Avoid Costly Furnace Repairs
If your home heating system operates via a gas furnace, it’s important to learn how to check your unit for common problems before they become severe. Troubleshooting your gas furnace can help you to avoid costly repair bills that may arise if potential issues are left unattended.
How To Turn On Your Gas Furnace
Generally, a gas furnace is operated through the same thermostat as the air conditioning system. This means that when the weather turns cold, you can simply turn your thermostat to the ‘warm’ or ‘heat’ setting and then adjust the temperature to your liking.
How To Check and Change Your Furnace Filter
To check the filter, open the front door of the unit and then remove the filter. You can use a vacuum cleaner to remove the surface dust from a plastic filter, then simply wash it and dry it before replacing it. Make sure that you don’t operate the furnace again until the filter has been replaced. You will need to replace a cardboard filter every few months.
How To Test Your Furnace’s Airflow
Walk around your home and feel for the airflow that comes from the furnace blower. If the airflow problems continue, you may want to have a professional look at your existing ductwork to see if it is sufficient for your home needs.
If Your Gas Furnace Fails To Ignite
An unlit pilot light is one of the main reasons a gas furnace fails to ignite. If this occurs, turn the gas cock off and then push the pilot reset button while turning the cock to ‘pilot’. Get a match and light it, then hold it near the furnace pilot to relight it.
Furnace Troubleshooting Checklist
Common troubleshooting tasks can be performed on a regular basis if you notice minor problems. Cleaning the system every couple of years helps the unit to run more efficiently and last longer. Regularly lubricating the furnace ports and bearings can reduce the amount of energy that your unit needs. You may also need to ask a professional to clean your furnace burners if they appear dirty.
How To Properly Remove Vent Blockages
Cleaning the vents and ducts can remove blockages such as dirt and buildup. These blockages can interfere with heat flow in the home. In the winter, ice can block the outdoor vents. Make sure to turn off the unit before you attempt to remove the ice.
How To Stop Air Leaks and Prevent Heat Loss
If you notice air leaks emanating from your system, use caulk to seal off any gaps. In addition, placing weather stripping around doors and windows keeps your home from losing heat, which makes your furnace work harder.
If A Smell of Gas Is Detected
If you ever smell gas coming from the furnace, leave the area and call your gas supplier right away. Be sure to avoid lighting matches or using any electrical appliances until you are safely away from the area.
Contact Horizon Services
So, are you ready to install or replace a furnace? Our friendly and experienced team of Comfort Specialists knows all about furnaces. They’ll take the time to study your home, understand your requirements, show you all of your options and assist you with finding the quality home comfort system that best meets your family’s needs and budget.
For more information, visit our Installation and Replacement section!
Additional Information from Horizon Services…
- Save Money and Extend Equipment Life With Yearly Maintenance
- Extend the Life of Your HVAC Equipment with Proper Maintenance
- How do I Know Which HVAC System is Right for my Home?
- Is Your Home Suffering from Hot Flashes?
(2) Comments
Jonathan Fox October 11th, 2012 at 3:43 pm
Tips like these are always useful. You can help several customers by posting tips and troubleshooting guides. Also, customers appreciate it when you make it easy for them to find the source of their issues.
Allan Mullaly December 6th, 2012 at 2:28 am
I got very useful tips here by you. Thanks for that. Heating systems of home must be good at all times.