The first thing you need to know after reading the title of this blog post is that furnace repairs aren’t something you should ever attempt on your own.
However, there are things you can check when your furnace stops working, and that’s what we’re here to talk about today. If you find that despite following the troubleshooting tips we’re about to share below, your furnace is still worse for wear, please don’t hesitate to give us a call–that’s what we’re here for!
Troubleshooting Tasks
If you notice that your furnace isn’t operating the way that it should, there are a few basic things you can do to first make sure that the issue is not a straightforward problem that doesn’t actually require professional repairs.
For instance, you’ll first want to check that the thermostat has been correctly set. It’s possible that someone in your household with different heating preferences than you adjusted the thermostat to their preference. Another possibility is that the thermostat is miscalibrated.
Next, check the air filter. The air filter that comes standard with your furnace isn’t in place to protect your indoor air quality, but rather the interior components of the system itself, from dust, dirt, and other debris. When this air filter gets too clogged up, it restricts airflow, essentially making it harder for the system to effectively do its job. This air filter is something you should be changing every 1-3 months during periods of system use.
Lastly, check the electrical panel. It’s possible that, when your electrical system is getting too much voltage, a circuit breaker can get tripped. This is especially common with central air conditioners and furnaces, as they account for half of a home’s energy use. If the circuit breaker is tripped, then try resetting it and see if this resolves the problem.
What Next?
Alright, let’s say that you’ve tried all these troubleshooting tips to no avail–your furnace still won’t work. As we said above, this means it’s time to give us a call. You really shouldn’t try to do repairs on your own, for many reasons!
First off, there is too high a chance for personal injury with DIY furnace repairs. This is especially true if you’re working with gas lines. Secondly, you can actually void the manufacturer’s warranty by attempting repairs on your own. This means that if there is a repair need due to a manufacturer defect, you’ll be financially liable for it rather than the manufacturer.
And remember, even electric furnaces have the potential for danger. High voltage shocks can result from tampering with heating elements and the other sensitive electric components in your furnace.
If you want reliable, efficient repairs, then the best thing you can do is give our team a call when you find you need them. If your furnace is making weird noises, lost heating power, has low airflow, or your heating bills are higher than they should be, and you’ve tried all the tips above, then dial our number.
Contact our team today for reliable service for your gas or electric furnace in Beaverton, OR. Clawson Heating & Air Conditioning is “Connecting People to Comfort”!