Furnace Repair Checklist
1. Examine the Thermostat
To start, ensure your thermostat is signaling your heat to turn on.
Digital Thermostat
- Change the batteries if the screen is empty. If the digital screen is scrambled, the thermostat might need to be replaced.
- Make sure the switch is on “heat” rather than “off” or “cool.”
- Ensure the program is displaying the appropriate day and time and is programmed to “run.” If you’re having problems turning off the setting, set the temperature by using the up/down arrows and using the “hold” button. This will cause the furnace to start if thermostat is causing an issue.
- Set the temperature setting to 5 degrees above the temperature of the room.
If your furnace hasn’t turned on within several minutes, ensure it has power by switching the fan switch from “auto” to “on.” If the fan doesn’t operate, your furnace might not have power.
Smart Thermostat
If you use a smart thermostat—like one designed by Nest, Ecobee, Lux, Honeywell or Bosch—troubleshooting will be determined by the model you have. Refer to the manufacturer’s website for assistance. If you still can’t get your Wi-Fi thermostat to work, contact us at 402-628-0206 for heating and cooling service.
2. Examine Breakers and Switches
Next, confirm your breaker and furnace switch are on.
- Find your main electrical panel. If you aren’t sure where it is, search for a gray metal box in your basement, garage or closet.
- Make certain that your hands and feet are dry prior to opening the panel or breakers.
- Look for the breaker marked “furnace” or “heat,” and ensure it’s turned “on.” If the breaker has tripped, it will be in the middle or “off” spot.
- Moving 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 call a team member from The Frazier Company at 402-628-0206 right away.
It doesn’t matter how old your furnace is or what brand it is, it has no less than one ordinary wall switch located on or close to it.
- Make sure the lever is facing up in the “on” spot. If it was switched off, anticipate your furnace could take up to five minutes to start. (If you don’t know where your furnace is located, look in your basement, garage or utility closet. It can also be in a crawl space or attic.)
3. Buy a New Air Filter
When it comes to furnace breakdowns, a grungy, blocked air filter is often the top culprit.
If your filter is too dusty:
- Your heating system won’t be able to stay on, or it might get too warm from reduced airflow.
- Your gas expenses could be higher because your heating system is switching on more often.
- Your heat could stop working sooner than it should because a filthy filter forces it to work harder.
- Your heating system can be disconnected from power if an excessively dirty filter is the cause of a tripped breaker.
Depending on what model of heating system you own, your air filter can be found in the interior of the blower compartment of your heating system, an attached filter case or wall-mounted return air grille.
To put in a new filter:
- Turn off your furnace.
- Remove the filter and hold it up to the light. If you can’t see light through it, replace it.
- Insert the new filter with the arrow motioning toward the furnace to keep damage from happening.
Flat filters should be replaced once a month, while pleated filters should last about three months. If you have children or pets, you could have to change your filter sooner.
To make changing your filter smoother in the future, draw with a permanent pen on your heater outside or ductwork to show the airflow direction and filter size.
4. Check the Condensate Pan
Commonly known as drain pans, condensate pans catch water your furnace draws from the air.
If liquid is leaking from your heating system or its pan has standing water in it, use these guidelines.
- If your pan includes a drain (look for a PVC pipe), double-check that it’s clear. If it should be drained, get a special pan-cleaning tablet you can get at home improvement or hardware shops.
- If your pan uses a pump, inspect the float switch. If the switch is stuck “up” with liquid in the pan, call us at 402-628-0206, because you will likely have to install a new pump.
5. Watch for Furnace Error Codes
If faults persist, take a look within your heater’s plastic window to verify the blower motor’s status. Dependent on the model, the light could also be mounted on the outside of your heating system.
If you notice anything else besides a steady, colored light or blinking green light, call us at 402-628-0206 for HVAC service. Your furnace might be communicating an error code that is calling for professional service.
6. Clean the Flame Sensor
If your heater attempts to operate but shuts off without distributing heat, a dirty flame sensor can be responsible. When this takes place, your heater will attempt to ignite three times before a safety device turns it off for around an hour.
If you feel okay with taking the panels off your heating system, brushing off your flame sensor is work you are able to do yourself. Or, one of our heating service professionals has the ability to finish it for you.
If you are confident cleaning the sensor yourself, you require:
- A 1/4” hex screwdriver or wrench
- Portion of light grit sandpaper, steel wool or emery cloth
- A fresh paper towel
Then:
- Shut off the furnace’s power through its wall switch or breaker. If your gas valve isn’t electric, you have to shut off the gas along with it.
- Take off the heating system’s front panel and track the wire to the flame sensor.
- Take off the rod and use your sandpaper, steel wool or emery cloth to carefully scrub the metal rod.
- Wipe off the rod with a paper towel.
- Put the sensor back in.
- Put the furnace doors back on.
- Switch the furnace’s power back on. It might run through a sequence of tests before proceeding with normal operation. If your heater doesn’t start, the sensor could need to be replaced or something else could be causing a problem. If this occurs, contact us at 402-628-0206 for heating and cooling repair assistance.
7. Light the Pilot Light
If you own an outdated heater, the pilot light could be out. To light it, look for the steps on a sheet on your heating system, or follow these recommendations.
- Find the lever beneath your furnace labeled “pilot,” “on” and “off.”
- Push the switch to the “off” position.
- Take a break for at least five minutes to limit the possibility for sparking a fire.
- Turn the knob to “pilot.”
- Press the “reset” switch as you push the flame of a long lighter to the pilot light opening.
- Let go of the “reset” button once the pilot light is ignited.
If you have used the guide twice and the pilot light still won’t ignite or remain lit, contact us at 402-628-0206 for furnace service.
Double-Check Your Gas Source
Try using a second gas appliance. If it doesn’t operate, your natural gas delivery could be shut off, or you might have run out of propane.