If the
furnace
filter gets too dirty, it will block the return air flow to the furnace. It’s like putting a blanket on your head and asking you to breathe normally. A dirty filter causes these problems:
reduces volume of hot air blown out– blocked return air means the furnace has less to blow out your supply vents, leaving you chilly. Furnace shuts down– because your furnace has to run longer to heat your home, the heat exchanger overheats, causing the furnace to automatically shut down.
A dirty filter will also cause soot to build up in the heat exchanger, causing your furnace to run inefficiently and reduce it’s life span.
A furnace that struggles to produce heat is a different matter from one that has somehow stopped working. In the case of a poor-performing furnace that doesn't heat the home sufficiently, first ensure that the air filter is clean and in good condition, if not new. Check and change your clogged filter this is a simple but essential part of furnace maintenance. One of the most common reasons to have a furnace not working is a clogged filter. It also happens to be the easiest maintenance chore. Replacing your furnace filter regularly is a quick and simple task, and goes a long way in protecting hvac components and improving your inside air quality.
Make Sure the Gas Is On
Resetting a furnace is an underappreciated skill among many homeowners, and it’s one that’s critical whether you have a gas or electric furnace.
In many electric furnaces, a red or yellow reset button is usually inside the blower housing next to the blower motor located near the top of the furnace. If you can’t easily find the reset button or your owner’s manual for help, the best option is to turn off the circuit breaker that controls it, then restart power to the furnace by turning the breaker back on. The furnace should start automatically and you should warm up quickly.
Your home’s furnace is a hard-working machine. Whether you have a ductless system, heat pump, oil, gas, or electric setup, there’s the potential for problems. When the heat stops blowing, the furnace makes funny noises, or the unit fails to turn on, it’s time to put on your troubleshooting hat to see if you can fix the problem yourself. Like most home improvement tasks, some solutions are easier than others. In the end, some projects are best handled by professionals because of a safety concern or a warranty issue. If you’re really unfamiliar with the work, a mistake can cost you more in the long run than hiring someone to do it right the first time, so evaluate your skills and knowledge.
Make Sure the Chimney Exhaust Flue Is Clear
Maybe you can hear the sound of the draft motor (also called the inducer motor), but the furnace doesn’t turn on. Possible causes include: a blocked intake or exhaust vent. Clear snow, debris, or bird and rodent nests from the vent or chimney. You may be dealing with a failed motor control board, gas valve, or ignitor. These issues require part repair or replacement.
have you noticed cold spots in your home even when hot air is coming out of the air vents? the problem could be the air ducts. Check for handles that protrude from the ducts – these are dampers that control airflow. You’ll want to make sure they’re fully open. If some entire rooms are still cold, you may have a problem with leaking ducts or incorrectly designed ducts. This is a serious issue that can increase your energy bill. To find blocked or leaky ducts that could be restricting airflow, take a look at any ducts you can access – are there any gaps between sections of ducts or branching out points? you can seal these with special metal duct tape.