5 Troubleshooting Tips For Your Furnace
Winter in Washington can be unpredictable, but your furnace shouldn’t be.
You count on it to keep you warm through freezing temperatures, rain, and snow. When it balks at doing its job, your Bremerton-area home can quickly go from cozy to cold.
A better option is troubleshooting your furnace at the first signs of a problem. However, if you cannot locate and fix the cause of your furnace trouble, our experts at Dana’s Heating & Cooling are happy to intervene.
We have your back on all heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) issues. Dana’s is proud to have served our customers on the Kitsap Peninsula for over 25 years.
Do not hesitate to call us for emergency service or after-hours repair.
5 Ways to Troubleshoot Your Furnace
You can resolve some furnace issues with do-it-yourself HVAC detective work.
We have compiled a few troubleshooting tips to help you resolve your furnace issue without professional help. If these steps do not solve the problem or you feel uncomfortable with hands-on diagnostics and repair, call us at Dana’s Heating & Cooling for assistance.
#1 Is the Air Filter Causing Furnace Issues?
A dirty air filter can restrict airflow, causing your furnace to overheat, shut down, or significantly affect its performance. The unit may run but not heat as well as it should.
Replace the filter if it is dirty or clogged. Check your air filter monthly and consult your HVAC unit owner’s manual for instructions on how often to replace it. Some filters may show signs of clogging after three months, while others last for six months to a year.
#2 Did the Thermostat Trip Up My Furnace?
If your furnace is running but not heating your Bainbridge Island, home, a thermostat mix-up could be the culprit. You may have forgotten to move the thermostat from “cool” to “heat” after using your air conditioner. If the unit is not kicking on, be sure the thermostat setting is above the room temperature. The fan setting should be on auto.
Is the thermostat display blank? Install a new battery and see if that brings it back to life.
#3 Is My Furnace Powered Up?
It happens. You turn off the furnace and forget to turn it on. Or you do not realize that the circuit breaker for your furnace has tripped. Your HVAC equipment cannot deliver heat without electricity, so it is worth checking for a power outage before calling a professional for help.
Locate the furnace-related breaker in your electrical panel. Reset it if it has tripped. Find the on-off switch on your furnace. Be sure it is in the on position.
A circuit breaker that frequently trips may indicate an electrical problem that needs professional attention. One of our qualified electricians at Dana’s Heating & Cooling can diagnose and fix the issue, ensuring your electrical system is safe.
#4 Does My Furnace Have Enough Air?
After inspecting your air filter, check the air vents in your Bainbridge Island, home. Closed and obstructed air supply and return vents restrict airflow to your HVAC unit and can strain your furnace, causing it to overheat and shut down. At the very least, it can cause poor performance and uneven heating.
Be sure vents are open and remove obstructions, such as drapes, rugs, furniture, plants, and holiday decorations.
Cleaning the grilles and registers that cover your air vents can help prevent dust buildup and maintain good airflow.
Wipe the covers at least monthly, and clean them more thoroughly twice a year. Remove the vent covers and wash them in warm, soapy water with mild dish soap. Rinse and dry them before reinstallation.
#5 What is My Furnace Trying to Tell Me?
When your furnace speaks with a bang, clang, squeak, or rattle, it offers clues to its health.
Furnaces typically operate quietly, but if you hear unusual noises, take it as a sign that something is wrong. The problem could be as simple as a loose air duct or panel.
If you hear metal scraping against metal, banging, or rattling, look for a loose component and secure it by tightening its screws.
A clanking sound could also indicate a problem with your blower wheel. Parts that need lubrication may squeal, and a loud bang on the furnace startup may point to a dirty burner.
If you hear odd noises and are unsure what your furnace is saying, call us at Dana’s Heating & Cooling for a professional checkup. We speak furnace.
Bonus Furnace Tip!
Your best solution for avoiding unusual noises, airflow troubles, and electrical hazards is furnace maintenance.
Our pros inspect, clean, and replace worn parts during an annual tune-up. They also catch problems before they spiral out of control and require extensive repairs. If you maintain your furnace, you may not need to resolve issues because your equipment will be less likely to exhibit problems or break down.
Call the Furnace Experts
If your furnace does not respond to do-it-yourself diagnosis, let the experts at Dana’s Heating & Cooling fix the problem. We also offer preventative maintenance to ensure problem-free heating in your Bainbridge Island, home this winter. Call us at 360-226-7369 or request service online.