What To Do When Your Furnace Stops Working Suddenly

Did your furnace quit working and you’re not sure why or how to fix it? Before you schedule HVAC repair in Louisville, KY, read through this guide for troubleshooting tips from A1 Mechanical Heating & Cooling. We help homeowners overcome common furnace problems like blower motor failure, gas valve issues, and more. 

You may be able to alleviate the problem on your own or, at the very least, detect what’s causing it so a technician can easily repair the system. Discover what you can do to restore the heat inside your home and stay comfortable. 

Troubleshoot a Faulty Furnace in Eight Steps

Don’t panic if you’re suddenly experiencing uneven heating or no heat at all. Some quick furnace troubleshooting may be able to restore your home’s comfort level and save you money on repairs. Use the tips below to rule out common furnace issues and make your home warm and cozy again. 

1. Open Heating Vents

If your home isn’t warming up, it’s possible that no heat can travel through the vents. They could be closed or have restricted airflow due to furniture or other large objects. Make sure all of the vents are open and unobstructed to promote proper airflow. 

2. Adjust Your Thermostat

Many homeowners worry and assume their furnaces quit working when no heat comes through the vents. In some cases, the furnace works just fine but a thermostat malfunction prevents the heat from turning on. Ensure your thermostat is working by:

• Making sure it’s on the right setting: You could mistakenly put your thermostat on “Cool” instead of the proper “Heat” setting, triggering your air conditioner to start rather than your furnace. 
• Increasing the temperature: Your home might not be getting warm because the temperature is too low. Try turning it up a few degrees to see if that helps. 
• Replacing the batteries: Your thermostat might need new batteries if it can no longer send a signal to your furnace to turn on. Put new batteries in to see if this improves your heater’s function. 

3. Check the Power Source

If your furnace quit working in the middle of a heating cycle, the power source may be to blame. It’s possible that a circuit breaker tripped to prevent an electrical overload or the fuse has blown. Locate your home’s fuse or breaker box to check. 

You may have to replace the fuse or switch the breaker back on. Be mindful of how the furnace operates afterward. If the breaker trips again, you might have to upgrade some of your electrical components. 

4. Inspect the Gas Valve

With the pilot light out, a gas furnace won’t be able to complete the combustion process that’s critical for the heat cycle. You should check to see if the pilot light is ignited and how it appears when lit. Ideally, the pilot light should burn blue, which indicates complete, efficient combustion. 

If the light isn’t on or burns in a different color, your furnace isn’t receiving a steady flow of gas. You can adjust the gas valve to ensure that it’s on. If this doesn’t correct the ignition problem, have a licensed technician inspect the furnace further. 

5. Clean the Flame Sensor

You may be experiencing pilot light issues because of a dirty flame sensor. Soot and grime can build up on this sensor and make it hard to detect when a flame kickstarts the combustion process. You can ensure this part works properly by:

• Shutting off the furnace’s gas and electricity supply
• Disconnecting the access panel outside the furnace
• Wiping the sensor clean with a cloth
• Attaching the access panel and testing the furnace’s function

6. Change Your Air Filter

Ask an HVAC professional, “Why did my furnace quit working?” and they might tell you it’s because of a clogged filter. When dirt, dust, and other contaminants collect inside the filter, it restricts the flow of hot air from your furnace through your ductwork. Limited air might travel through your vents because of a clogged filter. 

Replace it with a new, clean one to see if that improves your furnace’s operation. In extreme cases, a clogged filter can lead to a total system shutdown. You’ll have to schedule urgent furnace repairs if the system still won’t work after a filter replacement. 

7. Schedule a Repair Service

DIY furnace troubleshooting may not be enough to get it working again. When the measures above fail to restore your heat, it’s time to contact a licensed professional. They can pinpoint the reason behind your system’s failure and provide long-lasting solutions. 

8. Prioritize Furnace Maintenance Going Forward

Say your furnace quit working and you go through all of the steps above. This not only takes time out of your busy schedule but can cost money if you need extensive repairs. Prevent future malfunctions by investing in routine furnace maintenance. 

Experts run through a detailed checklist of items during a tune-up service that ensures your furnace works properly all season. They help you avoid common furnace issues by performing tasks like:

• Replacing the air filter
• Inspecting the thermostat
• Checking electrical connections
• Evaluating ductwork
• Adjusting gas valves
• Testing overall function

Technicians will also repair any minor problem that appears during a tune-up service. To get the most out of your furnace and save money long-term, schedule annual maintenance in the months leading up to the heating season. 

Schedule Furnace Repair in Louisville Through A1 Mechanical Heating & Cooling

Knowing what to do when your furnace fails can help you avoid being left out in the cold. If your furnace quit working during the peak heating season, reach out to A1 Mechanical Heating & Cooling for an urgent inspection and repairs. We’ll diagnose the reason for the failure and recommend repairs or replacement so you can reap the benefits of installing a new furnace.

Our team delivers top-notch service and promises not to leave you without reliable heating. To schedule a heater repair service in Louisville, give us a call at (502) 708-2247. Reach out today.