A furnace is the only thing keeping your house warm when it’s freezing outside. And the last thing you would want is to give up. However, there is no need to panic. We are going to share some tips that will help you troubleshoot the issue and survive until you can get it running back to normal with the help of a furnace repair service.
Check The Furnace Filter
Some people may not be aware that furnaces have filters. If you observe that the furnace is not blowing heat as effectively as it used to, it can be due to a clogged furnace filter. Filters are designed to catch dust, dirt, and debris, which could block the airflow sooner or later and overheat the heat exchanger.
Therefore, you will need to make sure the filters are clean and maybe replace the filter if the time is due. To better understand when the filters need to be cleaned or replaced, you should consult the user’s manual. Although, manufacturers have more or less the same maintenance interval it also depends on your usage frequency.
Check For Thermostat Issues
If the air filters seem fine, you should try to see if there is a thermostat issue with the furnace. The thermostat serves as the brain of the furnace. It is designed to track the temperature outside to adjust the flow of heat to the inside. If you want to make sure whether your thermostat is faulty or working fine is to adjust it a few degrees above your room temperature. Wait to see if it turns on.
If it does not turn on, check the batteries of the thermostat. Believe it or not, the majority of such issues come out to be related to batteries. That said, a thermostat with worn batteries won’t be able to communicate properly with the furnace.
In such a case, the thermostat should go blank. Therefore, try replacing the batteries to see if it solves the issue.
Inspect The Air Ducts
If you find out that your furnace is working as it should and you can feel hot air coming from the vents, but it isn’t warming the house, you should check the air ducts. Make sure the dampers are opened and not closed. If certain areas of the house are still cold, it means there is probably an air leakage somewhere.
The problem with air vent leakages is that not only do they increase the monthly energy costs but are also hard to spot. Unfortunately, this is not something you can fix on your own, so you will be needing the help of a professional.
The professional will perform a thorough inspection of the ductwork and ensure nothing is influencing the airflow. Otherwise, if you intend to do it on your own, there is a huge chance that you won’t be able to find the leakage after putting in all that time and effort.
Seal It Off
If none of the troubleshooting tips get your furnace running back to normal, you will have to wait until an expert fix it. In the meantime, you will have to work with what you have got. The first thing you need to do is seal off the entire house.
Pick the smallest room in the house and grab all the blankets, pillows, and other warming materials. Then, shut all the doors in the house to contain the warmth. Bring all your pets inside the room as well. You wouldn’t want to keep them shivering outside.
Use Alternative Heating Sources
If you live in a colder region, you should have a backup in case your furnace gives up. This will help keep your kids, the elderly, and the pets warm while the furnace is getting fixed. During the winter season, especially when it is snowing outside, it could be difficult to move around.
Moreover, the demand for furnace experts increases as well. Therefore, it might take a while for the expert to attend to your furnace. That said, purchase an electric or gas space heater to bring the temperature down until the furnace can get fixed.
Final Word
Concluding, your furnace giving up when you need it the most can be frustrating. You can try troubleshooting the issue but if that does not work out, try contacting furnace services Arlington VA. In the meantime, try keeping yourself warm with whatever you have to keep things going.