Top Furnace Troubleshooting Tips

Most people do not give much thought to their furnace, until it stops working in the middle of winter. Furnaces malfunction or stop working completely for several different reasons. However, simple maintenance helps prevent some problems that do occur. While you should never attempt to repair your heating system on your own, here are some easy troubleshooting steps you can perform before calling a professional HVAC technician.

Check The Filter

It’s easy to forget to clean or change the filters, especially after months of not using your furnace. Although this is one of the most common problems, it is simple to fix. Normally, a dirty filter will cause the furnace to work less effectively and also cause damage to the unit. Change the filter monthly. If the filter appears dirty and you are unsure how to change it, contact the manufacturer for assistance. Your HVAC company can also show you how to change your filter.

Test The Thermostat

Checking the thermostat settings seems like a no-brainer. However, settings are easily changed or overlooked. First, be sure that the thermostat system has power. Your thermostat is either wired to the home’s electrical system or it runs off of batteries. Next, be sure that it is set to heat. Try turning the system off, then back on. Make sure you hear the furnace start up. Set the temperature to 90 degrees (or as high as it will go) to keep it from turning off and on during your troubleshooting. Also, set the fan setting to auto.

Go With The Flow

When your home feels cold in the winter, the problem may not be the furnace at all. Check the heating registers in each room. They need to be open. Do not allow furniture to block them. If the registers are dirty or dusty, clean them with a cloth or vacuum brush attachment. Be sure you can feel warm air coming from the vents. Find the intake register (the vent where the furnace draws in air from the home) and clean it as you did the other registers. Many times, poor insulation or drafts can make it seem like the furnace is not working properly. If possible, winterize your windows and cover any drafty doors. Also, furnace maintenance is key towards achieving a furnace that performs well. Be sure to schedule a annual furnace tune-up if you haven’t done so already.

Find The Power

If there is still no heat, or the thermostat screen is blank, there could be a problem with the power connection to the furnace. Make sure the switch for the furnace is in the on position and if it is, turn it off and back on again. Next, check your home’s electrical panel and be sure that the circuit breaker for your furnace is on and that a fuse has not blown. When it is off or blown, be sure to turn it off. Then, turn it back on again. This will reset the breaker. If the breaker blows again, contact an electrician to check for a shortage in the electrical system.

Call a trained HVAC professional for further diagnostics and repair options after following these tips and your furnace still does not work.

Furnace Repair Services Trenton NJ

When your furnace starts acting up, it is important that you address it immediately. Sometimes furnace issues are attributed to something bigger than what meets the eye. Only a professional will truly be able to diagnose the problem and fix it accordingly.

Princeton Heating & Air Conditioning has been in business since the 196os and since then, we have been maintaining, repairing, and installing all makes and models of furnaces. Our NATE-certified technicians have the experience, knowledge, and professionalism to get the job done correctly and quickly. Our services include heating and cooling system tune-ups, HVAC system installations, and heater repair services. We are among the few providers in NJ to hold a Carrier Presidents Award Dealer distinction. Be sure to call us and speak with one of our comfort specialists today if you have any questions.