Tips to Avoid Costly Service Calls

Before Any Service Calls:

• Be sure that the thermostat is in the correct position. We run numerous service calls every year when the season changes where the thermostat is set in the wrong position. For example, they may have it set for cool, and the air conditioner hasn’t been running because the house has been relatively cool. They then turn up the set point, expecting the furnace to come on. If it’s still in the “cooling” mode, the furnace will not come on. Also, make sure that the thermostat is at a temperature that’s higher than it is currently reading.
• Check your furnace filter. If it’s dirty, it will cause a limit in the furnace to trip, causing a situation where you’ll have no heat. If you find that it’s dirty, remove and replace it, turn the furnace off at the breaker, leave it off for 30 minutes, and then turn it back on. This should re-set it.
• Check circuit breakers. If the breaker trips, the furnace won’t come on. Even if it doesn’t appear to be tripped, it doesn’t hurt to reset it if you’re having a problem with the furnace.
• Be sure that the bottom door of the furnace is on properly. There is a built-in door switch that won’t allow the furnace to operate if it’s not on correctly.
• If you have a heat pump, keep if free of snow buildup. This may cause the unit to defrost improperly in the heating cycle.
• On a side note, make sure that you check your carbon monoxide detectors and smoke detectors at least annually!
• It is always a good idea to have your furnace checked annually for safety, by a licensed professional. This will help to ensure that it’s running at peak efficiency and it will keep any applicable manufacturer’s warranties in effect.