Is your furnace refusing to work? It’s tough to say what the problem is without being there. At the very least, we can help you narrow it down. Identifying a problem is one thing, but fixing it is another.
We don’t recommend any DIY work on furnaces, as any improper repairs can cause electrocution or damage to the furnace. With that being said, your furnace problems could be caused by:
Tripped Breaker
Your furnace may have tripped the circuit breaker. Simply switch it back on to see if that fixes the issue. However, do keep track of how often you’re forced to switch it back on. Repeated circuit breaking could be the indicator of a larger problem in your electrical system or with the furnace itself. We recommend having a heating expert in Portland, OR come inspect it if that’s the case.
Problems With Ignition
If you’re using an older furnace, it most likely has a pilot light. The pilot light can have its share of problems after years of use. Likewise, the hot surface igniters on modern furnaces can break after repeated use. For either type of furnace, a maintenance check should be able to get down to the bottom of the issue, whether it’s due to faulty parts or just a need for cleaning.
Duct Leaks
If you don’t feel hot air coming from your vents, it could be due to duct leaks. Just like it sounds like, a duct leak is a leak that develops in your ductwork. The ducts are configured to maintain a certain pressure of airflow, so any leak that disrupts this air flow will prevent the air from heating your home properly. Not just that, but it’s very wasteful of your energy.
Furnace Switch Is Off
It’s an incredibly simple problem to fix, but we wouldn’t be listing it here if it wasn’t a common problem. Some homeowners aren’t aware that their furnace may have been installed with an on/off switch (which usually looks exactly the same as any other kind of light switch). Please make sure to check this before calling in for repairs!
Wrong Settings on Thermostat
Many people learn how to perform the most basic functions on their thermostat. So if someone in the house accidentally changes a setting beyond that, it could make the furnace behave strangely without understanding why. For example, if you were to set the thermostat to “fan mode” instead of “auto,” you would be running the blower fan without necessarily running the heat. That could definitely be misinterpreted as a broken furnace.
Front Panel Isn’t Locked in Place
The furnace has a front panel that must be securely locked in place before it can run. It may have been opened and then improperly closed during an inspection, either by an HVAC technician or by the homeowner themselves. If your furnace fails to start at all, this could be the cause of the problem.
Air Filter Needs Replacement
If your furnace is turning off quickly after starting, it could be overheating thanks to a dirty air filter. The air filter is designed to keep out contaminants like dust and dirt, but once it’s full, it can restrict airflow and cause issues. Have the filter changed regularly and this should never be a problem.