Few things are more frustrating, inconvenient, and uncomfortable than heating that stops working in the middle of a cold snap. While there are many potential causes of a furnace breakdown, many of the more straightforward ones can be remedied with simple fixes. First, however, you need to identify the issue. Below are a few troubleshooting tips to help in this process.

A Guide to Easy Furnace Fixes

1. Check the Thermostat

The thermostat should be your first stop when troubleshooting a heating system. It controls the heat for the entire house and essentially tells the furnace what to do. It can be easy to inadvertently flip the thermostat off or adjust the temperature to a level so low that it doesn't trigger the heating.

Also, ensure the thermostat has fresh batteries; without this crucial power supply, it won't be able to engage the furnace. Finally, open up the front panel of the thermostat and see that the wiring is clean and dust-free; blowing a little puff of air into it may be all that's needed.

2. Confirm the Shutoff Switch Is Off & Fuses Are Active

Another common source of heating breakdowns is when the shutoff switch somehow gets activated. It’s typically located on or near the furnace and looks like a traditional switch. 

See that's securely in the off position. Then, open the fuse box for your home and confirm that the circuits to the furnace have not tripped.

3. Replace the Air Filter

A dirty or clogged air filter makes it difficult for the furnace to generate enough heat to supply the home. As dirt builds up on the filter, so does heat within the system. Then, the heat exchanger can overheat and shut the entire furnace down.

Open the access panel of the furnace and replace the air filter with a new one. Some furnaces have permanent filters that can be vacuumed off; these usually have frames around them that snap the filter in place and can be taken out for easy cleaning.

If these troubleshooting methods are unsuccessful, bring in a professional. Snyder Mechanical has been providing heating, air conditioning, and plumbing services to the Elko County, NV, area for more than 30 years. They offer repairs, installations, and inspections, and 24-hour emergency service is available. Call (775) 738-5616 or visit their website to request an estimate.