Your furnace becomes one of your house’s most important appliances as the temperature drops. It guarantees that during the winter months, your family will remain cozy and toasty. Furnaces, like other machinery, can occasionally have problems, though, particularly if routine maintenance is neglected. There are a few troubleshooting techniques you can try before contacting a professional to see if you can resolve the problem on your own. We at BCRC Heating will walk you through some typical furnace issues and their solutions in this article.

Check the Thermostat Settings

One of the most straightforward solutions to furnace problems is checking your thermostat settings. Often, a furnace won’t turn on simply because the thermostat is set incorrectly.

Troubleshooting Steps:

• Ensure the thermostat is set to “heat”: It may seem obvious, but sometimes the thermostat is accidentally left on the cooling setting, which prevents the furnace from turning on.
• Check the temperature setting: Make sure the temperature on the thermostat is set higher than the current room temperature.
• Replace the thermostat batteries: If your thermostat is battery-powered, low batteries can cause it to malfunction. Replace them if necessary.

If the thermostat appears to be in working order but the furnace is still not responding, move on to the next step.

Inspect the Furnace Filter

Inadequate operation is frequently caused by a filthy or clogged furnace filter. Filters gather dust, pet dander, and other debris over time, which can obstruct airflow and lead to the furnace overheating and shutting down.

Troubleshooting Steps:

• Locate the furnace filter: It is typically found in the return air duct or inside the blower compartment of your furnace.
• Check the filter’s condition: If it looks dirty or clogged, it’s time for a replacement.
• Replace the filter: If you have a disposable filter, replace it with a new one. If you have a reusable filter, follow the manufacturer’s instructions for cleaning and reinstalling it.

A clean filter can make a significant difference in the performance of your furnace and extend its lifespan.

Check the Furnace Power

Sometimes, the reason your furnace isn’t working is due to a simple power issue. Ensuring that your furnace has power is a critical step in troubleshooting.

Troubleshooting Steps:

• Check the furnace switch: Most furnaces have a power switch that resembles a light switch, located either on the unit itself or nearby. Ensure that the switch is in the “on” position.
• Inspect the circuit breaker: Go to your electrical panel and check if the circuit breaker for the furnace has tripped. If it has, reset it by flipping it back to the “on” position.
• Check the fuse box: If your furnace uses fuses instead of circuit breakers, make sure the fuse for the furnace hasn’t blown. Replace it if necessary.

If the power to the furnace is fine and it’s still not working, you may need to investigate further.

Examine the Pilot Light or Ignition System

If you have an older furnace, it may have a pilot light, while newer furnaces use electronic ignition. Problems with these components can prevent the furnace from operating.

Troubleshooting Steps for Pilot Light Furnaces:

• Check if the pilot light is out: If it is, follow your furnace’s manufacturer instructions for relighting it. Typically, this involves turning the gas valve to the “off” position for a few minutes, then back to “pilot” and using a long match or lighter to ignite it.
• Inspect the flame: The pilot light flame should be blue. If it’s yellow or flickering, there may be a problem with the gas supply or the burner, which would require professional service.

Troubleshooting Steps for Electronic Ignition Furnaces:

• Check for error codes: Many modern furnaces display error codes that can help diagnose problems with the ignition system. Consult your furnace’s manual to decode any error lights or codes.
• Inspect the igniter: If you suspect a problem with the igniter, you may need to replace it, as igniters can wear out over time.