Your furnace can develop problems for a variety of different reasons. Although many repairs should only be performed by a professional heating contractor like Jerry Kelly Heating & Air Conditioning, there are a few steps you can always take to try and solve common furnace issues on your own. To help you through that process, today we’re going to talk about how to troubleshoot a furnace on your own before giving Jerry Kelly Heating & Air Conditioning a call!

How to troubleshoot a furnace: 7 things you can try before calling a professional

The following troubleshooting tips can be tried if your furnace recently developed problems. If you suspect any safety issues with your furnace, if your system has had the same issues come up multiple times or if the tips below do not solve your problems, contact Jerry Kelly Heating & Air Conditioning right away instead of trying to fix the problem on your own.

  1. Check your thermostat’s temperature setting. Your thermostat is always a good place to start when you’re troubleshooting furnace issues. Check to see the temperature at which your thermostat is set. You might find that the problems you’re experiencing are simply due to a temperature setting that’s too high or too low. Applicable if: Furnace won’t turn on; furnace won’t turn off; the furnace isn’t producing enough heat.
  2. Check the other settings on your thermostat. In addition to your thermostat’s temperature settings, there are two other settings you should check. First, check the fan setting. If the fan setting is set to “on” instead of “auto,” that might explain issues related to a furnace that never seems to shut off. Also, check to ensure that your thermostat is in “heat” mode. If it’s not, your furnace will never turn on. Applicable if: Furnace won’t turn on; furnace won’t turn off.
  3. Check your air filter. Many of the most common furnace problems can be traced back to a dirty air filter. If your furnace is acting up, it’s always a good idea to check the condition of your air filter and replace it if it’s clogged. Applicable if: Furnace won’t turn on; furnace won’t turn off; the furnace isn’t producing enough heat.
  4. Check your circuit breaker. If your furnace won’t turn on at all, you should take a look at your circuit breaker and see whether or not the switch to your furnace is in the “on” position. If your home recently had a power surge, the circuit breaker might have tripped, which will cut off power to your system. Applicable if: Furnace won’t turn on.
  5. Check your pilot light. If you have an older furnace with a pilot light, check to see whether or not the flame is burning. Pilot lights can blow out for several different reasons, and your furnace’s burners won’t light properly unless your pilot light is burning. Applicable if: Furnace won’t turn on.
  6. Check your gas supply. If your gas furnace won’t light properly, check the gas supply to your system and ensure that it’s open. If the gas supply was turned off for some reason, your furnace will not have a source of fuel to heat your home. Applicable if: Furnace won’t turn on.

  7. Check your air vents. One often overlooked source of comfort problems in homes is closed-off or blocked air vents. Make sure that all of the vents in your home are open and free of obstructions so that warm air can be delivered to every room. Applicable if: Furnace isn’t producing enough heat.

If you have any questions about how to troubleshoot a furnace, or if you’d like a heating system serviced or installed in your home, contact Jerry Kelly Heating & Air Conditioning, your St. Charles, MO, furnace repair and installation contractor. We provide service all over the St. Louis area, including towns like Dardenne Prairie, Des Peres, and Frontenac, MO.

photo credit: _vikram via photopin cc

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