As the weather gets colder, it's time to get your furnace ready for the winter. If yours won't come on, you may need furnace repairs. However, there are some issues you may be able to resolve yourself. To help you determine whether to call a professional, here are a few troubleshooting tips to try when your furnace isn’t working.

3 Furnace Issues That Result in Malfunctions

1. Thermostat Issues

If the heat doesn't kick in even though the house is cold, check to see whether your thermostat is on "heat" and set to the right temperature.

If changing the settings turns the heat on, the issue might be that the thermostat isn't correctly calibrated and is reading the temperature as warmer than reality.

2. Power & Gas Supply Failure

If you have an electric furnace, make sure it's plugged in correctly. See if any lights or displays on the unit blink when you try to operate the equipment.

If it's a gas furnace, check that the pilot light is burning, and make sure the gas valve is completely open. If you smell gas, though, close the valve and get everyone out of the home until a furnace repair professional can check the issue.

3. Clogged Air Supply

If the system is generating heat but the air isn't moving through, check whether your filter is clean. If it is, the blower motor might need repairs.

To keep your furnace working optimally, change the furnace filter at the beginning of the season. Every one to three months after that, hold the filter up against the sunlight. If you can't see the light through it, it's clogged and needs to be switched out.

If you need furnace repairs, choose Climatech Mechanical Heating & Air Conditioning Services of Wallingford, CT. Serving the area of New Haven County for over 25 years, they work with gas, electric, and solar equipment, offering prompt repairs and maintenance. Learn more about their residential services on their website, or call (203) 269-1600 for a free quote.