Furnace Repair Checklist
1. Look at the Thermostat
To begin, make certain that your thermostat is signaling your furnace to turn on.
Digital Thermostat
- Swap out the batteries if the display is blank. If the digital monitor is mixed up, the thermostat might need to be changed.
- Ensure the control is switched to “heat” as opposed to “off” or “cool.”
- Make sure the program is displaying the correct day and time and is scheduled to “run.” If you’re having problems getting out of the schedule, regulate the temperature by using the up/down arrows and using the “hold” button. This will cause the furnace to turn on if thermostat is causing trouble.
- Turn the temperature setting to 5 degrees above the room temperature.
If your furnace hasn’t kicked on within a few minutes, make sure it has juice by toggling the fan switch from “auto” to “on.” If the fan doesn’t start, your heater might not have power.
Smart Thermostat
If you use a smart thermostat—for example one made by Nest, Ecobee, Lux, Honeywell or Bosch—troubleshooting is very model-specific. Take a look at the manufacturer’s website for help. If you’re still unable to get your Wi-Fi thermostat to function, call us at 479-308-8176 for heating and cooling service.
2. Inspect Breakers and Switches
Next, check if your breaker and furnace switch are on.
- Locate your main electrical panel. If you aren’t sure where it is, keep an eye out for a metallic metal box in your basement, garage or closet.
- Make sure your hands and feet aren’t wet before touching the panel or breakers.
- Find the breaker labeled “furnace” or “heat,” and make sure it’s reading “on.” If you find that the breaker tripped, it will be in the middle or “off” position.
- Using one hand, steadily flip the breaker to the “on” position. If the breaker immediately trips and pops back to “off,” don't try to reset it and get in touch with a professional from Siloam Springs Heating & AC at 479-308-8176 right away.
Regardless of your furnace’s age or brand, it has at minimum one regular wall switch situated on or close to it.
- Make certain the lever is flipped up in the “on” spot. If it was turned off, anticipate your furnace could take up to five minutes to turn on. (If you don’t know where to find your furnace, check your basement, garage or utility closet. It could also be in a crawl space or attic.)
3. Buy a New Air Filter
When we consider heating problems, a filthy, clogged air filter is regularly the top offender.
If your filter is too dirty:
- Your furnace won’t be able to stay on, or it may overheat from reduced airflow.
- Your energy expenses could go up because your heating system is switching on too often.
- Your heater may break down too soon since a filthy filter causes it to work overtime.
- Your heating might lose power if an overly clogged filter results in a tripped breaker.
While it depends on what type of furnace you have, your air filter can be found inside the blower compartment of your furnace, an attached filter case or wall-mounted return air grille.
To put in a new filter:
- Turn off your heater.
- Pull out the filter and tilt it toward the light. If you can’t see light through it, use a new one.
- Put in the new filter with the arrow pointing 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 could have to put in a new filter more often.
To make the process easier down the line, write with a permanent marker on your heating system housing or ductwork to list the airflow direction and filter size.
4. Inspect the Condensate Pan
Otherwise known as drain pans, condensate pans catch liquid your furnace draws from the air.
If water is dripping out of your heater or its pan has standing water in it, try these recommendations.
- If your pan contains a drain (look for a PVC pipe), double-check that it isn’t clogged. If it should be drained, use a special pan-cleaning tablet you can get at home improvement or hardware retailers.
- If your pan uses a pump, check the float switch. If the button is jammed “up” with water in the pan, reach us at 479-308-8176, because you will likely have to buy a new pump.
5. Look for Heater Error Codes
If faults continue, look inside your furnace’s plastic window to verify the blower motor’s status. Dependent on the type, the light may also be attached on the surface of your furnace.
If you notice anything other than an uninterrupted, colored light or flickering green light, call us at 479-308-8176 for HVAC service. Your heater might be communicating an error code that is calling for specialized help.
6. Brush off the Flame Sensor
If your heating system makes an effort to start but turns off without blowing warm air, a grimy flame sensor could be at fault. When this occurs, your heater will make an attempt to turn on three times before a safety feature turns it off for approximately an hour.
If you feel confident with removing the panels from your heating system, brushing off your flame sensor is work you are able to do on your own. Or, one of our heating service experts has the ability to complete it for you.
If you are fine with cleaning the sensor on your own, you require:
- A 1/4” hex screwdriver or wrench
- Bit of light grit sandpaper, steel wool or emery cloth
- A dry, clean paper towel
As the next step:
- Turn off the heating system’s power through its wall switch or breaker. If you don’t have an electric gas valve, you will need to turn off the gas in addition.
- Lift off the heating system’s front panel and follow the wire to the flame sensor.
- Remove the rod and use your sandpaper, steel wool or emery cloth to gently rub the metal rod.
- Clear the rod with a paper towel.
- Screw the sensor back in.
- Put the furnace doors back on.
- Restore power to the furnace. It might go through a series of examinations before resuming normal running. If your heater doesn’t ignite, the sensor could need to be replaced or something else may be creating an issue. If this happens, contact us at 479-308-8176 for heating and cooling repair support.
7. Reignite the Pilot Light
If you are using an outdated heater, the pilot light could be out. To light it, look for the directions on a sheet on your heating system, or use these guidelines.
- Locate the toggle beneath your heater labeled “pilot,” “on” and “off.”
- Turn the switch to the “off” position.
- Take a break for at least five minutes to prevent creating a fire.
- Move the knob to “pilot.”
- Push the “reset” button as you bring the flame of a long lighter to the pilot light opening.
- Release the “reset” button once the pilot light is burning.
If you have used the list twice and the pilot light still won’t light or keep lit, get in touch with us at 479-308-8176 for furnace service.
Check Your Gas Source
Try turning on another gas appliance. If it doesn’t operate, your natural gas source could be turned off, or you may have run out of propane.