What to Do if Your Furnace Breaks Down

September 18, 2024

So, your furnace isn’t working. What now? Remain calm and follow these simple steps to troubleshoot the problem.

 

 

 

Make Sure the Furnace Door is Closed

The first thing you do is check the furnace door and make sure it is closed properly. Furnaces have a safety switch that doesn’t allow the furnace to turn on when the door isn’t closed, so if your furnace isn’t working it could simply be because the door is not completely closed. If this is the problem, your furnace should start functioning normally again after you close the door correctly.

 

Check the Filter

When was the last time you changed your furnace filter?  A plugged filter is a common cause of issues. If you haven’t changed your furnace filter in a while, this is an especially likely culprit. Check your filter and change it.

 

 

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Determine if the Condensate Line is Draining

Take a look at your furnace’s condensate line and see if it’s draining properly. The condensate line is the slender white pipe that drains water from the steam produced in the furnace exhaust. if the drain becomes blocked, or backs up, or if cold weather has frozen that pipe, it needs to be cleared so that the water can drain properly, rather than backing up into the furnace.

 

Reset Your Furnace

Try resetting your furnace by turning it off for a few minutes, then turning it back on. If you’re not sure how to turn off your furnace, here’s what you need to know: the on/off switch looks like a typical light switch and is usually located near the furnace high up on the wall (see photo below). If you can’t find the switch, you can also turn it off at the electrical panel.

 

Check the Outside Vent

Take a look at your furnace’s outside vent termination. These can get plugged with leaves, birds’ or wasps’ nests, or other debris. If the vent is clogged up, it needs to be cleared before your furnace can operate properly again.

Watch for Signs of a Gas Leak

Do you smell gas? Gas smells like rotten eggs, so if you notice this odour, you have a gas leak, which is a serious safety hazard. Turn off your gas immediately if possible. The shutoff for the gas most often has a yellow or red handle and needs to be turned a ¼ turn to the right to turn it off. (photo)

if you are unable to turn the gas off, open the doors and windows and call FortisBC immediately at 1-800-663-9911

 

Call a Qualified Gas Fitter for Repairs

A licensed gas fitter should be the only person working on your furnace because they are trained and certified to work on gas appliances, keeping them safe to operate. If you need furnace repairs done, call the team at John Sadler today at (604) 531-4355! We are fully licensed gas fitters with years of experience working with all makes and models of furnace.

 

 

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John Sadler Plumbing & Heating

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  • Surrey

  • North Delta

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