2. Change the Furnace Filter
by Admin
Posted on 10-10-2024 11:35 AM
Your first step should be to examine the filter. Not only is this one of the most common causes of a struggling furnace, but it’s also one of the easiest, fastest and least expensive problems to fix. While the air filter’s job it to get dirty, if it traps too much dirt and debris, it can become clogged and restrict airflow, forcing the furnace’s air handler work even harder.
At best, this can diminish the air quality in your home, overheat your heat exchanger or and drive up your energy bill. At worst, it can become a fire hazard.
Your furnace’s air filter prevents dust and debris from getting into the blower motor, but it needs to be changed periodically. Over time, all of the dust that it catches builds up, and the filter can no longer do its job. Once dust gets into your blower motor, you’ll need to replace that as well, so it is best to change the filter before it ever gets to that point. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heating,_ventilation,_and_air_conditioning
These common furnace problems all have similar causes and can be handled on your own. Following these recommendations can help you solve the problem. Remember to always ensure your safety when working on your furnace and make sure it is both off and completely cool before starting. Check the circuit breaker. It may have tripped and turned off, which would turn off the power to the furnace. Change the air filters. Any build-up in the filters prevents proper ventilation throughout your home. Adjust the thermostat. It should be on and the temperature should be high enough for you. Open vents.
4. Make Sure the Circuit Breaker Isn’t Tripped
Your furnace won’t work properly if its power source is interrupted. A blown fuse, tripped circuit breaker, or even a bad wire connection can interrupt your power supply. If your furnace stops working, check your home’s electrical panel to make sure the switches are in the on position before calling an electrician.
If your furnace isn’t receiving power, don’t worry! there are a few things you can do to troubleshoot the problem. First, check that it’s plugged in–maybe the cord was disconnected accidentally. Next, see if flipping the breaker will help; sometimes a tripped breaker is all that’s wrong. If it trips again shortly after being reset, though, this could be indicative of an issue with your wiring or circuit breaker. In that case, call an electrician as soon as possible.
Possible causes include a broken thermostat; the thermostat being set too low; an out pilot light; a blown fuse or circuit breaker; a closed gas valve; or electronic ignition problems. Depending on the cause of the problem, you may need to make sure the thermostat is in “heat mode” and adjust it up a few degrees; relight the pilot light; replace a blown fuse or tripped circuit breaker; troubleshoot the thermostat; or troubleshoot electronic ignition problems.
if your furnace's front panel door isn't completely closed, the unit won't turn on. This is an intentional safety precaution. Head to your furnace and ensure the front panel door is closed.