A Heating Troubleshooting Guide

• If the thermostat uses batteries, replace them or make sure that the existing batteries are still in good working order.
• If the thermostat does not use batteries, verify that the furnace is plugged in and is getting power (plug something else into the outlet, like a hair dryer, and make sure it turns on).
• Make sure that the breaker for the FAU (furnaces) in the electrical panel is turned on.
• If you recently replaced a filter inside the furnace make sure that the furnace door was reinstalled properly.

Call us for more information if the above instructions do not resolve the issue or check our WiFI & Smart Thermostat services.

There are a couple of scenarios that could lead to water leaks from a furnace:

• If the water leak appears after a rain, then there is most likely a leak in the furnace venting system on the roof.  
• Condensing (high efficiency) furnaces may have leaky hoses or clogged drain parts that need to be  repaired or cleaned.
• Poor maintenance

Call us for more information on how to resolve your specific problem. Check our heater repair service.

First confirm that the thermostat is set to OFF.  If the furnace is still producing heat or the blower motor keeps running, you will need to call for service, so we can identify the specific problem.

To turn the furnace off, unplug it or turn the specific breaker off until the appliance can be serviced.

Call us for more information on how to resolve your specific problem.

• If the thermostat uses batteries, replace them or make sure that the existing batteries are still in good working order. 
• If you have recently replaced a filter inside the furnace, make sure that the furnace door was reinstalled properly. 

Call us for more information if the above instructions do not resolve the issue.

• Make sure that your filter is clean.
• If you have access to your attic, you can check to see if any ducts are disconnected.
• Make sure that none of the vents are blocked (intake & returns)

Call us for more information if the above instructions do not resolve the issue.

When a furnace blows cold air (in heat mode), it indicates that a safety or ignition sequence failed several times in a row and the furnace locked itself out for safety reasons.

The furnace will try to fire periodically after a predetermined interval of time has elapsed and if the fault has corrected itself, the furnace will operate.

This problem will require service to resolve. Call us to set up a service appointment!

The easiest way is to unplug the furnace for about 15 seconds and then restore power.

If the furnace is not accessible, i.e., attic or subfloor, you can gently remove the thermostat from the sub base (try not to pull out the drywall screws). Re-install after 15 seconds.

If your furnace is labeled (correctly) in the electrical panel, you can reset the power there for 15 seconds.  

You will know that it is the right breaker if the thermostat goes blank after you flip the breaker off.

Some thermostats have a reset button, check in the installation manual for details.

Call us for more information if the above instructions do not resolve the issue.

First, turn the system off, use a shop vac with a brush attachment to gently brush the grill.

In more humid environments, a damp cloth with a drop of dish soap may be required to remove all of the accumulated dust.

Note that an excessive amount of dust build up over a short period of time, may indicate indoor air quality issues that should be assessed.

Call us for more information if the above instructions do not resolve the issue.

Make sure that all the registers are open and that none of them are blocked.

Try NOT to close more than 10% of your overall vents to prevent the system from overheating.

This problem is usually related to poor air balance within the air duct system. 

Two story homes without zoning systems can also exhibit this problem. 

We have specific tips & tricks for these applications, so call us for more information!

We can’t be sure what causes the noise, so it would be wise to ask for an expert to have a look. Turn your appliance off and call us to set up a service appointment.

This can indicate one of several furnace problems, but is often related to a main control board or relay failure. The equipment will require service.

Call us to set up a service appointment!

This can indicate that there is insufficient airflow and the furnace is protecting itself from overheating by shutting itself off to cool down.

• Check & replace the filter. 
• Make sure all vents are open. 
• Make sure all the grills are unobstructed. 

Call us for more information if the above instructions do not resolve the issue.

Most modern furnaces (less than 35 years old) will not require you to light a pilot flame. If your furnace is older and does require a standing pilot you can do the following: 

• Follow the detailed instructions provided with your appliance (typically found on the furnace door or in the burner compartment).
• If you do not have instructions, you can call us for service and we will complete a tutorial with you while we are on site.
• You can call the gas company. They will usually come for free and start up your appliance.

Call us for more information if the above instructions do not resolve the issue.

All central heating/cooling systems need to have a filter installed. Here are some of the locations they can be found:

Older furnaces

• Inside the blower compartment of the furnace
• Filter housing underneath furnace

Attic/basement/subfloor systems

• Central air filtration system – The filter housing is often located next to the furnace on the intake side.
• 1” filters – The filters are usually in a ceiling air intake grill (check for large grills in the ceiling).

New system

If it is a new home and you can not find the filter, it is advisable to call us for maintenance so we can assess where the filters are located and how many they are. We will provide you with the system maintenance requirements as part of our service.

Call us to set up a maintenance visit!