Heating and air conditioning units are usually relatively hassle-free. Especially if you have a newer model unit, some basic maintenance will usually be enough to keep your home heated or cooled to your liking.
However, furnaces can break, and with the weather getting ever colder, you should know what to do if your furnace is having trouble.
First of all, most furnace malfunctions will come from one of the three main components of a heating system: the thermostat, the heat source, or the air distribution system.
If the furnace does not turn on, if it turns on and off repeatedly, or if it is not keeping the correct temperature, chances are the problem is with the thermostat. Thermostats—especially older models that employ a spring mechanism—are prone to wear in the form of spring tension loss and may need to be replaced after a few years.
If the furnace is turning on but no air circulates, the problem is most likely with the fan or blower within the heating system. This can be dangerous work, so your best bet is to contact a heating professional for circulation problems.
Finally, if your furnace shows any other signs of problems operating, the heat source may be the problem. If you have an electric furnace, check the power source, including the fuse. For a gas furnace, make sure the gas line is turned on and the igniter is working properly.
If you smell gas or otherwise suspect a leak or a ignition problem, call a heating professional or your natural gas provider immediately and shut off the gas valve if you can.
As we approach the holidays and the weather gets colder, don’t get stuck with a broken furnace! The heating and air conditioning professionals at B.R. McGinty are here to serve anyone in central Arkansas with heating or air conditioning problems.
