It’s no secret that your heating system is forced to work for long periods of time during the cold winter months. Extended furnace use can occasionally lead to complete system breakdowns.
Star Heating & Cooling knows of the dangers and discomfort that can be caused by a broken furnace. We want to help you prepare for the worst-case scenario that a furnace breakdown presents. In our latest blog, we’ll share some signs that allude to a potential furnace breakdown, and provide some tips on what to do if you have a broken furnace.
Warning Signs That Your Furnace Might Go Out
Dry Air
In addition to providing your entire house with heat to stay warm, your furnace is responsible for maintaining the humidity levels of your home. If an unexpected drop in air quality suddenly occurs, it could be a sign that your HVAC system is beginning to wear out. Pay attention to other potential signs to further validate any furnace issues.
Inconsistent Temperatures
Is your home having trouble reaching the temperature that you’ve set on the thermostat? Do some areas of your home stay warm, while others are significantly cooler? If so, contact a professional to inspect and diagnose your system as quickly as possible. Doing so can prevent disaster from striking.
High Heating Bills
As your heating system becomes less effective, your heating bills will rise quickly. This happens as your HVAC system is forced to stay on for longer periods of time in order to reach the set temperature. This is one of the first signs to look for that can indicate a furnace failure.
How to Stay Safe and Warm Without a Furnace
Staying prepared for a potential emergency will help you respond better to the problem if your furnace breaks down. Purchasing space heaters, for example, is a great way to keep warm until the HVAC system issue is resolved. You can put the space heater, or portable heater, in a central room and have family members gather around it to stay warm if your furnace goes out.
When you have a broken furnace, make sure that any blinds or curtains are closed to keep cold air out of the home. Go room by room and ensure that all windows are closed and that there aren’t any small cracks that could be letting cool air inside so you can keep your home warm.
Additionally, if your home has a fireplace, be sure to take advantage of it to stay warm. Your fireplace should produce enough heat to help your family stay warm for as long as necessary.
What to Do During a Furnace Breakdown
If you find yourself with a broken furnace, there are some basic troubleshooting steps you can try before seeking professional help.
Check Thermostat Settings: Set the thermostat a few degrees above the current temperature. Confirm that the thermostat is set to heat mode.
Inspect Power Supply: Make sure the furnace is receiving electricity. Check for a blown fuse or tripped circuit breaker in the electrical panel. Check that the furnace’s power switch is on.
Examine Pilot Light: If the pilot light is out in your gas furnace, relight it according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Replace Air Filter: A clogged or dirty air filter can impede airflow and cause the system to overheat, so the furnace stops working. Replace or clean the filter according to the manufacturer’s recommendations.
Check Gas Supply: Confirm that the natural gas or propane supply to the furnace is not interrupted – make sure the gas valve is open. If you smell gas, shut off the supply immediately and contact a professional.
Remember, safety is paramount when dealing with furnaces, especially those powered by gas. If you’re unsure or if the issue seems complex, it’s always best to seek professional assistance promptly.
If troubleshooting doesn’t help when your furnace goes out, be sure to contact a professional repair technician. Doing so is the best way to have your furnace fixed as soon as possible. If you have a complete breakdown, Star Heating & Cooling offers 24/7 emergency heating services to ensure that your family isn’t left without the comfort and safety of warm air for too long.
Contact Star Heating & Cooling for Furnace Services
For furnace services that you can depend on throughout Central Indiana, including repairs or replacements, be sure to contact Star Heating & Cooling. Our HVAC technicians will always provide you with the attention and dedication that you deserve.
For more information, or to schedule an appointment for heating repair service in Fishers, IN, reach out to our talented team today.