Don’t Panic Until You Read This
You’ve seen the forecast. A blast of Arctic air is moving south, and this time it’s so strong the cold air is expected to spill over the Continental Divide and down the Western Slope. In other words, it’s going to get really cold. So, what are you going to do if your furnace won’t turn on when you turn the heat up on the thermostat?
Yes, both scenarios are make-believe, but Climate Control wants you to know there are some things you can do if it does happen. We’ve put together this checklist just in case your furnace is not working:
- Start with the circuit breakers – Yes, most furnaces burn natural gas or propane, but there are several electrical components as well. If the furnace is not working, check your electrical panel to make sure no circuit breakers are tripped or accidentally turned off.
- Double check that pesky thermostat – It’s surprisingly easy to make a mistake setting your thermostat, especially the new programmable ones. It is possible for them to lose their programming. Make sure the temperature is set correctly and you are on the correct schedule and it is set to HEAT.
- The very forgettable air filter – Some modern furnaces won’t ignite and turn on if the filter is seriously clogged. It’s a safety feature to prevent damage to the system. If you have been neglecting your filter for a long time, it could be causing the problem.
- Check for water in the drain pan – Many systems have an automatic float switch to turn everything off if it detects any water in the pan. It’s more common during air conditioning season, but it’s a good idea to double check.
- Check the gas supply – If you have other gas appliances like a stove or fireplace logs, turn them on and see if they are working. If they won’t work, you’ll likely want to contact your gas or propane supplier.
- What about that darn pilot light? If the pilot light has gone out your furnace won’t ignite. If you are not comfortable re-lighting it, you may want to call for expert help. NOTE: Many modern systems use an electrical igniter of some sort instead of a pilot light. If you’re not sure, you should consult your owner’s manual or call Climate Control.
If after you’ve gone through the checklist your furnace still won’t turn on, then it’s time to call in the experts from Climate Control Company. We are your go-to furnace repair company for Aspen, Vail, and the entire Western Slope. Just don’t wait until a REAL Arctic front is headed our way. Be sure to like and follow us on Facebook and Twitter for more great information like this.
