Is Your Furnace Not Working Properly? Try These 4 Fixes

If your furnace is not working, you want to identify the problem and get it fixed as soon as possible. Winter is coming, which means you will need your furnace to keep your home comfortable.

Keeping up with furnace maintenance is one of the best ways to ensure your furnace will work when you need it. You can also save yourself from some potentially extensive damage from a furnace operating when it is broken.

Here is a guide to help you identify the most common fixes for a furnace not working. Read on!

1.  Inspect Your Filters

Inspecting your furnace filters is the first step in troubleshooting any furnace issues. If your furnace is operating inefficiently, or not at all, the filters are the first place you should look for the problem.

Standard filters can be removed and replaced, while electrostatic filters need to be vacuumed down with a specialized brush. Check for any kind of blockages or build-up that may be impacting the filter’s performance.

If you find your filter dirty, replacement or a furnace cleaning is required. 

2. Check All Electrical Connections

Before any repairs can be made to a broken furnace, the power must be turned off. Pop off the faceplate and make sure that all wires are securely connected to their terminals. Check for damages and make sure the circuit breaker is in the on position. 

A simple visual inspection of all the electrical wires can reveal which wires are loose or corroded. It helps to inspect all the wiring to ensure that none of the cables are frayed or damaged. 

3. Check the Thermostat

If the thermostat is set too low or too high, the furnace will not operate correctly.

The ideal temperature indoors is around 70-78 degrees Fahrenheit. If adjusting the thermostat doesn’t work, you may need to reset the limit switch or replace the thermocouple. Verify that the batteries are installed correctly and replaced if they are outdated.

If any of these steps do not correct the issue, the thermostat may be broken and should be replaced.

4. Check Pilot Light and Electronic Ignition Systems

One of the most common issues with furnaces is that the pilot light and electronic ignition systems may need to be inspected.

To troubleshoot these problems, you must check the pilot light to ensure it is lit, and inspect the electronic ignition systems for issues or wear. If the pilot light is not lit, you may need to replace the thermocouple or clean the pilot assembly to get it operational.

If you have any issues with the electronic ignition system, you should check the thermostat and make sure that the wiring is tight and secure. 

Try These Tips for Furnace Not Working Issues

If these don’t solve the issue, it may be time to call a professional. Regardless, these tips are a valuable way to start troubleshooting the issue and should help you reduce the cost of an expensive service call.

So, check your thermostat, check the filters, inspect electrical connections, check the thermostat, and check the pilot light and ignition systems. Try these fixes today to keep your furnace running this winter.

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