Furnace Repair Checklist
1. Examine the Thermostat
First, make certain that your thermostat is instructing your heater to start.
Digital Thermostat
- Swap out the batteries if the screen is not displaying anything. If the digital screen is mixed up, the thermostat could need to be swapped out.
- Make certain that the button is on “heat” rather than “off” or “cool.”
- Make certain the program is displaying the appropriate day and time and is programmed to “run.” If you’re having trouble getting out of the program, set the temperature by using the up/down arrows and using the “hold” button. This will cause the furnace to turn on if thermostat is causing a problem.
- Set the temperature setting to 5 degrees warmer than the temperature of the room.
If your heater hasn’t kicked on within a couple minutes, make sure it has power by switching the fan switch from “auto” to “on.” If the fan doesn’t begin to run, your heating system might not have power.
Smart Thermostat
If you have a smart thermostat—like one designed by Nest, Ecobee, Lux, Honeywell or Bosch—troubleshooting will be determined by the model you have. Check the manufacturer’s website for support. If you aren’t able to get your Wi-Fi thermostat to function, reach us at 208-578-4258 for heating and cooling service.
2. Examine Breakers and Switches
Next, check if your breaker and furnace switch are on.
- Look for your main electrical panel. If you have no idea where it is, look for a metallic metal box in your basement, garage or closet.
- Ensure your hands and feet are dry prior to using the panel or breakers.
- Look for the breaker titled “furnace” or “heat,” and double-check it’s turned “on.” If the breaker has tripped, it will be in the middle or “off” spot.
- Using one hand, firmly flip the breaker to the “on” position. If the breaker instantly trips and pops back to “off,” don't try to reset it and call an expert from Age Heating & Cooling at 208-578-4258 quickly.
It doesn’t matter how old your furnace is or what brand it is, it has at least one standard wall switch installed on or near it.
- Make sure the lever is moved up in the “on” spot. If it was turned off, expect your furnace to take up to five minutes to ignite. (If you’re unsure where your furnace is located, check your basement, garage or utility closet. It may also be in a crawl space or attic.)
3. Get a New Air Filter
When we consider heating issues, a dirty, clogged air filter is regularly the top culprit.
If your filter is too grungy:
- Your heater won’t keep heating your home, or it could get too hot from restricted airflow.
- Your heating bills might go up because your heat is running more than it should.
- Your heat might fail too soon due to the fact a dusty filter causes it to work harder.
- Your heating system may lose power if an excessively dirty filter causes the breaker to trip.
Depending on what make of heater you own, your air filter will be in the interior of the blower compartment of your furnace, an attached filter case or wall-mounted return air grille.
To put in a new filter:
- Switch off your heating system.
- Pull out the filter and tilt it toward the light. If you can’t see light through it, use a new one.
- Put in the new filter with the arrow facing toward the heating system to prevent damage.
Flat filters should be replaced every month, while pleated filters should last about three months. If you have children or pets, you may have to change your filter more often.
To make the process smoother in the future, use a permanent writing tool on your furnace housing or ductwork to show the airflow direction and filter size.
4. Check the Condensate Pan
Otherwise known as drain pans, condensate pans capture moisture your heating system removes from the air.
If moisture is leaking from within your heater or its pan is overflowing, use these steps.
- If your pan contains a drain (look for a PVC pipe), double-check that it’s clear. If it requires draining, get a special pan-cleaning tablet you can purchase at home improvement or hardware stores.
- If your pan contains a pump, check the float switch. If the lever is jammed “up” with water in the pan, call us at 208-578-4258, because you will possibly have to install a new pump.
5. Check for Heating Error Codes
If faults keep on happening, peek inside your heating system’s plastic window to verify the blower motor’s status. Depending on the brand, the light may also be fixed on the surface of your heater.
If you note anything other than an uninterrupted, colored light or twinkling green light, reach us at 208-578-4258 for HVAC service. Your heater could be emitting an error code that requires pro help.
6. Scrub the Flame Sensor
If your heating system makes an effort to work but switches off without blowing warmth, a dirty flame sensor can be to blame. When this takes place, your heating system will make an attempt to ignite three times before a safety mechanism turns it off for about an hour.
If you feel okay with opening up your heating system, cleaning your flame sensor is work you can do on your own. Or, one of our heating service professionals is able to finish it for you.
If you are confident cleaning the sensor personally, you require:
- A 1/4” hex screwdriver or wrench
- Piece of light grit sandpaper, steel wool or emery cloth
- A fresh paper towel
As the next step:
- Shut off the furnace’s power through its wall switch or breaker. If you don’t have an electric gas valve, you must switch off the gas as well.
- Lift off the heater’s front panel and follow the wire to the flame sensor.
- Remove the rod and use your sandpaper, steel wool or emery cloth to lightly clean the metal rod.
- Clear the rod with a paper towel.
- Screw the sensor back in.
- Replace the furnace doors.
- Switch the furnace’s power back on. It might proceed through a set of inspections before proceeding with normal running. If your heating system doesn’t turn on, the sensor could need to be replaced or something else may be wrong. If this takes place, get in touch with us at 208-578-4258 for heating and cooling repair help.
7. Relight the Pilot Light
If you own an older heating system, the pilot light could be turned off. To relight it, find the directions on a sticker on your furnace, or follow these guidelines.
- Find the lever below your furnace labeled “pilot,” “on” and “off.”
- Move the switch to the “off” position.
- Wait at least five minutes to avoid sparking a fire.
- Move the knob to “pilot.”
- Push the “reset” lever as you push the flame of a long lighter to the pilot light opening.
- Depress the “reset” button once the pilot light is ignited.
If you have followed the guide twice and the pilot light still won’t burn or remain ignited, call us at 208-578-4258 for furnace service.
Examine Your Fuel Source
Try switching on an additional gas appliance. If it doesn’t work, your natural gas delivery may be turned off, or you might have run out of propane.