Furnace Repair Checklist
1. Check the Thermostat
To start, ensure your thermostat is signaling your heat to turn on.
Digital Thermostat
- Replace the batteries if the screen is empty. If the digital display is jumbled, the thermostat may need to be swapped out.
- Make certain that the button is on “heat” rather than “off” or “cool.”
- Make certain the program is displaying the appropriate day and time and is programmed to “run.” If you’re having trouble overriding the schedule, adjust the temperature with the up/down arrows and holding the “hold” button. This will cause the furnace to turn on if thermostat is causing trouble.
- Turn the temperature setting to 5 degrees hotter than what the room temperature currently is.
If your heat hasn’t started within several minutes, make sure it has power by switching the fan switch from “auto” to “on.” If the fan doesn’t begin to run, your heating system may not have power.
Smart Thermostat
If you utilize a smart thermostat—like one made by Nest, Ecobee, Lux, Honeywell or Bosch—troubleshooting will depend on your model. Refer to the manufacturer’s website for support. If you still can’t get your Wi-Fi thermostat to work, reach us at (815)914-6197 for heating and cooling service.
2. Examine Breakers and Switches
Next, confirm your breaker and furnace switch are on.
- Look for your main electrical panel. If you don’t know where it is, keep an eye out for a gray metal box in your basement, garage or closet.
- Make certain that your hands and feet are dry prior to using the panel or breakers.
- Find the breaker labeled “furnace” or “heat,” and make sure it’s turned “on.” If the breaker has tripped, it will be in the middle or “off” spot.
- With one hand, steadily flip the breaker to the “on” position. If the breaker trips right away and pops back to “off,” don't try to reset it and contact an expert from Temperature Doctors Heating & Cooling, Inc at (815)914-6197 quickly.
No matter your furnace’s age or brand, it has at minimum one regular wall switch situated on or by it.
- Ensure the switch is flipped up in the “on” position. If it was turned off, anticipate your furnace could take up to five minutes to ignite. (If you’re unaware of where to locate your furnace, take a look at your basement, garage or utility closet. It may also be in a crawl space or attic.)
3. Put in a New Air Filter
When it comes to heater problems, a grungy, full air filter is frequently the top offender.
If your filter is too dusty:
- Your heat won’t keep heating your home, or it may overheat from limited airflow.
- Your gas bills could be higher because your heater is operating more often.
- Your heating system may fail sooner than it should since a filthy filter causes it to work overtime.
- Your heating system might be disconnected from power if an overly filthy filter is the cause of a tripped breaker.
While it depends on what type of heating system you have, your air filter is located in the interior of the blower compartment of your heating system, an attached filter case or wall-mounted return air grille.
To put in a new filter:
- Turn off your furnace.
- Pull out the filter and tilt it toward the light. If you can’t notice light through it, get a new one.
- Put in the new filter with the arrow pointing toward the heater to keep damage from happening.
Flat filters ought to be replaced every month, while pleated filters should last about three months. If you have children or pets, you may have to replace your filter more frequently.
To make the process smoother down the line, write with a permanent writing tool on your furnace exterior or ductwork to list the airflow direction and filter size.
4. Examine the Condensate Pan
Otherwise known as drain pans, condensate pans hold liquid your furnace draws from the air.
If liquid is leaking out of your furnace or its pan has standing water in it, try these guidelines.
- If your pan has 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 shops.
- If your pan contains a pump, check the float switch. If the switch can’t be moved from the “up” position with liquid in the pan, reach us at (815)914-6197, because you will probably have to buy a new pump.
5. Check for Furnace Error Codes
If malfunctions keep on happening, take a look inside your furnace’s plastic window to check the blower motor’s status. Subject to the type, the light could also be attached on the outside of your furnace.
If you see anything except a steady, colored light or flickering green light, reach us at (815)914-6197 for HVAC service. Your furnace might be giving an error code that needs pro service.
Inspect Your Fuel Delivery System
Try using a second gas appliance. If it doesn’t work, your natural gas delivery could be shut off, or you might have run out of propane.