How to Troubleshoot Your Furnace

Your heating system is one of the most important and costly pieces of equipment in your home. And yet regardless of its age or how well you take care of it, it won’t last forever. Older model furnaces, for example, have an expected equipment life of 12 – 15 years while newer, more energy systems can last up to 20 years – perhaps even longer.

Still, when the time comes when your heating system isn’t performing up to par, maybe all it needs is a new filter, a replacement thermostat, or some other minor fix or adjustment.  

When the problem is more serious, you’ll want the very best assistance available – the kind we provide at Air Professionals. But before you make that call, here are a few things to check on first.  

Your home isn’t as warm enough.

  1. First, check that no one has messed with the thermostat. It’s not uncommon for family members to have a difference of opinion on the ideal temp.
  1. Check the filter. If it’s clogged with dust and pet hair, it must work harder to maintain a consistent temperature – the one you want. Replace furnace filters about every 4 weeks during the heating season or as recommended by the manufacturer.
  1. Is there a crack or gap in the ductwork? If so, it could be causing warmed air to escape. Have ductwork inspected and sealed at least once a year and when you’re low on heat.
  1. If you notice cold spots in certain rooms of your home, contact Air Professionals to perform an airflow analysis and balancing to ensure consistent comfort throughout.

The furnace isn’t producing any heat.

  1. Check the thermostat to make sure someone hasn’t accidentally flipped the switch to the “off” position. If that’s not it, try replacing the batteries.
  1. Check the power source to the furnace and reset the circuit if it’s been tripped. If this happens routinely, it might be time to upgrade your circuit breaker.
  2. Your furnace flame should be a healthy blue color, with perhaps a small yellowish tip. The blue flame indicates that your gas furnace is burning the fuel safely and efficiently. If the flame is red, yellow, purple, green, or any other color than blue, contact a professional right away. Never attempt to fix your furnace flame color on your own.

Furnace or boiler, no matter. At Air Professionals, we provide preventive maintenance and repair all makes and models, including yours. In fact, if it’s been a year or longer since your system was last tuned up and inspect, call us today to avoid problems down the road.  

 

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