You depend on your furnace to keep you warm throughout the chilly winter months. When something goes wrong, it can quickly make your home feel decidedly less than comfortable. All homeowners should be aware of possible troubleshooting solutions that may help. Here are three to keep in mind if your system suddenly develops a problem.

How to Troubleshoot a Furnace Problem

1. Replace the Filter

The most important step any homeowner can take to protect the integrity and lifespan of the heating system is to replace the filter. This is something that should be done once every three months, or more frequently if you have pets or an unusually large household. Filters are designed to collect dust, dirt, and debris that would otherwise contaminate your indoor air and affect its quality. When it’s clogged, however, the heater has to work harder than necessary to force warm air through the home. That leads to overuse and even potential repairs or premature failure, along with skyrocketing energy costs.

2. Inspect the Thermostat

Sometimes the solution is as simple as moving the switch to “heat” on the thermostat. If that alone is not the problem, try adjusting the temperature to at least five degrees more than the current setting. Confirm that the batteries are fresh and working correctly, and if it’s necessary, remove any debris that may have settled on the casing. You can even open up the device to gently clean dust that might have accumulated inside.  

3. Check the Power

Occasionally the problem is due to the power source and not the actual heating system. To be sure, check the switch adjacent to the furnace first. Turn it on if it isn’t already. Otherwise, have a look at the circuit breaker box. The switch next to the “HVAC” or “heating and air conditioning” label should be turned on; if not, switch it on, or look for the one breaker that is not turned on if there are no labels present.
 

When these methods don’t work, get in touch with the HVAC repair contractors at E. Dake Ltd. The Plumbing & Heating Doctors in Perry, OH. These fully licensed professionals offer a variety of services, including furnace and air conditioning repairs and installation. They also provide emergency services 24 hours a day. Visit them online to find out more, or give them a call at (440) 259-5997 to schedule an appointment.