Furnace Problems?

My furnace sounds like it starts then it stops a minute or two later.  It’s not creating any warm air and my house is getting cold.  What should I do? 

This is a common problem with furnaces and sometimes can just be a simple repair. Although, it could also be something more involved. Unless you are handy person and confident that you can troubleshoot the problem, it’s best to call your local HVAC Company. Listed below are a few things you can do/check before you call a professional.

Check your thermostat: This is one of the most common causes for your heating and cooling system to not function properly. Make sure it is set to HEAT and that the temperature is set to your desired level. Also, if the FAN setting is switched to ON instead of AUTO, the fan is going run even when the furnace isn’t heating. This may feel like cold air is blowing out of your vents. Make sure to change the batteries in your thermostat if they are required. Not changing the batteries in your thermostat can cause the system to not come on and reset the thermostat to its factory settings. 

Check your filter and vents: In order for your HVAC system to operate properly, it has to have an adequate amount of air going through it. One of the simplest things a homeowner can do to prolong the life of their furnace and AC system is to change their filter on a monthly basis. Not changing the filter regularly will restrict airflow going through the system. This will cause the furnace to overheat and shut down. Also, check to make sure that all of your vents are open and unobstructed. Closed vents or vents that are blocked will also restrict airflow and cause issues with your furnace. 

Check the electrical system for the furnace: Before you call a professional, check to make sure all switches for the furnace are ON. Also, check the breaker panel to see if the breaker for the furnace tripped. If the breaker was tripped, try turning the breaker back on and see if the furnace operates properly. It may just be a one-time occurrence; however, if this problem persists there is most likely an issue with your furnace and you should contact your local HVAC contractor.   

Hopefully after you’ve completed this basic checklist your furnace is back up and running and your home is nice and warm. If not, at least you have new batteries in your thermostat and a fresh filter in your furnace. To do any further troubleshooting requires some tools and knowledge on the sequence of operation of your furnace. The best bet after checking the suggestions above is to contact a professional to investigate.