Don’t panic if your furnace stops working. By following these five furnace troubleshooting tips, you should be able to resolve most common issues.
If you need emergency repairs, contact us right away. We offer round the clock emergency furnace & heating system repairs and replacements.
Check Thermostat Settings and Power Supply
When your furnace stops working, you should first check the thermostat and power supply.
If there are heating system issues, it might be a case of the thermostat temperature not being high enough to trigger the furnace. Make sure the thermostat settings are turned to “heat” and a few degrees above room temperature. For winter in Canada, a setting of at least 16C is recommended.
Another furnace troubleshooting tip is to check your home’s circuit breaker: it may have tripped. Flip the breaker to turn it back on if needed.
Inspect and Replace Air Filters
A clogged air filter is a common cause of heating system issues. Air filters trap dust and debris, but any build-up can restrict airflow. Replacing air filters regularly is the best way to prevent more costly emergency heating repairs.
To conduct furnace troubleshooting, locate your air filter, remove the cover and replace it with a new one if it’s visibly dirty. Booking an annual furnace service is a great way to stay on top of furnace maintenance and get in front of costly repairs.
Examine the Pilot Light or Ignition System
If you are still asking yourself, “Why did my furnace stop working?” it’s time to check the pilot light and ignition systems.
Heating system issues can be caused by low gas pressure or brief electrical problems, which cause the pilot light or ignition system to go out.
Conduct furnace troubleshooting here by relighting the pilot light safely; make sure to turn off the furnace first and follow the instructions in your owner’s manual. For newer furnaces with electronic ignition systems, locate the reset button and press it to ignite the furnace.
Ensure Proper Ventilation and Clear Blockages
When your furnace stops working, it can be a case of poor ventilation and blockages in the system. This can cause the furnace to shut down as a safety precaution.
Furnace troubleshooting here involves checking and clearing blockages. You can do this by inspecting the area around the furnace and ensuring any vents or flutes are not obstructed and are clear of debris or snow outside.
Blocked vents can result in serious heating system issues and the need for emergency heating repairs, so address any airflow issues immediately.
Reset the Furnace
The classic advice of turning off and on again rings true for furnace troubleshooting. If your furnace stops working, it might just need a simple reset. To do this, flip the circuit breaker or turn off the power switch, wait for a few minutes, then turn everything back on.
This method should be used as a safety precaution if there has recently been a power interruption or glitch. However, if a furnace continues to malfunction, it might be a sign of more serious heating system issues.
Furnace Stops Working: When to Call a Professional HVAC Service
If you’ve tried all these tips, and looked at common signs your furnace needs repair, and are no closer to answering the question, “Why did my furnace stop working?”, it might be time to call a professional HVAC service.
A trained technician can help if you are experiencing problems that require specialized knowledge or more extensive safety precautions, such as electrical issues, gas leaks, component malfunctions, and ignition system problems.
McMullen’s experienced team is here and ready to assist you with any emergency heating repairs. Don’t hesitate if you are worried about any furnace issues. Contact us today for reliable and high-quality furnace repairs.
