Some simple troubleshooting steps can be taken before you call a heating repair specialist. Other problems, however, require a technician's attention immediately.
In order to avoid costly heating repair services,
it's best to have your furnace serviced at least once a year. And if you wait until the end of heating season, you can often find discounts on these services. Also, since business is slowing down, the company is more likely to be able to send out its team right away. However, if you do find yourself stuck with a malfunctioning furnace in the dead of winter, you can check a few items before calling the experts.
Problems originate from three primary locations: the heating source, the distribution system, or the thermostat. For instance, if your heater isn't running, you probably need to check on the source. For some reason, the furnace isn't receiving power. If it's heated by gas or oil, the fuel tank may be empty or the fuel may not be igniting. If the unit itself seems to be working, but no warm air is circulating through your home, the blower is probably malfunctioning. As you try to isolate the problem, start with the simplest solution and work your way to the most complicated. Here are some steps you can try:
- Ensure that your furnace is receiving power. Perhaps a fuse blew or the circuit breaker was tripped, causing the power to the unit to be cut off. Sometimes a heater has its own circuit panel, which is located right beside the main one, and others have fuses contained within or on the unit.
- If your unit has a reset button, turn the motor off and give it about 30 minutes to cool. Press the reset button, and see if the unit begins working. If not, wait another 30 minutes before repeating the process. Try this at least three times before you move on to the next step.
- Make sure your thermostat is set at a reasonable temperature. You may want to move it up or down five degrees and see if that kicks the unit on.
- If your furnace is fueled by gas or oil, be sure the supply tank is full and that the unit is receiving fuel.
Once you have tried all these steps without success, it's probably time to call a professional heating repair group to come look at your furnace. Even if you can get your furnace running again, there are some additional instances where you should call a professional to come and inspect the unit:
- If your furnace trips the circuit breaker or blows fuses over and over again, it's time to call an electrician.
- If your unit utilizes gas and you begin to smell gas inside your home, get out of your house and call the gas company or the fire department (or both!) right away. Stay out of your home until the problem is fixed.
A professional should come and service your furnace at least once every year in order to keep it running in top condition. By following these simple steps, you'll avoid many problems that result in far more urgent calls to a heating repair specialist later on.
