When the furnace stops on a cold Northumberland night, a few simple checks can sometimes get the heat back on in minutes. Here are seven safe things to try before you call, plus the signs that mean you should call right away.
7 Checks to Try First
- Check the thermostat. Make sure it is set to Heat, the temperature is set above the room temperature, and the fan is on Auto.
- Replace the thermostat batteries. A blank or dim screen often just means dead batteries.
- Check the furnace switch. Most furnaces have a light-style switch on or near the unit. Make sure it is on.
- Check the breaker. Look for a tripped breaker labelled furnace in your electrical panel and reset it once. If it trips again, stop and call us.
- Check the air filter. A clogged filter can make the furnace overheat and shut itself off. Replace it if it looks grey or dusty.
- Open your vents. Make sure supply vents and the cold air return are open and not blocked by furniture or rugs.
- Check outside vents in winter. On high-efficiency furnaces, snow or ice can block the intake and exhaust pipes outside. Clear them gently by hand.
Call Right Away If You Notice
- A smell of gas, or your carbon monoxide alarm goes off. Leave the house and call your gas utility or 911 from outside.
- Burning, electrical or smoky smells
- Loud banging, grinding or screeching
- The breaker trips again after you reset it
- The furnace turns on and off every few minutes without heating the house
Fast Furnace Repair in Cobourg and Area
If the checks above do not fix it, our technicians can diagnose the problem and get your heat back on. Learn more about our furnace repair service, or read when to call for emergency HVAC service.
Comfort Zone has served Cobourg and Northumberland County since 2005. Get a free quote or call 289-205-3815.