Furnace Repair Checklist
1. Check the Thermostat
To start, ensure your thermostat is signaling your furnace to start.
Digital Thermostat
- Swap out the batteries if the monitor is empty. If the digital screen is messed up, the thermostat might need to be replaced.
- Ensure the switch is set to “heat” instead of “off” or “cool.”
- Make sure the program is showing the correct day and time and is scheduled to “run.” If you’re having problems overriding the program, adjust the temperature by using the up/down arrows and pressing the “hold” button. This will cause the furnace to start if thermostat is causing trouble.
- Set the temperature setting to 5 degrees above the temperature of the room.
If your heating hasn’t started within a couple minutes, make certain that it has juice by toggling the fan switch from “auto” to “on.” If the fan doesn’t begin to run, your heater could be without power.
Smart Thermostat
If you have a smart thermostat—such as one designed by Nest, Ecobee, Lux, Honeywell or Bosch—troubleshooting will depend on your model. Refer to the manufacturer’s website for help. If you’re still unable to get your Wi-Fi thermostat to function, reach us at 713-364-9957 for heating and cooling service.
2. Inspect Breakers and Switches
Next, check if your breaker and furnace switch are on.
- Find your main electrical panel. If you aren’t sure where it is, look for a silver metal box in your basement, garage or closet.
- Make sure your hands and feet aren’t moist in advance of touching the panel or breakers.
- Look for the breaker titled “furnace” or “heat,” and make sure it’s reading “on.” If you discover a tripped breaker, it will be in the middle or “off” area.
- Using one hand, quickly switch the breaker to the “on” position. If the breaker immediately trips and pops back to “off,” don't try to reset it and contact a professional from Premium Air Services LLC at 713-364-9957 quickly.
No matter your furnace’s age or brand, it has at least one regular wall switch placed on or by it.
- Make sure the lever is moved up in the “on” spot. If it was switched off, it could take your furnace up to five minutes to turn on. (If you’re unsure where to find your furnace, take a look at your basement, garage or utility closet. It might also be in a crawl space or attic.)
3. Replace the Air Filter
When it comes to heater issues, a filthy, clogged air filter is regularly to blame.
If your filter is too dirty:
- Your heater won’t be able to stay on, or it may get too warm from restricted airflow.
- Your heating costs may go up because your heater is working more often.
- Your heat might fail prematurely because a dirty filter causes it to work overtime.
- Your heating system can be cut off from power if an overly dirty filter causes the breaker to trip.
Based on what type of furnace you own, your air filter will be within the blower compartment of your heating system, an attached filter case or wall-mounted return air grille.
To put in a new filter:
- Switch off your furnace.
- Remove the filter and angle it toward the light. If you can’t see light through it, get a new one.
- Install the new filter with the arrow facing toward the heating system to keep damage from happening.
Flat filters ought to be replaced monthly, while pleated filters should last about three months. If you have children or pets, you may have to replace your filter more often.
To make the procedure smoother in the future, write with a permanent marker on your furnace outside or ductwork to show the airflow direction and filter size.
4. Look at the Condensate Pan
Also known as drain pans, condensate pans catch liquid your heater pulls from the air.
If liquid is leaking from your furnace or its pan has standing water in it, follow these recommendations.
- If your pan contains a drain (look for a PVC pipe), make sure that it’s clear. If it requires draining, drop in a special pan-cleaning tablet you can buy at home improvement or hardware stores.
- If your pan uses a pump, check the float switch. If the lever can’t be moved from the “up” position with water in the pan, contact us at 713-364-9957, because you will probably have to install a new pump.
5. Watch for Heating Error Codes
If malfunctions persist, peek at your heater’s plastic window to verify the blower motor’s status. Depending on the brand, the light could also be attached on the outside of your heating system.
If you see anything except a solid, colored light or flickering green light, call us at 713-364-9957 for HVAC service. Your furnace might be communicating an error code that needs professional help.
6. Clean the Flame Sensor
If your heater tries to run but shuts off without blowing warmth, a dusty flame sensor can be responsible. When this occurs, your heating system will make an attempt to start three times before a safety feature shuts it down for about an hour.
If you feel okay with taking the panels off your heating system, gently scrubbing your flame sensor is work you are able to do yourself. Or, one of our heating service experts has the ability to complete it for you.
If you are confident cleaning the sensor personally, you require:
- A 1/4” hex screwdriver or wrench
- Section of light grit sandpaper, steel wool or emery cloth
- A dry, clean paper towel
As the next step:
- Shut off the heating system’s power by using its wall switch or breaker. If you don’t have an electric gas valve, you will need to turn off the gas in addition.
- Lift off the heating system’s front panel and trace the wire to the flame sensor.
- Remove the rod and use your sandpaper, steel wool or emery cloth to gently clean the metal rod.
- Clear the rod with a paper towel.
- Remount the sensor.
- Secure the furnace doors.
- Restore power to the furnace. It might go through a series of examinations before continuing normal running. If your heater doesn’t turn on, the sensor may require replacement or something else could be creating an issue. If this takes place, call us at 713-364-9957 for heating and cooling repair assistance.
7. Relight the Pilot Light
If you own an older heating system, the pilot light could be out. To reignite it, locate the instructions on a sticker on your heater, or try these steps.
- Locate the toggle beneath your heating system marked “pilot,” “on” and “off.”
- Push the switch to the “off” position.
- Don’t do anything for at least five minutes to limit the possibility for starting a fire.
- Push the switch to “pilot.”
- Press the “reset” switch as you push the flame of a long lighter to the pilot light opening.
- Depress the “reset” button once the pilot light is lit.
If you have followed the guide twice and the pilot light still won’t light or stay lit, contact us at 713-364-9957 for furnace service.
Check Your Fuel Source
Try switching on another gas appliance. If it doesn’t work, your natural gas source may be turned off, or you may have run out of propane.