Furnace Troubleshooting Tips to Keep a System in Top Shape

Nothing disrupts home comfort during the winter, such as problems with a furnace.

Nothing disrupts home comfort during the winter, such as problems with a furnace. Here are four furnace troubleshooting tips that can help homeowners fix some common heating problems themselves rather than calling a professional for furnace repair.

Not Enough Heat? Replace the Air Filter

Dirty furnace filters may be blocking heat from flowing through the vents. Simply slide out the clogged filter and replace it with a clean one. Remember to install the new filter according to the furnace owner’s manual or the directions marked on the filter frame—it’s important to ensure it complements airflow. Be sure to change the air filter regularly to prevent problems like this in the future. Swap standard filters once every one to three months and high-efficiency filters once every six to twelve months.

No Heat at All? Clean the Furnace Area and Unblock Vents

Storing too many items near the furnace can prevent it from functioning properly and even be dangerous. Ensure the area surrounding the furnace is clean—regularly vacuum dust to prevent the furnace filter from clogging sooner than usual.

Blocked vents can also cause a lack of heat. Inspect the home’s cold air returns and heat vents to ensure that no curtains, furniture, or other objects obstruct the openings.

Furnace Won’t Turn On? Check the Circuit Breaker

Locate the home’s circuit breaker and check if the furnace switch is in either the “Off” position or between “Off” and “On.” If so, flip the switch back into the “On” position. If that doesn’t work, the problem may reside in the wiring or the circuit breaker itself—in which case a professional will be needed for assistance.

Furnace Not Running? Check the Thermostat

As simple as it sounds, sometimes the thermostat is to blame for a dysfunctional furnace. Make sure it’s on and set to “Heat.” Set it a few degrees above the current temperature to determine if the thermostat is the culprit. For programmable thermostats, be sure to check that the date and time are set correctly—it’s possible that it’s on a set schedule. If none of that works, replace the batteries and try again.

Forecast Heating, Cooling, and Refrigeration serves residential and commercial customers in Summerlin, Anthem, North Las Vegas, Boulder City and Las Vegas. Call us at 702-919-4546.