If you’re worried your furnace is broken or you’re in desperate need of furnace repair, then you’re not alone. The U.S. heating, ventilation, and air conditioning industry is wroth more than $70 billion and grew by an average of 4.1% a year between 2009 and 2014. Plus, the HVAC industry employs about 301,000 U.S. workers.
And although those workers might not complain if you called for furnace repair this year, there are some simple things you can do to save yourself expensive heating and cooling repair in your home.
So if you’re experiencing trouble with your furnace, follow this simple DIY checklist for furnace repair before you start Googling for help:
1. Safety First!
Always practice safety first when performing work around your home. If you’re replacing an air filter or otherwise attempting DIY furnace repair, then consult the manual for proper safety guidelines. This manual is not meant to be an exhaustive safety or home improvement guide, and ultimately your safety is your responsibility. Always flip the shutoff switch and turn off the thermostat completely before attempting any repair work. And if in doubt, outsource the work to a furnace repair professional.
2. Check Your Thermostat!
If this one seems obvious, it’s because it is very, incredibly obvious. That doesn’t mean heating furnace repair workers don’t see this all the time. If you have children in your home, or home improvement challenged roommates, save yourself a $200 service call and double check the thermostat.
3. Check Your Breakers
Again, our second piece of advice is a no-brainer that heating and cooling contractors see all the time. Some furnaces are on a light switch in a basement, and someone accidentally flips the switch looking for a light. Most furnaces have a switch somewhere on the outer surface. If you’re sure that’s not the case in your home, then check your circuit breaker. It’s possible there’s nothing you need to do but turn your furnace back on again.
4. Regularly Change Filters
Heating and cooling companies recommend that HVAC air filters get replaced every 90 days, otherwise your furnace will work overtime until it finally breaks down for real. Dust and other debris can clog up your filter, making it impossible for air to flow and for your furnace to heat your home.
5. Make Sure Exterior Vents Are Clear
Many furnaces have vents that lead to the exterior of your home, and sometimes these vents can become obstructed, especially during inclement weather when leaves or snow fall on your home. If your furnace is struggling to heat your home, make sure the vents aren’t blocked.
6. Check Pilot Light
If your furnace isn’t working, then it’s possible the problem is the gas line, not the furnace itself. Before you call for furnace repair, check your meter to see if the gas is running. Likewise, check and see if the pilot light is on, if applicable.
7. Call for Help!
If you’ve already passed through the first six items on the checklist, then it may be time to call in the professionals. There are 85,469 HVAC businesses to choose from, so take some time researching furnace repair service online before you place a call.