Dealing With a Failed Furnace

A failed furnace can be a major problem, especially in the winter. Your home could quickly become dangerously cold. You might feel worried, frustrated, or even panicky, but there are a few things you can check before calling for help. Here’s what you need to know.

Inspect the Power Supply

The most common reason for a sudden furnace failure is an interruption to the power supply. Power outages, damaged wiring, tripped circuit breakers, and blown fuses can all keep your furnace from getting the power it needs. Start by checking that the system is plugged in and turned on. Then check for damage and call a professional.

Look for Ignition Problems

If you use a gas furnace, check that the pilot light is on. For furnaces with an electronic system, listen for a clicking sound to confirm the ignition is working.

Ignitions can become clogged with dirt, dust, and debris, and they can malfunction. A failed ignition system will prevent the system from running. Contact your HVAC expert to diagnose and fix the problem.

Check the Thermostat

The thermostat detects the room temperatures and signals the furnace when to start or turn down. When it is faulty, has wrong settings, or has a dead battery, it will not control the system as expected. Adjusting the temperature settings and replacing the thermostat batteries will typically solve the problem. A completereplacement of the thermostat may be required if it is damaged.

Change Dirty or Clogged Filters

With time, the air filter in your HVAC system can become clogged with dirt particles. The lack of adequate airflow leads to overheating of the system, which then shuts down as a safety mechanism. Regularly cleaning and replacing air filters will prevent and solve this problem.

Louisiana winters may be mild compared to up north, but when a cold front drops temperatures into the 20s, a failed furnace is no joke. We’ve been handling emergency heating repairs across Acadiana since 1956, and we offer after-hours service for exactly these situations. If your furnace goes out and you can’t get it running with the steps above, call F & R Air Conditioning at (337) 893-5646.