Furnace Repair Checklist
1. Look at the Thermostat
First, ensure your thermostat is instructing your heat to start.
Digital Thermostat
- Change the batteries if the display is empty. If the digital monitor is mixed up, the thermostat may need to be swapped out.
- Make certain that the button is on “heat” instead of “off” or “cool.”
- Make sure the program is set to the right day and time and is set to “run.” If you’re having a hard time getting out of the setting, adjust the temperature by using the up/down arrows and pressing the “hold” button. This will cause the furnace to turn on if thermostat is causing trouble.
- Set the temperature setting to 5 degrees hotter than what the room temperature currently is.
If your heating hasn’t started within a few minutes, make sure it has juice by toggling the fan switch from “auto” to “on.” If the fan doesn’t start, your heater might not have power.
Smart Thermostat
If you utilize a smart thermostat—such as one manufactured by Nest, Ecobee, Lux, Honeywell or Bosch—troubleshooting will depend on your model. Check the manufacturer’s website for assistance. If you’re still unable to get your Wi-Fi thermostat to function, reach us at 303-452-4146 for heating and cooling service.
2. Inspect Breakers and Switches
Next, verify your breaker and furnace switch are on.
- Locate your main electrical panel. If you aren’t sure where it is, search for a silver metal box in your basement, garage or closet.
- Make certain that your hands and feet aren’t moist prior to touching the panel or breakers.
- Find the breaker marked “furnace” or “heat,” and ensure it’s switched “on.” If you discover a tripped breaker, it will be in the middle or “off” area.
- Moving one hand, quickly switch the breaker to the “on” position. If the breaker immediately trips and pops back to “off,” don't try to reset it and contact an expert from Northglenn Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc. at 303-452-4146 right away.
Regardless of your furnace’s age or brand, it has no less than one regular wall switch set on or by it.
- Make certain the switch is moved up in the “on” spot. If it was turned off, it could take your furnace up to five minutes to turn on. (If you’re unsure where to locate your furnace, look in your basement, garage or utility closet. It could also be in a crawl space or attic.)
3. Get a New Air Filter
When we think about heating breakdowns, a filthy, clogged air filter is often the top culprit.
If your filter is too dusty:
- Your heat won’t be able to stay on, or it could overheat from restricted airflow.
- Your energy expenses might increase because your heater is working more than it should.
- Your heat might stop working prematurely since a dirty filter causes it to work harder.
- Your heating may lose power if an extremely clogged filter causes the breaker to trip.
Based on what type of furnace you use, your air filter is located within the blower compartment of your heating system, an attached filter case or wall-mounted return air grille.
To put in a new filter:
- Cut the power to your heating system.
- Take out the filter and tilt it toward the light. If you can’t view light through it, get a new one.
- Install the new filter with the arrow pointing toward the heater to avoid damage.
Flat filters should be replaced monthly, while pleated filters should last about three months. If you have children or pets, you may have to put in a new filter sooner.
To make changing your filter easier in the future, draw with a permanent marker on your heating system housing or ductwork to show the airflow direction and filter size.
4. Examine the Condensate Pan
Also known as drain pans, condensate pans capture moisture your furnace pulls from the air.
If water is dripping out of your heating system or its pan has too much water in it, try these recommendations.
- If your pan includes a drain (look for a PVC pipe), check that it isn’t clogged. If it should be drained, get a special pan-cleaning tablet you can purchase at home improvement or hardware retailers.
- If your pan has a pump, check the float switch. If the switch can’t be moved from the “up” position with standing water in the pan, contact us at 303-452-4146, because you will likely have to buy a new pump.
5. Check for Heating Error Codes
If malfunctions continue, peek within your heater’s plastic window to check the blower motor’s status. Depending on the model, the light may also be fixed on the surface of your furnace.
If you notice anything else besides a solid, colored light or twinkling green light, reach us at 303-452-4146 for HVAC service. Your heating system may be giving an error code that requires professional service.
6. Scrub the Flame Sensor
If your heater makes an effort to run but shuts off without putting out heated air, a dusty flame sensor could be responsible. When this occurs, your heating system will attempt to start three times before a safety mechanism powers it down for about an hour.
If you feel confident with taking the panels off your heater, brushing off your flame sensor is a job you are able to do yourself. Or, one of our heating service specialists has the ability to finish it for you.
If you are fine with cleaning the sensor personally, you need:
- A 1/4” hex screwdriver or wrench
- Piece of light grit sandpaper, steel wool or emery cloth
- A dry, clean paper towel
Then:
- Disable the heating system’s power by using its wall switch or breaker. If your furnace’s gas valve isn’t electric, you will need to shut off the gas as well.
- Take off the heating system’s front panel and trace the wire to the flame sensor.
- Remove the rod and use your sandpaper, steel wool or emery cloth to gently rub the metal rod.
- Clean the rod with a paper towel.
- Remount the sensor.
- Put the furnace doors back on.
- Turn the furnace’s power back on. It may run through a series of tests before resuming usual heating. If your heater doesn’t ignite, the sensor could require replacement or something else might be creating an issue. If this takes place, get in touch with us at 303-452-4146 for heating and cooling repair assistance.
7. Relight the Pilot Light
If you are using an aging furnace, the pilot light could be out. To reignite it, look for the guide on a sheet on your heater, or follow these guidelines.
- Locate the toggle on the bottom of your heating system marked “pilot,” “on” and “off.”
- Move the switch to the “off” position.
- Take a break for at least five minutes to limit the possibility for creating a fire.
- Move the knob to “pilot.”
- Press the “reset” switch as you push the flame of a long lighter to the pilot light opening.
- Depress the “reset” switch once the pilot light is lit.
If you have gone through the guide twice and the pilot light still won’t ignite or keep lit, get in touch with us at 303-452-4146 for furnace service.
Examine Your Fuel Source
Try turning on a second gas appliance. If it doesn’t operate, your natural gas delivery could be switched off, or you could be out of propane.