In nearly every area of the country, a furnace is necessary to help stay safe and comfortable during the winter months. But furnaces are complicated pieces of mechanical equipment that require regular basic maintenance. Sometimes they stop working.
The skilled technicians at Ambient Edge are here to help with whatever your heating and furnace needs may be. One simple call can take care of everything from a furnace maintenance visit to a furnace failure emergency.
If your furnace is having issues, there are a few simple steps you can take to troubleshoot and potentially get your heat working again. Here are some tips from our specialists.
How Your Furnace Works
The most common type of furnace in the U.S. is a gas furnace, but some households also have electric or oil furnaces that are called “forced air.” In general, they draw in cold air, run it through the filter, heat the air, then utilize a blower motor to disperse it through the ductwork in your home.
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Common Furnace Issues
At Ambient Edge, we’ve pretty much seen it all when it comes to furnace and heating issues. The most common issues are frequently easily fixed, you just need to know what you’re looking for.
Furnace Is Not Heating
If your furnace isn’t heating properly, or heating at all, there are a few items you can look at to see if the solution is simple and you can do it yourself.
- Make sure the power is on. If the furnace power switch is flipped to the OFF position, turn it on and, hopefully, this solves your problem
- Check the circuit breaker and make sure it hasn’t tripped
- Confirm that your heat registers are open so heated air can blow out through your home
- Ensure the front panel or access panel is properly latched or secured
Your Thermostat
If the power is on and the registers are open, check the thermostat. It should be on and set to heat. Replace the thermostat batteries, if necessary.
If the thermostat is working, raise the temperature at least five degrees higher than the temperature in your home and wait to see if the furnace turns on. Keep in mind that if your thermostat is located in direct sunlight or near an oven that is turned on, it may be reading the temperature in your home as warmer than it actually is.
Your HVAC Filter
Always check your furnace filter. If it’s dirty or clogged it can block the airflow and even prevent the furnace from starting.
Turn off the furnace before checking your air filter. Open the panel and check your air filter. If the air filter is clean, it’s unlikely that is causing your furnace issues. However, if the filter is caked with dust, dirt, and debris then put in a new filter. Be sure the new filter is installed properly and the panel is correctly sealed before turning the furnace back on.
Your Pilot Light
If you have a gas furnace, the pilot light flame should remain lit at all times. Look for the small blue flame to indicate the pilot light is working properly. If the pilot light is out, you’ll need to turn off the gas then can relight the pilot on your own, as long as you are comfortable carefully following the instructions in the instruction manual.
If the flame is any color other than blue, call Ambient Edge right away and do not attempt to fix any pilot light issues.
Furnace Is Cycling
If your furnace is not running for periods longer than a few minutes at a time and is, instead, frequently “cycling” on and off repeatedly, this is a problem. Be sure the vents are clear, the thermostat is working properly, and the filter is clean.
If you’ve checked the above and the furnace is still short cycling, it’s time to call the pros at Ambient Edge.
Furnace Is Constantly Blowing
You may have your thermostat set to the fan setting, which means the blower runs all the time. Switch the thermostat setting to auto so the unit only runs when it is heating.
If this is not the problem, the fan limit switch could be malfunctioning. This is a safety feature to monitor the internal furnace temperature. On some units, the fan limit switch can be reset, but if you’re unsure of how to do this, call Ambient Edge. We can help.
Furnace Noise
Endless humming or buzzing, bumping or knocking noises, or a high-pitched shrieking sound should never be ignored. Check the filter and replace it if it’s dirty. If that doesn’t solve the problem, call Ambient Edge. Early intervention is the key to preventing potentially serious damage and costly repairs.
Water Around the Furnace
If you find a small pool of water around the base of your furnace, your condensate pump may be to blame. It could be a simple clog or the pump itself could be malfunctioning.
Preventative Maintenance
The best way to prevent heating and furnace emergencies and expensive repairs is to have an annual HVAC maintenance visit. Ambient Edge offers several maintenance plans to help maintain your system and even ensure it lasts longer, lowers your energy bills, and takes care of small issues affordably before they become big problems. A yearly safety check can also make sure your family and home stay protected.
Call and the experienced team at Ambient Edge will answer your heating and HVAC system questions. We can provide information on regular maintenance and help you troubleshoot any issues you may be having. If necessary, we provide 24-hour emergency service.
