When the heating system malfunctions during the winter, your home can quickly become chilly and uncomfortable. By troubleshooting heating system issues, it’s sometimes possible to restore the flow of warm air without any professional help.
Here’s how to troubleshoot and solve some common heating system problems.
Begin With the Thermostat
A dark display screen typically indicates a dead battery, so put in a fresh one. If that doesn’t work, make sure the thermostat is set to “heat” and raise the temperature several degrees to see if the furnace starts up. If it doesn’t, check to see if there’s a tripped breaker or blown fuse in the home’s main electrical panel. Next, go to the furnace itself and make certain the blower compartment cover is fully in place. If the compartment door isn’t completely closed, it won’t trigger in the power switch situated behind it.
Inspect the Air Filter
When the output of warm air from the heating registers drops, it may be due to a dirty air filter. A badly clogged filter can restrict vital airflow and trigger a system shutdown to prevent overheating and the risk of fire. Depending on your brand of equipment, you can find the filter either in the blower compartment or behind a return air grille. During heating season, check the filter once a month and change it whenever you see dirt accumulating.
Reboot the Pilot Light or Electronic Ignitor
If your newer furnace has an electronic ignitor in the burner compartment, resetting it may get the unit operating again. Take off the compartment cover and switch the ignitor to “off.” Wait at least five minutes, then switch it back on. If the furnace starts but shuts down again after a brief period, have a NATE-certified technician check whether it’s faulty. An older gas furnace typically has a pilot flame that’s easy to relight if it has gone out. The lighting instructions may be stamped right on the furnace or included in the owner’s manual.
Please contact us at Thermacon Service Company if you need expert help troubleshooting heating issues in your Beaumont or Port Arthur area home.
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