During a Calgary winter, you can expect heavy snowfall and freezing temperatures. A functioning heating system is essential to make your home comfortable and safe. However, subzero temps can put strain on your HVAC system, and too often your furnace could stop working properly when you need it the most.
Fortunately, many heating issues are common and easy to troubleshoot on your own. For others, you may need to rely on a professional HVAC technician. Before calling a pro, here are some steps you can take to troubleshoot your heating system:
Step #1 – Check the Thermostat
You’d be surprised how often “furnace issues” are simply an issue with the thermostat. Before doing any other troubleshooting, first check your thermostat and ensure the settings are correct. Set your fan to “auto” and make sure you’ve switched to “heat.”
Bump up the temperature a few notches and see if your furnace starts emitting hot air. If this still doesn’t solve the problem, check your thermostat’s battery life. Even a low battery can cause issues with your heating system, or a recent power outage may have reset your programmable thermostat settings.
Finally, check the wiring to make sure everything is secure and connected. Similarly, if you’re facing inconsistent heating or hot water issues, it could be a sign that your hot water tank needs attention. Ensuring that both your heating system and hot water tank are functioning properly will help maintain consistent warmth throughout your home.
Step #2 – Check your Furnace Filter
Next, check your furnace filter. A dirty or clogged filter will restrict airflow to your vents or cause your furnace to turn off, so your house won’t warm up properly. A dirty filter also makes your furnace work harder, reducing its efficiency and shortening its lifespan.
This can lead to costly repairs of your furnace and eventually needing to replace your unit. Your furnace filter should be cleaned or replaced every 3 months or more.
Step #3 – Check your Power Source
Check your power source and make sure power is reaching your heating system. Even gas furnaces require electricity to operate. Often, the problem is as simple as a tripped breaker or your furnace being turned off.
Check all power sources associated with your heating system and ensure they are turned on. If you have a gas furnace, check your gas valve to ensure that it is open and in the correct position.
Step #4 – Open your Vents
If your furnace still isn’t blowing hot air after following the first three steps, ensure that all your vents are open, especially if a particular room feels too cold.
Step #5 – Check your Pilot Light
Make sure your furnace pilot light is lit. Check the gas valve and ensure it’s turned on and gas is flowing to your system. If the light is off check the owner’s manual for your furnace to learn how to turn on the pilot light and use extreme caution when doing so.
If the light continues to extinguish, check the area for drafts. If your furnace pilot light still refuses to stay on, you’ll want to call a professional to examine the issue. Remember that some modern gas furnaces may no longer use a traditional pilot light.
Step #6 – Inspect your Ductwork
Your furnace relies on your home’s ductwork to distribute warm air. When ducts are dirty or obstructed, the air blowing through your vents can be dramatically reduced and duct leaks can account for up to 30% of lost heated air in the average home.
If you can find any visible damage or disconnections, you may be able to repair them with simple aluminum foil tape. If the problem persists, you will need to call a professional for duct cleaning or to inspect your system for further damage.
Step #7 – Flush the Drain Lines
When your HVAC unit is running daily, your condensate drain lines are used to drain water away from your furnace, preventing any potential water damage or corrosion within the system. However, these lines can become filled with sediment, mold, or other debris over time, causing the unit to shut down.
If your drain line is blocked, remove the hose, try removing any debris with a drain snake or wire brush or using a wet/dry vacuum to suck out the clog. If this doesn’t work you can flush the drain line by pouring a mixture of vinegar and water down the condensate drain tube until you hear it drain from the other end.
Your furnace is one of the most important appliances in your home, keeping you and your family comfortable when the temperature outside starts to drop. If you run into issues with your heating system, try these steps to troubleshoot on your own.
Sometimes the solution is an easier fix than you might think! If the problem persists, it’s time to call a professional and if your furnace is over 10 years old you may need to start thinking about a replacement.
Whatever issues you’re facing, the professional HVAC technicians at Mr. Mike’s Plumbing and Heating have you covered. Contact us today for a free quote.