The cost of repairing your furnace can vary depending on the complexity of the part and the brand of the unit. It is best to consult a professional to determine the cost of the repairs. However, most homeowners do not have a lot of experience in this area. This article will walk you through some of the basics to help you identify what to look for. Listed below are several ways to tell if your furnace is in need of repairs.
Check the circuit breaker
The circuit breaker for your furnace is located in the breaker panel. Make sure it is in the on position. If the circuit breaker is off, it may mean that your furnace is not getting power. You can also check the circuit fuse to see if it’s blown. If it is, you can replace it at an auto parts store.
Check the air filter
If your furnace fails to start, it could be an air filter issue. Make sure to change the filter regularly and replace it with a new one if necessary. The furnace not working air filter should be changed once a month or so to avoid contaminants from building up in the system. If the air filter is dirty, it could be a sign of a larger problem with the unit or its ventilation system. If you suspect that the air filter needs to be replaced, call a professional HVAC repair service to check it.
Check the fuel line
If your furnace isn’t getting hot enough, you may need to bleed the fuel line. To do this, first turn the furnace off, and then insert a 1/4-inch flexible nylon tubing into the fuel line. Place this tubing over a container to catch the waste oil that is being emitted from the furnace. Be sure to clean the container well before refilling it with new oil.
Check the thermostat
The thermostat may be the culprit when it comes to causing furnace problems. These devices can be quite complex, so be sure to set them to the correct settings. A good rule of thumb is to keep the thermostat at a few degrees higher than the temperature inside the house. If there is a discrepancy between the two, make the necessary maintenance changes.
Check the filter
Filters are very important to your furnace. If the filter becomes dirty, your furnace could be affected. In order to check the filter, you need to turn off your furnace and turn the ventilation off. Some furnaces have filters that can be rinsed in the sink. You can find filters at hardware stores. You can also consult your furnace manual for the proper filter size.
Replace the belt
If you notice a loose fan belt on your furnace, you need to replace the belt to prevent further damage. To replace the fan belt, remove the furnace blower compartment cover. Unscrew the four or six screws that secure it to the furnace, and inspect the fan belt. If you find any deterioration, call an HVAC professional. Otherwise, you can tighten it yourself.
Check the batteries
The first step in doing furnace repair is to check the batteries in the thermostat. Some thermostats have small backup batteries that will hold the temperature in the event of a power outage. Check the batteries and change them if necessary.