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Read MoreFurnace not working properly? Furnace troubleshooting may be easier than you think! This handy furnace troubleshooting guide outlines the most common problems and quick furnace fixes. So, before calling a furnace repair company, check out the furnace troubleshooting tips below. If your furnace is experiencing one of these common problems, you may be able to repair it yourself with a simple and quick furnace fix.
If you’re having a problem with your furnace, start with these 3 simple and quick furnace fixes. Many times they will solve the problem – and you won’t need to call a furnace repair company!
- Make sure your furnace is turned on.
- Check the batteries in your thermostat (and replace them, if necessary).
- Check your furnace filter – if your furnace will run without a filter, try pulling it out. Run the furnace without the filter to see if that clears up the issue. If the furnace runs like normal then the furnace filter is the issue. Simply replace the filter.
Just remember – when in doubt, call a professional. Our heating experts are happy to help with any furnace troubleshooting support you may need.
Is your furnace displaying an error code? Learn more about what it means here – How to Read Furnace Error Codes.
Ready to dive into some more furnace troubleshooting tips? Let’s see if we can help you with a quick furnace fix.
What would cause a furnace not to kick on?
Why is my furnace not responding to thermostat?
Why is my furnace running but no heat?
Why does my furnace fan keep running?
Why is my furnace leaking water?
Why is my furnace so noisy?
Furnace Troubleshooting 101 – Common Problems and Quick Furnace Fixes
At ProSolutions, we often receive questions about furnace troubleshooting and everyday furnace problems. As furnace repair experts, we can tell you that there are a few common furnace problems that homeowners in Edmonton run into. Luckily, some quick furnace fixes can help you solve these issues on your own (if you feel comfortable doing so). Of course, if the problem is bigger than expected, or if you’d prefer we fix the issue, we’re happy to help!
Here are the top 6 furnace problems and quick furnace fixes you can try!
If you have any questions about these issues or furnace troubleshooting suggestions, feel free to give us a call at 780-453-6640.
1. Furnace Not Turning On
What would cause a furnace not to kick on? Well, there are a few possible reasons your furnace is not turning on. Here are a few of the most common explanations and quick fixes.
There’s an issue with the batteries in your thermostat.
Rule number one in furnace troubleshooting – always check the batteries and power! It’s common for dead batteries to be the cause of furnace problems.
Quick Furnace Fix – check the batteries and change them, if necessary.
Your furnace switch accidentally got shut off.
It’s also very common for switches to get turned on/off by accident.
Quick Fix – make sure your furnace is switched to “On”.
These issues and quick furnace fixes may seem simple. But, more often than not, they will help you troubleshoot the problem.
2. Furnace Not Responding to Thermostat
If your furnace is not responding to the thermostat, you’re probably also experiencing problems with the blower fan and the overall comfort level in your home. So, if you’re wondering – why is my furnace not responding to thermostat? – here are some possible causes and furnace troubleshooting solutions.
The thermostat batteries are dead.
Back to culprit number one – the power source.
Quick Fix – check that the batteries in your thermostat are working. Change them if necessary.
Dust and dirt are affecting the functionality of the thermostat.
To check if this is the issue, turn off your breaker. Then, inspect the inside of the thermostat.
Quick Furnace Fix – if there is dust and grime inside the thermostat, use a soft brush or canned air to clean it out. Keep in mind, this issue is more common with older-style thermostats that have exposed contact points.
*Please note: if you aren’t comfortable doing this, be sure to call a trusted HVAC company for assistance.
The thermostat has a loose connection or frayed wires.
If the electrical components of your thermostat aren’t working properly, it won’t be able to communicate with the furnace. Therefore, it’s important to check the wiring and connections.
Furnace Troubleshooting Quick Fix – with the breaker turned off, inspect the wiring and connections behind the thermostat cover. If you notice any issue with the electrical wiring, you’ll need to call a professional heating company, like ProSolutions, to resolve the issue.
*Please note: if you aren’t sure how to turn off the breaker, or don’t know how to safely inspect the wiring, please call a trained professional.
The furnace filter is dirty.
A dirty furnace filter can cause a lot of problems – even more than you may think! So, if your furnace isn’t responding to the thermostat, be sure to pull it out and examine it.
Quick Furnace Fix – does the filter look dirty or damaged? Has it been a while since the filter was changed? If so, replace it with a new filter.
Not sure how often you should change your furnace filter? Learn more here – Fall Furnace Tune-Up. Alternatively, give the heating experts at ProSolutions a call! We’d be happy to help.
3. Furnace Not Heating House and Cycling Too Often
Is your furnace not heating your home and cycling too often? If so, you’re probably wondering – why is my furnace running but no heat? This is a common furnace troubleshooting problem in Edmonton. Luckily, there might be a quick fix.
Your thermostat is not set to “Heat”.
Switches get bumped and unintentionally changed now and then. What seems like a big furnace problem may just be this simple!
Quick Fix – check the settings on your thermostat. Make sure the “Heat” setting is on.
Your furnace filter is clogged.
If your furnace filter is clogged with dirt and debris (or hasn’t been changed in a while), this is likely the culprit.
A dirty furnace filter prevents airflow. As a result, your furnace will need to work harder than necessary. This can cause your furnace to overheat. In response, the furnace will turn off and on regularly, without producing enough heat. This will also increase your utility bill – something no homeowner in Alberta wants to see!
Quick Furnace Fix – pull out the furnace filter and check to see how dirty it is. If there’s lots of debris, replace it with a new one.
Not sure how to check and change your furnace filter? The experts at ProSolutions can help. Our experts can tell you the best furnace filter for your home and even check and change your filter for you.
4. Blower Motor Keeps Running
Is your furnace constantly running? If so, you’re probably asking – why does my furnace fan keep running?
There may be a simple cause and solution. However, you may require the help of a professional – as this can also be a sign of a more technical problem. Here’s the most simple cause for this furnace problem.
Your thermostat is set to “Continuous Fan”.
If this is the case, you’re in luck – there’s a simple fix and no need to call a professional!
Quick Furnace Fix – turn the “Continuous Fan” switch off and check to see if that resolves the issue. Alternatively, try turning the temperature down to see if this fixes the problem.
If neither of these furnace troubleshooting alternatives solves the issue, there may be a problem with your limit switch or another furnace component. Therefore, you’ll need to call a local Edmonton heating services company to help resolve the problem.
5. Water Around Furnace
Water on the floor near an appliance is never a good sign. So, if you’re asking yourself, “why is my furnace leaking water?” the answer is – it’s not leaking. But this does signify a problem. The most likely cause:
The condensate pipe is frozen.
During the winter, pipes freeze all the time – especially in Edmonton! Luckily there’s a quick fix for this.
Quick Fix – clear the pipe by thawing it. Not sure how to thaw frozen pipes? Check out this step by step guide – Tips for Preventing Frozen Pipes
6. Noisy Furnace Troubleshooting
A noisy furnace can be a sign of a major problem. In this case, it’s unlikely a DIY quick fix will resolve the issue. Therefore, you should call a local heating company to assess and fix the issue.
That being said, you’re probably still wondering – why is my furnace so noisy? Well, there are many reasons why this might be occurring. Some of the most probable causes include:
- Mechanical issues
- Restricted airflow
- Burner issue – e.g. the burner is clogged
- Problem with the pilot light
- Blower motor needs to be serviced
- Ductwork – this is likely the case is you are hearing pinging or popping sounds.
- Belts in the furnace have slipped or need to be replaced – if you hear a squealing noise, this is likely the cause.
Need Help Furnace Troubleshooting? Contact the Experts at ProSolutions.
Furnace troubleshooting isn’t always easy – and quick furnace fixes aren’t always possible.
If you run into a problem with your furnace and you’re not sure where to begin or how to solve the issue, ProSolutions can help.
Our highly-trained and experienced furnace technicians can repair all the top furnace brands including Trane, Ducane, WeatherMaker, AirEase, Amana and more! So, next time your furnace is on the fritz, give the pros at ProSolutions a call!
