Climatech technicians are always willing and able to take care of your HVAC service needs, but there are occasions when there may be a simple and safe solution that you can perform yourself, saving you the time and expense of a visit from one of our technicians. Before you pick up the phone, review this list of common causes of HVAC failure that you can check for yourself:
1. Is your furnace getting power?
Check your fuse box for any tripped circuit breakers, especially since this could indicate a bigger problem with your electrical system.
2. Is the furnace power switched to “On?”
Furnaces are often tucked into tight, confining spaces or closets, making it pretty easy for the switch to be accidentally switched “Off.” The power switch should be mounted on the side of the furnace. Note: The power switch may also include a liftable metal housing containing a fuse. If the fuse is blackened and burnt, then it will need to be replaced. However, a blown fuse may also indicate a bigger system problem, so be sure to give us a call if this is the case.
3. Is there anything outside blocking the fresh air intake or the exhaust?
Many newer furnaces have their fresh air intakes and exhausts run through the side of the home. Sometimes you’ll find that leaves, insects or snow/ice can build up, affecting your heating system.
4. Check your thermostat
Make sure your thermostat has been set to “heat” and that it is set to a temperature high enough to prompt the furnace to turn on. While that may sound obvious, it’s a small detail that is easily forgotten by a worried homeowner.
5. Check thermostat batteries
Many programmable thermostats feature a flashing “low battery” icon on their control screen. If you see a “low battery” warning, be sure to replace the batteries with new ones.
6. Check your furnace filter
If your furnace is firing up but it’s not blowing as hard as it normally does, then it might mean that the air filter needs to be changed. Over time, the filter gets so full of debris that it can restrict air flowing through your system. Air filters should be changed monthly or every 60 days at most.
If you’ve gone through the above checklist and your furnace still isn’t running properly, give Climatech a call. A technician can often tell you about factors common to your specific furnace so that you can solve them yourself in the future.
And always remember, the best way to keep your furnace efficient and reliable is to have it inspected regularly. Yearly fall maintenance can save you time, frustration, and money when it’s done right by a licensed technician from Climatech.