There are many reasons why your furnace may stop working. As a homeowner, it is important to be aware of these reasons so that you can troubleshoot before you call for furnace repair services. Sometimes very simple things cause a furnace to stop working and if you know what to do, you may not need to call technicians to come and help you figure out what might be wrong with your unit. Presented below are a few of the reasons why a furnace may stop working as well as simple fixes you can do yourself before you consider calling the pros.
The Thermostat
When you realize that your furnace is not working, the very first place you should check is the thermostat. The heat won’t turn on if the thermostat is off. Therefore, before you jump to conclusions that your unit may be damaged, simply check the thermostat and make sure it is turned on, then check to see that the temperature settings are also okay.
The shutoff switches and breakers
Your furnace will stop working if it has been cut off from the power supply, and the simple fix to this is to check if all the switches are on. All furnaces will be connected to a standard wall switch or there will be a panel just next to the furnace from where it is connected to the power supply. When the shutoff switches and breakers are off, no power will be transmitted to the unit and it will not work.
Clogged Filters
The other reason why a furnace may stop working is clogged filters. The presence of dirt and dust in the filters will hinder the smooth flow of air and this will lead to the heat exchanger overheating, and ultimately shutting off the entire unit. If you notice that the blower is working normally, but no heat is being produced, the likely culprit is the filter, and this will need replacing. In addition to causing the furnace to shut off, a dirty filter will also cause soot to build up on the heat exchanger, and this will not just reduce the efficiency of the unit, but will also shorten the lifespan of your furnace. It is recommended that you call North Shore appliance repair technicians for regular maintenance to clear off the filters to avoid regular breakdowns and improve the unit’s efficiency.
Gas turned off
It can be so embarrassing to call for furnace repair services only for the technician to tell you that your unit is not working because the gas is turned off. Before you make the call, check to ensure that the gas is turned on because there is no way the furnace is going to power on if the gas is off.
Clogged Chimney Exhaust Flue
Clogged chimney exhaust flue is another reason why your furnace may stop working. This happens when dirt and debris accesses the flue, thus clogging it to hinder the free flow of air in it. To check on this, switch off the furnace and the thermostat, then dismantle the duct and check for debris. Due to the warmth present in the exhaust flue, it is a common attraction for birds and rodents, thus clogging the exhaust.
Check out for blocked or leaky ducts
It is possible for the furnace to power on, but one or two rooms may still be cold. The common cause for this behavior may be blocked or leaky ducts. Check any accessible duct work for the presence of gaps or leaks, especially at the branch points. If you find any, be sure to seal them. Feel free to call for furnace repair services in Laval, Montreal, South & North Shore if you are unable to seal any leaky ductworks.
