Waking up cold in the middle of the night because the HVAC system has suddenly stopped working is one of the most frustrating and uncomfortable household emergencies a family can experience.
Luckily, you don’t have to be a HVAC expert to deal with the majority of common furnace issues. Read on to learn how to identify the 4 most common furnace problems and figure out whether you need to call a furnace repair technician in Cherry Hill, NJ.
What can cause a furnace to stop working?
The first thing you need to consider is the age of your furnace. Like old cars, furnaces that are getting long in the tooth tend to malfunction more often and become less energy-efficient. Your furnace may be producing less heat simply because years of regular use have worn it down.
Aside from that, here are 4 things to look for when troubleshooting your furnace:
1. Start by checking with the filters
All HVAC systems contain air filters that prevent dirt, debris, dander, dust, germs, fungal spores, and other unwanted substances from making their way into your home. However, all that grime that gets caught in your filters will inevitably build up to the point where it restricts airflow.
Unless filters are replaced or cleaned regularly (every 1-3 months), your furnace will have to work harder to make up for the impeded airflow. Not only can clogged filters damage your furnace, they can also become a serious fire hazard.
2. The thermostat may be the culprit
First, make sure your thermostat is set to “heat”. Then check its batteries and replace them if needed. Finally, check if there are any heat sources (lamps, ovens, space heaters, sunlight, etc.) near the thermostat that could cause it to give out false readings.
3. The furnace may be unpowered
There should be an on/off switch near your furnace. If this switch has been flipped off, turn it back on to restart your furnace. If this doesn’t work, you’ll have to check the breaker or fuse box to make sure the furnace is getting power.
All breaker switches on your breaker box should be pointing in the same direction. If this isn’t the case, flip the switches that are pointing the wrong way and see if that restores power to your furnace. If you have a fuse box, check if any of the fuses on it are melted or discolored, and replace them as necessary.
WARNING: Electrical malfunctions can be extremely dangerous. Always make sure your feet and hands are completely dry before you attempt to reset power. If you see signs of electrical damage or moisture, call in an electrician immediately.
4. Check for furnace flame
The flame in a furnace should be blue, possibly with a yellowish tip. If the flame is any other color than blue, you’ll need to contact a HVAC repair service ASAP. Whatever you do, do NOT try to fix this problem yourself.
If the flame is out, turn off the gas and let the furnace sit for 10-15 minutes. If you can still smell gas in the room, that’s a sign your furnace could be leaking. Evacuate the house and notify your gas company and the fire department as soon possible.
Where can I book professional furnace repair in Cherry Hill, NJ?
Here at Allied Experts, we are dedicated to providing premium heating, cooling, weatherization, and plumbing services. Our 24/7 emergency service, experienced technicians, and transparent pricing system are just some of the many advantages that have made us the top Home Performance company in Cherry Hill.
Give us a call today! We’ll happily make sure your HVAC system is running like clockwork while you enjoy a leisurely afternoon at the Barclay Farmstead with your loved ones.
