When the chill of winter hits, there’s nothing better than returning to the cozy, warm comfort of your home after a long day. Your furnace also provides you with safety from the frigid temperatures throughout the season. That’s why it’s absolutely vital for your furnace to always be in proper working condition.
However, if your furnace is broken and you can’t afford to fix it, you can attempt various DIY furnace repairs. In many cases, there are no major internal issues with your furnace; you just need to maintain the system.
Below are some common ways to fix your broken furnace.
How to Fix a Broken Furnace
Before calling the professionals to repair or replace your furnace, check the components within it to see if they are the issue. Sometimes, all you need to do is replace or clean a component.
1. Check Your Thermostat
If your furnace isn’t turning on when scheduled, you should first check your thermostat. Make sure the device is set to “heat.” It may sound simple, but you may accidentally have it set on “cool” or “off.”
Once it’s set on “heat,” you want to make sure that the temperature is set to at least five degrees higher than the current temperature inside your home. If it’s not set at that temperature, the furnace will not turn on, making your home colder than it should be.
If that does not resolve the problem, you may need to replace the batteries or reset the device. These tactics should restore your furnace to proper working order. If your furnace is still not working, you may need to call a professional technician for help with your thermostat.
2. Clean and Change Your Air Filters
Another common broken furnace problem that needs repairs is a dirty air filter. Dirty air filters can cause your furnace to work inefficiently and ineffectively. Your air filter must be as clean as possible so warm, clean air can make its way into your home.
You should replace your air filters every month during the cooling season to ensure that they are taking care of your furnace and the air that enters your home. Regular maintenance of the air filter helps prevent the accumulation of dust, dirt, and debris, which can lead to system malfunctions. A clogged filter can restrict airflow, causing the furnace to blow cold air or, in severe cases, cease operation entirely.
Air filters are pretty affordable and not too complex to replace. If you need assistance finding the right air filter for your furnace, reach out to an expert technician.
3. Check Your Furnace’s Service Panels
Your furnace may not work properly if it’s not completely put together. This sounds obvious, but open service panels can cause the system to break down. Ensure that all panels, such as the blower motor panel, are securely closed.
If anyone—whether yourself, a family member, or a technician—has previously accessed the furnace and left a panel slightly ajar, the furnace’s safety mechanisms will prevent it from operating. Confirm that all panels are properly secured to avoid any interruptions in your furnace’s functionality.
4. Check Your Air Vents and Ducts
Even if the unit itself is not a problem, you still need to consider the system as a whole when fixing a broken electric or gas furnace. Inadequate heating is a sign that you need to repair or replace your furnace. That means you need to check your home’s air vents and ducts.
Take a look at the vents in every room in your house. Make sure that rugs, carpets, appliances, or furniture do not cover them and that they are fully open. If all vents are open and clear, yet some areas are still receiving cold air, the issue likely lies within your air ducts. In such cases, it may be necessary to use a sealant to close any gaps or leaks in the ducts.
Consult a professional HVAC technician if you need air duct sealing services.
5. Check Your Circuit Breaker
Inspect your circuit breaker box thoroughly as a final troubleshooting step for a broken furnace. If the breaker associated with your furnace has been tripped or switched off, it will prevent the furnace from turning on.
Ensure the circuit is in the “on” position, and if it is not, reset the breaker. Additionally, it would be smart to investigate the cause of the tripped breaker to prevent future occurrences. This should resolve the issue and allow your furnace to start operating again.
Call Professionals If You Need Further Assistance
While these problems are easy to check and fix, there are many ways your furnace can break down that require a certified furnace technician to resolve.
GAC Services provides broken furnace repair services in Gaithersburg, Frederick County, Montgomery County, Carroll County, and Howard County, Maryland. Contact us today, and tell us about the problems your furnace is facing.
