If you’re like most homeowners in the United States, you rely on your gas or electric furnace to keep your home warm and cozy throughout the winter. Even though these systems are designed to reliably heat your home, furnace components can wear down or break over time.
If the temperature has started to drop and you’ve noticed that your furnace isn’t heating your home properly, it may need some maintenance to get running as it should again. While there are several things you can do on your own, you may need the help of a professional to keep your system running warmly, efficiently and safely.
If you’re not feeling any hot air coming from your furnace, first double-check that it’s on and the thermostat settings are correct. Many furnaces have a switch to turn them on and off. It’s possible that the switch got flipped unintentionally, causing the furnace to stop blowing hot air. The settings may have also been set too low or may need to be reset.
Whether your furnace isn’t producing enough heat or won’t turn on at all, there are several things you can check to troubleshoot the issue.
Because thermostat settings can easily go awry, this is a good place to start troubleshooting if your furnace isn’t working as it should. Make sure that the thermostat setting is set higher than the temperature inside your home so that it will actually switch on. You want it to be set to at least 5 degrees higher than the room temperature.
Even if the setting is on “heat” and you’ve adjusted the settings to a higher temperature, it’s possible that the thermostat is receiving a false reading from another heat source in your home, such as a nearby lamp or space heater. This will affect the system’s output. Also, make sure that there isn’t any dust or dirt on the thermostat, which can impact the airflow.
A dirty air filter can disrupt the airflow, making your system work harder than it needs to. This can make it difficult for the furnace to produce enough heat — or prevent it from producing any heat at all. When it’s clogged with dust and debris, it can cause soot to start building up and even cause the heat exchanger to overheat. If the furnace is running but not blowing air, simply changing out the filter should correct this problem.
While the frequency can vary based on factors like how often you use your furnace and environmental factors like whether or not you have pets, a good estimate is to inspect your air filter every 30 days. Depending on how dirty it is, you may find that you need to replace it monthly or around every 3-6 months.
Your furnace may not be blowing hot air because of a power issue. Make sure that the power is on at the breaker box or fuse box. You may need to reset the breaker by flipping the switch off and then switching it back on again. The fuse may also need to be replaced if it’s damaged or melted.
If you notice any damage while troubleshooting, it should be handled by a trained technician.
If the temperature tends to fluctuate and doesn’t consistently send out hot air, the issue may be originating with the flame sensor. If the flame sensor is dirty, it won’t be able to read temperatures correctly.
You can also learn a lot by looking at the furnace flame color. A healthy flame will be blue. If your furnace isn’t burning fuel efficiently, you will notice other colors like purple, green or yellow.
The furnace flame needs to be on for your furnace to heat your home. If it’s out, that could be the main reason your furnace isn’t working as it should. If you need to relight the pilot, make sure you turn off the gas for around 15 minutes before getting started. Consult your owner’s manual to ensure you follow the correct steps.
The ductwork could be another potential culprit. If the ducts are dirty and clogged, it will be harder for air to flow through and can cause your system to overheat. Similarly, if there are holes in the ducts, cold air will get into your rooms. If there are holes, they will need to be sealed with metallic duct tape.
To ensure proper airflow, make sure all of the furnace’s vents are fully opened. Having furniture around the vents can block the airflow, making it harder for your furnace to heat your home. Along with disrupting the airflow, if the vents and registers are blocked, it can impact the ductwork. If there is too much air pressure on the ducts, it can cause a leak.
While there are steps you can take on your own to troubleshoot why your furnace isn’t working, there are several cases when you’d want to contact a professional. Many fixes, like checking your settings or changing the filter, aren’t that involved. Meanwhile, issues like a crack in the heat exchanger or gas leaks will require a professional. These repairs are more involved and, if done incorrectly, can become more expensive. Both of these issues are also dangerous — and can put you and your family at risk if they aren’t handled promptly by a trained technician.
Interested in learning more about caring for your furnace? Check out a few frequently asked questions:
Whether you’re currently dealing with a furnace issue or you want to start scheduling regular maintenance to keep it running efficiently, HB Home Service Team has you covered. Since we were founded in 1914, we’ve been serving homeowners throughout Central PA, helping keep homes running the way they should. We service both gas and oil furnaces, providing the support you need to improve your system’s efficiency and operating life.
To learn more or schedule an estimate, fill out our online contact form today.
