Try These Troubleshooting Tips When Your Furnace Is On The Fritz

Even if you have one of the most efficient furnaces on the market, you may need to use troubleshooting tips every once in a while to get the system up and running again. Here’s a look at four common furnace problems and their corresponding troubleshooting tips. If you can’t solve the problem on your own, contact a professional for help.

Furnace won’t start

• Make sure the thermostat is in heating mode and check the temperature setting.
• Check for a tripped circuit breaker or blown fuse in the electrical box.
• Make sure the furnace’s on/off switch is in the “on” position.
• Relight the pilot light if it has gone out
• The thermostat may be bad if all these points check out.

Furnace doesn’t ignite

• Check the control board or the rollout switch for problems there.
• Make sure the vent isn’t plugged with debris, snow or a bird’s nest.
• Double-check that the gas valve is on.
• Refill the propane tank if you use this type of fuel.
• Take the cover off the furnace and inspect the igniter (glow plug) for cracks, but don’t touch it with your bare hands. Turn the temperature up on the thermostat to call for heat and watch the igniter. If it never glows hot, you may need a new one.

Furnace won’t stay on

• Check the condensate reservoir. If it’s full, the pump could be malfunctioning or the drain could be clogged.
• Inspect and clean the exterior of the furnace. A dirty furnace may not get enough air and will shut down to prevent overheating.
• Clean the heat sensor. If that doesn’t solve the problem, it may need to be replaced.

Furnace makes strange noises

• Grinding or chattering sounds indicate electrical problems.
• Huffing and puffing followed by a bang is a sign of delayed ignition.
• Clunking and bumping could mean the belt is cracked.
• Contact a service service professional to inspect the noise before it worsens, potentially damaging the furnace or causing you or your family harm.

If these troubleshooting tips don’t work, you’ll need to work with a knowledgeable contractor. If you’re in the Fayetteville area, contact Blanton’s Heating & A/C today.