You wake up to a chilly house.
Before assuming the furnace has failed, there are several simple things you can safely check yourself.
For homeowners in Loveland and Springdale, this checklist could save an unnecessary service call—or help you recognize when you really do need one.
1. Check the Thermostat
Make sure it’s set to HEAT, the temperature is set above the current room temperature, and the batteries aren’t dead if your thermostat uses them.
It sounds obvious, but thermostat settings cause more confusion than most homeowners realize.
2. Check the Furnace Filter
A badly clogged filter restricts airflow.
The Department of Energy recommends routinely cleaning or replacing furnace and heat-pump filters.
If you can’t remember the last time yours was changed, take a look. An HVAC maintenance plan can help you stay on schedule.
3. Check the Circuit Breaker
Verify that the furnace breaker hasn’t tripped.
If you reset a breaker and it trips again, however, don’t keep resetting it. That calls for professional diagnosis.
4. Check the Furnace Power Switch
Many furnaces have a switch nearby that looks surprisingly similar to an ordinary light switch.
Make sure it hasn’t accidentally been turned off.
5. Check Your Registers
Make sure supply and return vents aren’t blocked by furniture, rugs, boxes or other household items.
6. Look at the Outside Venting You Can Safely See
If your heating system vents through the side of the house, make sure nothing obvious is blocking the openings.
Don’t dismantle anything. You’re simply looking for an obvious obstruction.
7. Listen to What the Furnace Is Doing
Does nothing happen at all?
Does it start and immediately stop?
Does the blower operate without producing warm air?
Does it repeatedly try to start?
Those details can be extremely helpful when you call your HVAC company.
When It’s Time to Stop Troubleshooting
Homeowners can safely handle filters, thermostat settings and a few basic checks.
Opening the furnace and trying to diagnose electrical, gas, combustion or internal mechanical problems is another matter.
That’s where DIY should end.
And that’s really the point of this checklist: know what you can check yourself and know when it’s time to call someone who works on these systems every day.
If you’ve checked the basics and your Loveland or Springdale home still isn’t warming properly, Tri State Heating & Cooling can diagnose the problem and help get the heat back on. Contact us to schedule furnace repair.