Heating is a necessity in Ronkonkoma, N.Y., and nearby communities. Well-functioning heating systems create a comfortable indoor environment and keep you and your family safe and healthy during cold weather. If your heating system is not performing well, call for repairs as soon as possible. Waiting can make problems worse or cause the system to stop working when you need it.
Before you call for furnace repair, check a few system components to see if the problem can be solved without a service call. If these troubleshooting tips do not correct the issue, contact a professional for service. Gas furnaces should be serviced by a professional trained to diagnose problems and ensure the system operates safely. Do-it-yourself furnace repairs may create safety or health hazards or void the warranty.
Common Furnace Complaints
Several signs indicate that a furnace is not working properly:
- Does not turn on
- Blows cold air
- No air flows from ducts
- Makes odd noises
- Experiences long or short run times
Many problems are due to a lack of maintenance. Most HVAC manufacturers recommend tune-ups of the furnace in the fall before first use and the air conditioner in the spring before warm weather sets in. During a scheduled maintenance session, certified service technicians inspect each component of the system. Furnace maintenance includes checking burners, heat exchangers, plenums, filters, fans, and piping. We also test for dangerous gases to ensure safety.
Change the Filter
Dirty filters are the primary reason that an HVAC system stops working. Filters trap airborne particulates and keep them from entering ducts and other components. A clogged filter restricts airflow, which can keep the furnace from producing warm air. Eventually, the heat exchanger may overheat, which can shut the system down. Dirty filters can also cause the furnace to make weird noises, run longer, or not turn on at all.
Manufacturers recommend cleaning or changing filters approximately every three months. If you have pets or live in an area with a lot of dust or poor air quality, you may have to change or clean filters more often. To clean a permanent filter, rinse it with warm water and let it air dry. If the filter is disposable, insert a fresh one. Do not operate the furnace without a filter.
Check Breakers and Switches
If your furnace does not turn on, it may not be getting power. First, check the furnace switch. An ordinary-looking switch should be situated next to the furnace. Verify it is in the on position. If it is on, check the breaker at the main electrical panel to verify that it has not tripped. If it has, reset it and restart the furnace. If the furnace does not start, call a professional.
Ensure Gas Valves Are On
Gas furnaces have two valves. A safety valve supplies gas to flow to the pilot light. If the pilot light is not on, check the valve, usually located in the service box on the furnace.
The main valve supplies the burners. The main valve will be located near the furnace on a gas pipe that supplies gas to the appliance. Ensure that it is in the on position. If the lever is perpendicular to the pipe, it is off. If there is a gas leak, turn the main valve off and leave the building. Call for emergency service immediately.
Clear Outside Housing and Vents
HVAC systems include an indoor and outdoor unit. The housing around the outdoor unit must be clean and adequately ventilated. Clear off leaves, snow, dirt, or other debris on the grille. Experts recommend between one and two feet of clearance on all sides of the housing. Cut back vegetation and keep an area clear for access to the unit.
Furnaces have intake and exhaust vents outside that include a pipe and a screen covering the pipe opening. Clean the screen if it is dirty. If ice has formed around or inside the pipe, remove the ice and call for service. Ice formation means you have a problem within the system.
Check the Furnace Access Door
A small safety valve on the access door turns the furnace off when the door is opened. Occasionally, the valve sticks. Check that the door is completely closed. The furnace will not come on until the door is closed and latched.
Ensure Registers Are Open and Not Blocked
Registers may be in the ceiling, walls, or floor. Check throughout the building to ensure registers are open, not blocked, and clean. If they are dusty or dirty, vacuum them or remove the grilles, wash them with water, dry them, and reinstall them.
Furniture, curtains, or other obstructions in front of or on a register will not only affect airflow. Blocked registers can upset the balance of pressure throughout your home. You may find some rooms colder than others or experience poor airflow.
Check the Thermostat Setting, Batteries, and Fan Switch
The thermostat is the heart of your HVAC system, regulating temperature and humidity, signaling the system to turn on and off, and determining the length of runs. A faulty thermostat can cause several problems. Rooms may feel too hot or too cold or the furnace may run longer or cycle on more often. Here are simple ways to test the thermostat.
If your thermostat runs on batteries, change them. Check that the control is set to heat. Check the temperature setting. If the furnace is not running, increase the temperature. This should signal the furnace to turn on. If it does, let it run through the cycle to ensure it shuts off properly.
The thermostat has a switch for the fan. Normally, the fan should be set on automatically so that it turns off and on when the furnace runs. If the furnace is not running, change the fan switch to on. This should prompt the furnace to run after a few minutes. If it does not start, there may be a thermostat problem.
Check Furnace Error Codes
Newer furnaces include electronic components that regulate many functions. Electronic sensors connect to a board with an on/off light and an error display panel. Codes indicate what may be malfunctioning. Some equipment displays blinking lights; others display alphanumeric codes.
Some models include an error code list on the front cover of the furnace. If yours does not have a list, write down the flash patterns or the code. Reporting this information to your HVAC repair technicians when you call for service can help them understand the type of problem before they come to your home.
Your Expert Furnace Repair Specialists
[company name] has provided heating, ventilation, and air conditioning services to Ronkonkoma homes and businesses since 1976. Whether you have a heat pump, gas furnace, ductless mini-split, or packaged units, we are ready to keep your living space comfortable. Our services include new installations, maintenance, and repairs of all types of HVAC systems for businesses and residents.
Our technicians are NATE-certified, demonstrating expertise in core procedures and specialties. Ask us about our annual maintenance plans. Maintenance ensures your heating and cooling systems are working properly and safe to use.
If your furnace has problems, call Cool Power LLC for repairs. Although troubleshooting can solve simple problems, such as no power or a dirty filter, do not try to repair complex problems yourself. Call an experienced professional to solve the issue. We are available 24/7 for emergency repairs. For routine repair, please schedule a service call with our friendly staff.
