Need Furnace Repair? 3 Things To Check First
It's the middle of the summer, and your furnace has suddenly decided not to run. This is a problem that any homeowner would want to fix as quickly as possible, but there are a few simple fixes that you should try before calling for furnace repair.
1. Inspect Your Thermostat
Your thermostat is the brain of your HVAC system. The thermostat reads the ambient air temperature and sends the signal for your furnace to turn on when the set temperature isn't met. When the thermostat isn't working properly, your furnace could refuse to turn on even if there isn't anything wrong with the furnace itself.
The first place you should look if your furnace won't turn on is the thermostat. If the display on your thermostat is turned off, it's likely that the thermostat needs a new battery. It's also a good idea to unscrew the thermostat from its mounting plate and check for connection problems in the wiring.
2. Check the Breaker
Naturally, your furnace won't turn on if it isn't receiving power. It's easy to forget to check the breaker for your furnace before assuming that there is a bigger problem. Locate your electrical panel and make sure that none of the breakers are flipped. They should be labeled, but if not, you should still be able to easily locate the flipped breaker. Set the breaker back to the correct position and test your furnace again.
3. Clean the Condensate Pan
Your HVAC system has evaporator coils above the air handler that cool the air when you use your air conditioner. These coils collect condensation that drips into a drain pan beneath them. Many HVAC drain pans have float switches that shut off when the pan is full to prevent water from running into the floor around your furnace.
If the pan is full, the float switch could be preventing both your AC and furnace from running. Remove your furnace access panel and locate the drain pan above the blower. Emptying the pan could be all that's needed to get your furnace working again. However, this could also mean that the drain line from the condensate pan will need to be unclogged.
Knowing a few simple tricks to get your furnace running again will help you keep your home comfortable and avoid a repair bill. Keep these tips in mind the next time your furnace won't start so that you and your family aren't left in the cold!
To learn more, contact a resource like Powder River Heating & Air Conditioning Inc.
