Furnace Repair Checklist
1. Inspect the Thermostat
To start, make certain that your thermostat is signaling your heater to ignite.
Digital Thermostat
- Replace the batteries if the monitor is empty. If the digital screen is messed up, the thermostat could need to be replaced.
- Make certain that the button is on “heat” as opposed to “off” or “cool.”
- Make certain the program is showing the correct day and time and is set to “run.” If you’re having trouble getting out of the program, adjust the temperature by utilizing the up/down arrows and holding the “hold” button. This will cause the furnace to start if thermostat is causing trouble.
- Set the temperature setting to 5 degrees warmer than what the room temperature currently is.
If your heating hasn’t started within a couple minutes, ensure it has electricity by moving the fan switch from “auto” to “on.” If the fan doesn’t operate, your heater may not have power.
Smart Thermostat
If you have a smart thermostat—such as one designed by Nest, Ecobee, Lux, Honeywell or Bosch—troubleshooting is very model-specific. Take a look at the manufacturer’s website for assistance. If you’re still unable to get your Wi-Fi thermostat to function, reach us at 918-333-0376 for heating and cooling service.
2. Check Breakers and Switches
Next, check if your breaker and furnace switch are on.
- Look for your main electrical panel. If you aren’t sure where it is, look for a silver metal box in your basement, garage or closet.
- Make sure your hands and feet aren’t moist in advance of touching the panel or breakers.
- Find the breaker labeled “furnace” or “heat,” and double-check it’s moved to “on.” If the breaker has tripped, it will be in the middle or “off” spot.
- With one hand, quickly flip the breaker to the “on” position. If the breaker trips right away and pops back to “off,” don't try to reset it and get in touch with an expert from Farris Heating & Air at 918-333-0376 right away.
No matter your furnace’s age or brand, it has at least one regular wall switch set on or by it.
- Make certain the control is flipped up in the “on” spot. If it was shut off, it could take your furnace up to five minutes to ignite. (If you’re unsure where your furnace is located, look in your basement, garage or utility closet. It may also be in a crawl space or attic.)
3. Buy a New Air Filter
When we consider heating problems, a filthy, full air filter is regularly the top offender.
If your filter is too dusty:
- Your heat won’t keep heating your home, or it might get too hot from reduced airflow.
- Your gas bills might be higher because your heat is turning on too often.
- Your furnace might fail too soon since a filthy filter causes it to overwork.
- Your heating system may lose power if an overly dirty filter results in a tripped breaker.
Based on what type of furnace you own, your air filter can be found inside the blower compartment of your heating system, an attached filter case or wall-mounted return air grille.
To swap out your filter:
- Turn off your heater.
- Remove the filter and hold it up to the light. If you can’t see light through it, get a new one.
- Put in the new filter with the arrow pointing toward the furnace to keep damage from happening.
Flat filters need to be replaced once a month, while pleated filters should last about three months. If you have children or pets, you may have to replace your filter more often.
To make the procedure smoother in the future, use a permanent marker on your heater housing or ductwork to list the airflow direction and filter size.
4. Check the Condensate Pan
Otherwise known as drain pans, condensate pans hold moisture your heating system pulls from the air.
If moisture is leaking from within your heating system or its pan is overflowing, follow these guidelines.
- If your pan includes a drain (look for a PVC pipe), check that it’s clear. If it should be drained, drop in a special pan-cleaning tablet you can buy at home improvement or hardware stores.
- If your pan contains a pump, take a look at the float switch. If the button is stuck “up” with water in the pan, contact us at 918-333-0376, because you will probably need a new pump.
5. Watch for Heating Error Codes
If faults persist, look at your heating system’s plastic window to check the blower motor’s status. Depending on the model, the light may also be mounted on the exterior of your heater.
If you note anything other than a steady, colored light or twinkling green light, call us at 918-333-0376 for HVAC service. Your heater might be emitting an error code that requires pro help.
6. Clean the Flame Sensor
If your heating system makes an effort to start but turns off without putting out warmth, a grimy flame sensor can be to blame. When this takes place, your heating system will make an attempt to start three times before a safety device shuts it down for about an hour.
If you feel confident with taking the panels off your furnace, brushing off your flame sensor is work you can do on your own. Or, one of our heating service professionals can do it for you.
If you are confident cleaning the sensor on your own, you need:
- A 1/4” hex screwdriver or wrench
- Bit of light grit sandpaper, steel wool or emery cloth
- A fresh paper towel
Then:
- Turn off the furnace’s power with its wall switch or breaker. If you don’t have an electric gas valve, you have to turn off the gas as well.
- Take off the furnace’s front panel and follow the wire to the flame sensor.
- Take off the rod and use your sandpaper, steel wool or emery cloth to gently scrub the metal rod.
- Wipe off the rod with a paper towel.
- Screw the sensor back in.
- Secure the furnace doors.
- Switch the furnace’s power back on. It may run through a set of inspections before resuming normal operation. If your heating system doesn’t turn on, the sensor may need to be replaced or something else could be wrong. If this happens, get in touch with us at 918-333-0376 for heating and cooling repair assistance.
7. Reignite the Pilot Light
If you have an older heater, the pilot light could be out. To light it, find the steps on a label on your heating system, or follow these steps.
- Locate the toggle below your heater that says “pilot,” “on” and “off.”
- Move the switch to the “off” position.
- Don’t do anything for at least five minutes to avoid creating a fire.
- Move the knob to “pilot.”
- Press the “reset” switch as you move the flame of a long lighter to the pilot light opening.
- Let go of the “reset” switch once the pilot light is lit.
If you have tried the list twice and the pilot light still won’t burn or stay burning, contact us at 918-333-0376 for furnace service.
Double-Check Your Gas Delivery System
Try turning on another gas appliance. If it doesn’t work, your natural gas service may be shut off, or you could be out of propane.