Your furnace keeps your home warm year-long, but you might not give it a second thought until something goes wrong. When your furnace breaks down in the middle of winter, you want quick solutions, but most people don’t know what to do if a furnace stops working.
As an HVAC company in Covington, LA, Parrain’s Heating & Air Conditioning put together this furnace troubleshooting guide. If your furnace stops working, give us a call for prompt service.
Steps To Take When Your Heater Fails
When your furnace stops working, it’s an inconvenience that can leave you shivering and uncomfortable — or even unsafe. Luckily, there are steps you can take to troubleshoot some issues. Our team at Parrain’s Heating & Air Conditioning is here to break it all down.
1. Check That the Furnace Is Turned On
First, make sure your furnace is actually turned on. Your furnace may be off without you realizing it. For example, if you recently had maintenance done, you could’ve forgotten to turn it back on afterward.
Some furnaces have safety mechanisms that don’t allow them to turn on if the front panel is not closed. Shut the furnace panel covering the blower motor and turn the unit on before taking any more steps.
2. Inspect Furnace Filters
Next on the list of emergency repair tips is an inspection of your furnace’s filters. When your filters become clogged, they cause inconsistent or weaker heat to flow through the furnace.
If the filters are clogged enough, the furnace can’t blow warm air through them, and the entire unit will shut down until you replace the filters. Replace your furnace filters at least once every three months to avoid this issue. It’s also smart to check them every month to ensure they aren’t becoming too dirty.
3. Assess Your Thermostat
If the heating system malfunction solutions above don’t work, assess your thermostat. Ensure it is turned on and set to heat mode. To troubleshoot a broken thermostat, turn it five degrees higher than the temperature of the room. You should hear the furnace turn on. If you don’t, check the batteries.
You may see a low battery warning before your thermostat shuts off. When the batteries die, the screen will go blank. Replace your thermostat batteries about once a year to avoid this problem.
4. Inspect the Air Ducts
Once you’ve checked the most common culprits, you can look to the ducts to try other quick fixes for a stopped furnace. If your furnace is blowing warm air but isn’t properly heating your house, the problem might be your air ducts.
Your ducts contain handles called dampers that control airflow. Check that they are fully open. There could also be an air duct leak, which is harder to find on your own. These are serious issues that require professional attention as soon as possible.
5. Consult a Professional
If DIY furnace problem-solving isn’t working, it’s time to consult a professional. While you might not know what to do if a furnace stops working, an expert will identify issues that might not be obvious to the untrained eye.
The cost of furnace repair varies depending on the extent of the issue. Newer furnaces tend to have more minor issues, while older furnaces can be costly to repair. Annual maintenance can mitigate the risk of severe furnace issues.
Fix Your Furnace With Parrain’s Heating & Air Conditioning
Now that you know what to do if a furnace stops working, you might be able to get your furnace up and running yourself. However, when DIY furnace problem solving fails, call our team at Parrain’s Heating & Air Conditioning. When your furnace shuts down, we show up.
Our team proudly provides quick and effective emergency furnace repair tips and solutions. We work on all types of residential HVAC systems, including various furnace models.When your furnace breaks down, you can depend on us to restore your home’s warmth and safety. Call (985) 303-9883 to schedule service with Parrain’s Heating & Air Conditioning.
