Furnace Repair Checklist
1. Inspect the Thermostat
To start, make certain that your thermostat is telling your heater to start.
Digital Thermostat
- Replace the batteries if the screen is empty. If the digital display is scrambled, the thermostat could need to be replaced.
- Make sure the button is set to “heat” instead of “off” or “cool.”
- Make certain the program is set to the appropriate day and time and is set to “run.” If you’re having problems overriding the setting, adjust the temperature by using the up/down arrows and holding the “hold” button. This will make the heater to turn on if thermostat scheduling is an issue.
- Turn the temperature setting to 5 degrees above what the room temperature currently is.
If your heater hasn’t kicked on within several minutes, ensure it has electricity by changing the fan switch from “auto” to “on.” If the fan doesn’t operate, your heating system might not have power.
Smart Thermostat
If you utilize a smart thermostat—such as one designed by Nest, Ecobee, Lux, Honeywell or Bosch—troubleshooting will depend on your model. Refer to the manufacturer’s website for help. If you still can’t get your Wi-Fi thermostat to operate, reachl us at 256-801-4701 for heating and cooling service.
2. Check Breakers and Switches
Next, you should verify your breaker and furnace switch are on.
- Locate your home’s main electrical panel. If you don’t know where it is, search for a silver metal box in your basement, garage or closet.
- Make certain that your hands and feet are dry before opening the panel or breakers.
- Look for the breaker labeled “furnace” or “heat,” and ensure it’s reading “on.” If you discover a tripped breaker, it will be in the middle or “off” position.
- With one hand, quickly switch the breaker to the “on” location. If the breaker immediately trips and pops back to “off,” don’t touch it and contact an expert from All Weather Heating & Air Conditioning Inc at 256-801-4701 immediately.
It doesn’t matter how old your furnace is or what brand it is, it has at least one standard wall switch positioned on or by it.
- Ensure the lever is facing up in the “on” spot. If it was shut off, it could take your furnace up to five minutes to ignite. (If you don’t know where to locate your furnace, take a look at your basement, garage or utility closet. It can also be in a crawl space or attic.)
3. Put in a New Air Filter
When it comes to heating issues, a dirty, full air filter is frequently the top culprit.
If your filter is too dusty:
- Your heating system won’t keep heating your home, or it might overheat from restricted airflow.
- Your utility expenses may increase because your heating system is running more than it should.
- Your furnace may fail prematurely since a filthy filter triggers it to overwork.
- Your heating system might be disconnected from power if an excessively dirty filter causes the breaker to trip.
Based on what model of furnace you have, your air filter can be found within the blower compartment of your heating system, an attached filter case or wall-mounted return air grille.
To put in a new filter:
- Cut the power to your heater.
- Remove the filter and hold it up to the light. If you can’t notice light through it, get a new one.
- Insert the new filter with the arrow facing toward the furnace to keep damage from happening.
Flat filters need to be replaced monthly, while pleated filters should last somewhere in the vicinity of three months. You can also get a washable filter that you can use for about 10 years. If you have children or pets, you could have to replace your filter more often.
To make changing your filter go more quickly in the future, use a permanent writing tool on your heating system housing or ductwork to indicate the airflow direction and filter size.
4. Inspect the Condensate Pan
Also known as drain pans, condensate pans capture water your furnace draws from the air.
If water is leaking from within your heating system or its pan has standing water in it, try these steps.
- If your pan contains a drain (look for a PVC pipe), make sure that it’s clear. If it needs to be drained, 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 is jammed “up” with water in the pan, contact us at 256-801-4701, because you will likely have to buy a new pump.
5. Look for Heater Error Codes
If malfunctions persist, take a look inside your heating system’s plastic window to confirm the blower motor’s status. Dependent on the brand, the light could also be mounted on the outside of your furnace.
If you note anything except an uninterrupted, colored light or blinking green light, reach us at 256-801-4701 for HVAC service. Your heater may be communicating an error code that needs specialized service.
6. Scrub the Flame Sensor
If your furnace attempts to start but switches off without putting out warmth, a dusty flame sensor can be to blame. When this takes place, your heating system will attempt to start three times before a safety mechanism turns it off for around an hour.
If you feel okay with removing the panels from your heater, gently scrubbing your flame sensor is a task you are able to do on your own. Or, one of our heating service experts is able to complete it for you.
If you are fine with cleaning the sensor yourself, 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:
- Shut off the furnace’s power through its wall switch or breaker. If your gas valve isn’t electric, you must shut off the gas in addition.
- Remove the heater’s front panel and follow the wire to the flame sensor.
- Take off the rod and use your sandpaper, steel wool or emery cloth to carefully scrub the metal rod.
- Clear the rod with a paper towel.
- Remount the sensor.
- Replace the furnace doors.
- Turn the furnace’s power back on. It may run through a series of tests before continuing regular running. If your furnace doesn’t turn on, the sensor could need to be replaced or something else could be causing a problem. If this occurs, call us at 256-801-4701 for heating and cooling repair assistance.
7. Relight the Pilot Light
If you are using an aging heater, the pilot light could be out. To relight it, locate the directions on a label on your heating system, or use these steps.
- Look for the lever beneath your heater that says “pilot,” “on” and “off.”
- Push the switch to the “off” position.
- Don’t do anything for at least five minutes to limit the possibility for sparking a fire.
- Push the knob to “pilot.”
- Hold down the “reset” switch as you bring the flame of a long lighter to the pilot light opening.
- Release the “reset” switch once the pilot light is lit.
If you have used the list twice and the pilot light still won’t ignite or stay lit, call us at 256-801-4701 for furnace service.
Double-Check Your Energy Delivery System
Try using a second gas appliance. If it doesn’t work, your natural gas source might be switched off, or you might have run out of propane.