If your furnace has seemingly stopped working, don’t panic just yet. You may be able to troubleshoot the problem before you call in a professional HVAC company. We’ve outlined a couple key steps you can take to help diagnose the problem of a broken furnace. Additionally, we’ll let you know when it’s time to call in the experts.
Check your thermostat
First, we recommend seeing if there’s an issue with your thermostat. If your thermostat is turned off, it won’t be able to heat or cool your home, no matter how much you fiddle with the dial. Sometimes it’s only a simple matter of replacing the batteries. Do that first to see if the thermostat turns back on and if the home’s temperature begins to regulate. If the device does not turn on, then it’s most likely time for a replacement.
Check the furnace filter
As the weather gets colder, it’s important to make sure that your furnace is in good working condition. One of the easiest ways to do this is to check the furnace filter. A dirty or clogged filter can restrict airflow and cause the furnace to overheat. In extreme cases, this can even lead to a fire. Fortunately, checking the filter is easy. Typically, they’re located just inside the furnace or in the air return vent. Simply remove it from the furnace and hold it up to a light. If you can see light through the filter, it’s clean and can be put back in place. However, if the filter is dark or covered in dirt, it will need to be replaced. Once that’s done, wait a bit to see if the heat returns.
Check if the furnace has power
Checking that the furnace has power is an essential step in the winter months. Without power, the furnace will not be able to heat the home, and your family will be left in the cold. There are a few simple steps that can be taken to check the furnace and make sure that it is receiving power. First, check the circuit breaker to ensure that it is turned on. Next, check that the switch either on the front of the unit or on the wall nearby is in the “on” position. If all of these steps have been followed and the furnace still does not have power, then there may be a more serious problem, and it is best to call a professional for help.
How to choose an HVAC company
When none of the above steps have solved the problem, it’s time to get an expert opinion. But how can you find an HVAC company you can trust? Here are a few tips to help you choose:
- Ask for recommendations from friends and family. If someone you know has had a good experience with a particular company, then chances are you will too.
- Do some research online. Check out customer reviews to get an idea of what others have experienced.
- Make sure the company is licensed and insured. This will protect you in case anything goes wrong during the service call.
- Ask the company for an estimate before they begin any work. This way, you’ll know exactly how much the repairs will cost.
By following these tips, you can be sure that you’ll find a reputable and reliable HVAC company to service your broken furnace.
Families need to be prepared for the cold winter months and be aware of easy solutions in case your furnace does run into issues. When trying to diagnose the problem yourself doesn’t work, Binder Heating & Air Conditioning is here to help! We’ve been serving the Twin Cities metro for over 90 years. Give us a call to get a free estimate.
