Furnace Repair Checklist
1. Look at the Thermostat
To start, ensure your thermostat is telling your furnace to ignite.
Digital Thermostat
- Change the batteries if the display is blank. If the digital display is mixed up, the thermostat may need to be replaced.
- Ensure the switch is on “heat” as opposed to “off” or “cool.”
- Make certain the program is displaying the right day and time and is programmed to “run.” If you’re having problems overriding the schedule, regulate the temperature by utilizing the up/down arrows and holding the “hold” button. This will cause the heater to start if thermostat scheduling is an issue.
- Set the temperature setting to 5 degrees warmer than the room temperature.
If your furnace hasn’t started within a couple minutes, ensure it has juice by switching the fan switch from “auto” to “on.” If the fan doesn’t start, your heater could be without power.
Smart Thermostat
If you have a smart thermostat—for example one manufactured by Nest, Ecobee, Lux, Honeywell or Bosch—troubleshooting will depend on your model. Check the manufacturer’s website for help. If you still can’t get your Wi-Fi thermostat to operate, contactl us at 519-296-4437 for heating and cooling service.
2. Check Breakers and Switches
Next, you will need to check if your breaker and furnace switch are on.
- Locate your house’s main electrical panel. If you aren’t sure where it is, look for a gray metal box in your basement, garage or closet.
- Make sure your hands and feet are dry prior to touching the panel or breakers.
- Find the breaker labeled “furnace” or “heat,” and ensure it’s switched “on.” If the breaker has tripped, it will be in the middle or “off” spot.
- With one hand, steadily flip the breaker to the “on” location. If the breaker trips right away and pops back to “off,” don’t touch it and contact an expert from Taylor's Heating & Air Conditioning at 519-296-4437 immediately.
It doesn’t matter how old your furnace is or what brand it is, it has at minimum one ordinary wall switch set on or close to it.
- Ensure the switch is moved up in the “on” spot. If it was switched off, expect your furnace to take up to five minutes to ignite. (If you’re unaware of where to find your furnace, look in your basement, garage or utility closet. It can also be in a crawl space or attic.)
3. Replace the Air Filter
When it comes to heater issues, a dirty, clogged air filter is often to blame.
If your filter is too dirty:
- Your heating system won’t stay on, or it could get too hot from limited airflow.
- Your heating bills could go up because your heat is working too often.
- Your heat may fail too soon due to the fact a dirty filter forces it to work harder.
- Your heating system might be cut off from power if an overly dirty filter results in a tripped breaker.
Depending on what type of furnace you have, your air filter can be found in the interior of the blower compartment of your furnace, an attached filter case or wall-mounted return air grille.
To put in a new filter:
- Turn off your furnace.
- Remove the filter and angle it toward the light. If you can’t notice light through it, replace it.
- Install the new filter with the arrow facing toward the furnace to avoid damage.
Flat filters should be replaced once a month, while pleated filters should work around three months. You may also use a washable filter that will work for about 10 years. If you have children or pets, you may have to replace your filter more often.
To make the process easier down the road, use a permanent writing tool on your heating system outside or ductwork to show the airflow direction and filter size.
4. Watch for Heating Error Codes
If faults keep on happening, look at your heating system’s plastic window to confirm the blower motor’s status. Depending on the brand, the light may also be attached on the surface of your heater.
If you see anything else besides a solid, colored light or blinking green light, contact us at 519-296-4437 for HVAC service. Your furnace could be giving an error code that is calling for specialized service.
Examine Your Energy Delivery System
Try using an additional gas appliance. If it doesn’t work, your natural gas delivery could be turned off, or you may have run out of propane.