Living in Edmonton means that your furnace is a precious commodity. Even though the winter temperatures in Edmonton can vary from day-to-day, they can still reach frigid lows. In the dead of winter, you can’t afford for your furnace to work poorly or stop working altogether.
If your furnace will not turn on, blows cold air or is heating your home inconsistently, there’s a good chance that something is going wrong. Before calling the professionals, here are a few steps you can take to troubleshoot your furnace and get it up and running again.
1. Check the Filters
When your furnace is acting up, or not working at all, a quick fix could be to clean the furnace’s filters. Dirt and dust can clog the filter, impede the air flow and can prevent the furnace from turning on. Clogged furnace filters are a fire hazard and can cause allergen issues. Regular inspections are a must! Check your furnace filter every 30 days and clean or replace as needed in order to keep your furnace running in top condition.
2. Check the Vents and Registers
In order for your furnace to run properly and efficiently, the vents and registers needs to be open and unobstructed. Make sure that no rugs, furniture, or other large objects are blocking the air flow. It’s also a good idea to check your ducts for leaks. Excess air pressure within the ducts can lead to HVAC breakdowns.
3. Check the Thermostat
Issues with your furnace may stem from the thermostat. Check to see if the batteries are working and make sure the thermostat is set to “heat”. Pay attention to where the thermostat is as well. Your furnace may not turn on if the thermostat is receiving inaccurate temperature readings from sunlight, lamps, stoves, etc.
4. Check the Furnace Switch and Electrical Panel
It may seem silly to mention but make sure the furnace is set to the “on” position. If it’s on but it’s still not working, turn it off and inspect the breaker/fuse box to make sure there isn’t a fuse or breaker issues. Flip the necessary breaker or replace the burnt out fuse before turning the furnace on again.
Always be cautious when interacting with electrical components. If you feel as though there may be an electrical issue beyond the fuse box, it’s best to contact the professionals. Call a trained HVAC technician to assess, diagnose, and resolve the issue.
5. Check the Furnace Flame
The flame of your furnace should be blue, possibly with a hint of yellow. This indicates that the furnace is burning fuel safely. If the flame is burning any other color, contact an HVAC professional immediately. Never attempt to fix a discolored flame yourself.
If the flame is out, use caution and consult your furnace’s user manual before attempting to relight. Turn off the furnace’s gas source and wait for about 10-15 minutes before relighting. If you smell gas after waiting, do not light the flame. This indicates a gas leak. Again, contact a trained HVAC technician.
When to Call a Professional
Repairs beyond simple inspections should be handled by licensed and trained HVAC technicians. When all else fails, our expert HVAC technicians at Peak Hydronics are available 24-7 for emergency furnace servicing. Don’t hesitate. Contact Peak Hydronics today for all your furnace needs.