Regular maintenance on your furnace is important for efficient performance and longevity. If your furnace isn’t working properly and you’re not sure what to do, try a few furnace troubleshooting techniques before you call a heating and cooling professional.
If your furnace is operable, but not producing adequate heat, check the following:
- Verify the thermostat is set to “heat” and adjust the temperature so it’s above current room temperature.
- Check the air filter, and change if necessary.
- Ensure that the air-supply registers are free of obstruction (curtains, furniture, toys, etc.).
If none of these furnace troubleshooting steps work, you may need to call a heating and cooling professional to evaluate your system, including your duct system for leakage and disconnected joints.
If your furnace is not powering on, check the following:
- Switch the thermostat to “fan” mode to check power to the furnace.
- Check the circuit breaker. Switch it “off” and back “on.”
- Check the electrical disconnect switch (SSU switch) and make sure it’s “on.” It looks just like a light switch located at the furnace.
If none of these furnace troubleshooting steps worked, it’s time to call a heating and cooling professional to handle the situation. If you don’t have a regular contractor that you work with, you need to ask pertinent questions, and look for specific criteria, including:
- Verify licenses and insurance.
- Check referrals, and ask for credentials.
- Look for a company that has been established in the community for several years.
- Get everything in writing, including warranty, guarantees, labor, overtime and follow-up services.
These are just some of the top things to look for when hiring a contractor. It’s wise to maintain a service plan with a reputable company to avoid emergency repairs, and to keep your home-comfort systems running at peak efficiency.
For all your HVAC needs, contact us at Roth Heating & Cooling. We’ve kept Portland-area residents comfortable for 36 years.
