No heat
1. Is the thermostat calling for heat? The temperature adjustment must be set higher than the actual room temperature. Set it at least 5 degrees higher for now. You can reset it later.
2. Is the system switch in the heat position? Not all thermostats have this switch. Some are designed for heating only. Set fan mode to auto.
3. Is the SSU switch in the on position? This switch is usually located somewhere on the outside of your furnace or on the wall or ceiling near your furnace. Some switches may not have the fuse holder on it or some may not have the switch lever, having a fuse holder only.
4. Is the fuse in the fuse holder good? The only sure way to tell is with an OHM meter. If you are unfamiliar with these--and many people are--than buy a new fuse at a local hardware store. Be sure to get the exact same style and amperage rating as the old one. CAUTION: It is best to turn the on/off switch off before removing and replacing a fuse as 110 volts may be present in the fuse holder. Install new fuse in the fuse holder and turn switch back on.
5. Is the breaker on in your electrical breaker panel? Most furnaces have a dedicated circuit from the breaker panel. Be sure it is in the on position.
6. Is the furnace blower door panel installed correctly on your furnace? Most furnaces within the last 20 years or so have blower door interlock switches. If the door is not in place properly, then all power to the furnace is disconnected. Some filters are located in the blower compartment, so if you have recently changed a filter, double-check to see that the door is in place.
7. Is your pilot light lit? Most furnaces today have electronic ignition systems that don't have a continuous pilot, but older models do. The pilot should be located in the burner compartment near the burners. Most pilot flames range in size from 1/2" to 1 1/2" with 1, 2,or 3 separate flames. If your pilot is out, than go ahead and light it if you know how and are comfortable doing so. There should be directions on doing so on your furnace or in your furnace manual. If you are NOT comfortable lighting it or don't know how, give us a call or contact your local utility company.
If you still can't restore your heat, then call us. We'll dispatch a friendly, polite, curteous technician promptly.
Not enough heat?
Are some rooms colder or hotter then others? Here are some possible solutions:
1. Look at your furnace. Is the filter clogged? A dirty filter can dramatically reduce airflow. A blower that has dirt caked on its blades will also have the same effect. You should be able to replace and clean your own filter, but we recommend that you call us to clean your blower and/or furnace. It's easy to damage the components or unknowingly impair the operation of your furnace.
2. Are the supply air registers open to their maximum capacity? Sometimes registers get closed by rambunctious children or even pets. Registers can be closed down or shut completely to try and adjust airflow to certain rooms, but this should be done with caution since closing too many may be detrimental to furnace operation.
3. Are your return air grills clear? These are the larger grills usually located in the walls. They should have at least 2 " of free space in front of them. It's easy to push furniture right up against them thus restricting the airflow into the duct system.
4. Is your thermostat set properly, and more importantly, is it accurate? Some can and will become out of adjustment. Also every person's body chemistry is different. 70 degrees may be comfortable to you but may not be comfortable to your neighbor.
5. Are there heat or cold producing items near the thermostat such as lights, refrigerators, stoves, TVs, and stereo systems?
6. Are all the doors and windows shut tightly? Fresh air is nice, but it reeks havoc on your comfort.
7. Is your house winterized? An excellent investment in any home is upgrading insulation, windows, doors and caulking and sealing cracks and joints throughout your house. Sometimes people want bigger furnaces because they're cold. As much as we would like to sell you a furnace, you may want to consider tightening up your house. We'd be happy to help you do that, too.
Unusual Sounds
1. Do you notice any strange noises? Explosion sounds, bangs, or any other unusual sound can be a sign of potential or current problems.
2. Do you hear the furnace cycling wrong? If it seems to be going on and off very quickly or staying on for a long period of time, there may be an adjustment problem somewhere.
Unusual Smells
Are there unnatural odors? Raw gas has a sulfur-like smell and is very distinctive. Carbon monoxide has no smell at all but may be accompanied by other gases that do smell.
THESE CONDITIONS COULD BE DANGEROUS. LEAVE THE HOUSE AND CALL US OR YOUR UTILITY COMPANY IMMEDIATELY!
Remember! Safety first. You are working with 110 or 220 volts of electricity. Mistakes can be dangerous to you, your family, and your home. Please call our certified, licensed, and trained technicians if you are uncomfortable working with electricity.
