Furnace Repair
What you should check before making a repair call
Have you started thinking about that inevitable day when you have to turn on your furnace for the upcoming fall and winter months?
It’s probably not on the top of your priority list as Vancouver basks in the summer sunshine and the air conditioners and fans in your house are on blast.
But what would you do if you went to turn on your furnace on the first chilly day of fall and it didn’t turn on? We will discuss some things you can check before making a furnace repair call.
Furnace Repair Checklist
- Is your furnace getting power?
- Is your furnace switch turned “On”?
- Have you checked your thermostat settings?
- Have you checked your thermostat batteries?
- Have you replaced your furnace filter?
- Is there anything blocking your intake or exhaust vent?
Is your furnace getting power?
Check your fuse box to insure there are not any tripped circuit breakers. Tripped circuit breakers could indicate a much larger problem with your electrical system, so it is always good to check your fuse box first.
Is your furnace switch turned “On”?
As your furnace has been unused all summer, the switch may have accidentally been turned “Off”. Look for the power switch on the side of the furnace. There may also be a lift-able housing containing a fuse. Check this fuse; if it is blackened and burnt, then it will need to be replaced before you use your furnace. Always remember that a blown fuse may indicate a much larger system problem. If this is the case, your system should be inspected by a licensed technician.
Have you checked your thermostat settings?
Make sure your thermostat is set to “heat” and the temperature is high enough for the furnace to turn on. While this may sound very obvious, it is a small detail that can easily be overlooked.
Have you checked your thermostat batteries?
If you have a programmable thermostat, check to see if the “low battery” icon is flashing. If it is, the batteries in the unit will need to be replaced.
Have you replaced your furnace filter?
If your furnace turns on, but doesn’t seem to be blowing air as hard as it normally does, it could mean that the air filter needs to be changed. Air filters are used to trap dust, hair and other particles in the air. Over time, the filter fills up with debris that can restrict the air flow though your furnace system. Air filters should be changed every 3 months in residential heating systems. The filter should be changed more frequently if you own a pet that sheds it’s hair with the seasonal changes.
Is anything blocking the air intake and exhaust vent?
Not all furnaces nowadays vent through chimneys. Many newer homes have furnaces that have their intake and exhaust vents through the side of the home. In some cases, the natural elements outside your home could be affecting your heating system. If this is the case, it is a good idea to consult with a licensed technician about a new venting solution.
If you have tried all of the tips above and your furnace will still not turn on, then it is time to call a licensed technician. Often a service technician can discuss common issues with your furnace make and model with you, so that you can solve these issues yourself in the future. They can also identify potential issues and repair components before they require an expensive emergency service call.
The best way to keep your furnace working efficiently is to have it inspected before you really need to use it. Your furnace is probably the last thing on your mind in the summer time, but the summer months are the perfect time to have your furnace inspected, serviced and cleaned.
Contact your Vancouver plumbing and heating experts at Universal Plumbing and Heating for Furnace Repair.
Call 604-873-3551 or visit our website to book an appointment for your furnace, today. Universal Plumbing and Heating can take care of all your summer furnace repair needs.
