There is a heart-sinking feeling that comes when you’re at home and that familiar background hum cuts out as your furnace suddenly stops working. It’s most likely to happen in winter when your unit is busiest, and its silence is most noticeable. It’s also at a time when you need it the most.
Luckily, this situation is often something you can resolve yourself. If you’re aware of the fixes that are in your power, that can save you time and money. Here’s what to do if your furnace stops working.
Check the Thermostat
When you live with other people, they sometimes do things without telling you. A child or spouse or roommate may change the thermostat’s temperature setting and not think to mention it.
Inspect the Circuit Breaker
Normally, your home’s power will distribute electricity as needed without problems. When there’s too much power passing through a circuit, the breaker will trip to avoid harming an appliance. Find your circuit breaker panel and look for the switch not facing the same direction as the rest. Flick it, and power to your furnace should be restored.
Replace the Air Filter
If the air filter in your furnace becomes too dirty, it can cause your unit to stop. Find the air filter slot in your furnace and remove it. The replacement filter should be stored somewhere nearby.
If you can’t find a replacement filter, take a picture of it. Go to Canadian Tire or Home Hardware or any shop that sells household items. The staff there will be able to help you. They often come in packs of 3-6 costing around $50-$60.
Relight the Pilot Light
A pilot light provides the flame needed to light gas coming out of your furnace’s main burner. Pilot lights sometimes go out, which is one reason why they only exist in older furnace models. The solution is a step up in difficulty from the previous ones but is still basic DIY:
- In your furnace, find the pilot tube that delivers gas to the burner and its reset switch.
- Near the pilot tube is a switch. Turn the switch to OFF.
- Wait a minute for gas collecting around your furnace to dissipate.
- Turn the switch to PILOT.
- Press the Reset Button beside the switch and hold it down.
- Relight the pilot light with a small flame like a barbeque lighter.
- Release the Reset Button when the flame catches.
- Take an extra second to watch and ensure the flame isn’t going out again.
If this task is beyond your technical abilities, a professional can help. Some solutions are a quick fix that aren’t expensive. Make sure you contact an HVAC technician from a company you trust.
Let ABODE Home Comfort Help When Your Furnace Needs Help
We’re located in St. Thomas Ontario, and we repair home heating systems and provide year-round climate control for local homes and businesses. We have over 60 years of experience in the HVAC industry and can help you get your furnace running again fast.
This winter, we’re also offering free house heating inspections. Don’t delay! Contact us today to keep your home warm and cozy while also finding ways to optimize household comfort.
