting has solved your issue, call a professional.
While you can troubleshoot many basic furnace issues yourself, there are situations where it’s best to call a professional HVAC technician:
Frequent Breakdowns:
If your furnace is constantly breaking down, despite minor fixes, it may have a more serious underlying issue. A professional can diagnose the problem and provide a lasting solution.
Unusual Noises or Odours:
Strange noises like banging, squealing, or rattling, or unusual odours coming from your furnace can indicate potential problems, such as a faulty blower motor or a gas leak.
Sudden Loss of Heat or Cooling:
If your furnace suddenly stops producing heat or your air conditioner stops cooling, it’s a sign of a serious problem. A professional can quickly diagnose and fix the issue to restore comfort to your home.
High Energy Bills:
Increased energy bills can be a sign of a less efficient furnace. A professional can inspect your system, identify any issues, and recommend energy-saving solutions.
If you’re experiencing frequent breakdowns, unusual noises, sudden loss of heat or cooling, or higher energy bills, it’s time to call a professional HVAC technician. For residents of the Cambridge, Ontario area, Service 1st is here to help with all your furnace troubleshooting needs.
Furnace Troubleshooting You Can Trust: Service 1st
If you are looking for the best furnace troubleshooting in the Cambridge region, talk to the experienced team of HVAC professionals at Service 1st. We value professionalism, honesty, and quality work. All of our technicians are highly trained and respectful of our clients’ homes. Whether you need maintenance, repairs, or HVAC replacements, we can help.
We have been serving homeowners in Cambridge and the surrounding areas for over 30 years and have a proven record of excellence. Whether it’s time to replace your air conditioner now or you want to learn more about what unit to buy in the future, we can help.
We are a locally owned and operated business that prides itself on the highest quality work and installation of the highest quality products. We have received the prestigious Circle of Champions award from Bryant – an honour that highlights our commitment to quality, leadership, and excellence in the HVAC industry. We are an Elite Bryant Factory Authorized Dealer and offer our customers the highest quality products and services.
What Our Customers Are Saying...
“Chris was absolutely amazing!! He took the time to explain exactly what my issue was with my furnace. Very knowledgeable and very patient in his explanations. Service 1st you have a valuable team player. Will definitely recommend Service 1st to family and Friends!! I found all service technicians very informative and very professional. I had the ducts in my house cleaned, my gas fireplace tuned up and a whole new furnace and heat pump installed. I would highly recommend Service 1st!!”
