What To Do If Your Furnace Stops Working This Winter

When winter temperatures drop in Lake County, Ohio, a functioning furnace is essential to keep your home warm and your family comfortable. If your furnace suddenly stops working, it can be stressful—but don’t panic. There are a few simple troubleshooting steps you can take before calling a professional. If these steps don’t solve the issue, Lakeshore Heating & Cooling is here to provide expert furnace repair services in Lake County and the surrounding areas.

Check the Thermostat

This might seem obvious but this usually the thermostat is often the first thing to inspect if your furnace isn’t working.

• • Make sure it’s set to “heat” and that the temperature is higher than the current room temperature.
  • Replace the batteries if your thermostat is unresponsive.
  • Double-check that it hasn’t been accidentally switched to “cool” or “off.”

Inspect the Furnace’s Power Supply

Sometimes the problem is as simple as a lack of power to the furnace due to a tripped breaker.

• • Check your circuit breaker to see if it has tripped. Reset it if necessary.
  • Ensure the furnace switch, usually located near the unit, is turned on.
  • For older furnaces, make sure the blower door is properly closed, as some systems won’t run if the door is ajar.

Examine the Pilot Light or Ignition System

For Gas Furnaces:
The pilot light plays a crucial role in igniting the burners of your furnace. If your furnace isn’t working, inspect the pilot light to determine if it’s lit.

Relighting the Pilot Light: If the light is out, follow the manufacturer’s instructions to relight it safely. Typically, this involves turning the gas valve to the “off” position, waiting a few minutes to let any residual gas dissipate, and then switching it to “pilot” before using a match or lighter to ignite it. If you’re uncomfortable or unsure about relighting the pilot light, it’s best to call a professional to handle it safely.

Yellow or Orange Pilot Light: A properly functioning pilot light should burn with a steady blue flame. If the flame is yellow or orange, it could indicate incomplete combustion, often caused by a dirty burner, insufficient airflow, or a gas pressure issue. This may lead to unsafe conditions like carbon monoxide buildup, so it’s important to have a technician inspect and resolve the problem promptly.

For Electric Furnaces:
Electric furnaces don’t use pilot lights but rely on electronic ignition systems to start the heating process.

Resetting the Ignition System: If your furnace isn’t working, try resetting the ignition system. Most furnaces have a reset button located on the control panel. Press the button and wait to see if the system starts. If the problem persists after resetting, it may indicate a deeper issue with the ignitor, control board, or safety mechanisms.

Consulting the Owner’s Manual: Refer to the furnace’s owner’s manual for detailed troubleshooting steps. The manual often provides specific instructions for addressing common ignition system problems. If the issue remains unresolved, contacting a professional is recommended.

Understanding and addressing issues with your furnace’s pilot light or ignition system can prevent prolonged downtime and ensure your system operates safely. If you encounter persistent problems or suspect a gas or electrical issue, reach out to Lakeshore Heating & Cooling for expert assistance.

Inspect The Air Filter On Your Furnace

Air filters are a critical component of your furnace, responsible for maintaining proper airflow and ensuring that the air circulating through your home is clean. Over time, these filters can become dirty or clogged with dust, debris, and pet dander, which can significantly impact your furnace's performance.

Blocked Airflow: When air filters are clogged, they restrict airflow into the furnace, forcing the system to work harder to pull in air. This extra strain can lead to overheating, causing the furnace to shut down as a safety measure or operate less efficiently, resulting in higher energy bills.

Checking Your Filter: Remove the air filter and hold it up to a light source. If the light barely passes through or the filter appears visibly dirty, it’s time for a replacement. For homes with pets or during peak usage seasons like winter, filters may need to be changed more frequently.

Regular Replacement Schedule: To prevent airflow issues and maintain optimal performance, replace your air filters every 1-3 months. Doing so not only improves your furnace's efficiency but also enhances indoor air quality by reducing airborne contaminants.

A clean air filter can prevent many common furnace problems, reduce energy costs, and extend the lifespan of your heating system. If you’re unsure about the type or size of filter your system requires, the experts at Lakeshore Heating & Cooling can assist you.

Check for Blocked Vents or Registers

Proper airflow through vents and registers is essential for your furnace to heat your home efficiently. Blocked vents can lead to uneven heating, increased strain on your system, and potential furnace shutdowns due to overheating.

Unobstructed Vents: Walk through your home and inspect all supply and return vents. Ensure they are fully open and free from obstructions such as furniture, curtains, rugs, or household items. Even partial blockages can disrupt airflow and affect the overall performance of your furnace.

Prevent Overheating: When airflow is restricted, heat builds up inside the furnace, triggering safety mechanisms that cause the system to shut down. Keeping vents clear helps prevent this issue and ensures even heat distribution throughout your home.

Check for Dust Build-Up: In addition to obstructions, dust and debris can accumulate on vent covers and inside ducts. Cleaning vents regularly can improve airflow and indoor air quality, allowing your furnace to work more efficiently.

Taking the time to inspect and clear vents and registers is an easy step homeowners can take to avoid unnecessary furnace problems. If your system continues to struggle despite these measures, contact Lakeshore Heating & Cooling for professional diagnostics and repair services.

When to Call A Professional For Furnace Repairs

If troubleshooting doesn’t resolve the problem, it’s time to contact a professional furnace repair technician. Common issues requiring expert attention include:

• • Repeated cycling on and off.
  • Persistent unusual noises like banging, rattling, or screeching.
  • The system blowing cold air or failing to produce heat.
  • Frequent tripping of circuit breakers or carbon monoxide detector alerts.

Lakeshore Heating & Cooling is your trusted local partner for furnace repairs in Lake County, Ohio. Our licensed and insured HVAC technicians repair all types of furnaces and provide prompt, reliable service to restore your home’s warmth.

Regular Furnace Maintenance Can Prevent Breakdowns

One of the best ways to avoid furnace problems is with regular professional furnace maintenance. At Lakeshore Heating & Cooling, our maintenance services include:

• • Inspecting and cleaning furnace components.
  • Checking for wear and tear on key parts.
  • Replacing filters to ensure proper airflow.
  • Testing safety controls to prevent hazards like carbon monoxide leaks.

The benefits of routine furnace maintenance include improved energy efficiency, a longer lifespan for your furnace, and fewer unexpected repairs. Scheduling annual maintenance can save you money and keep your system running smoothly all winter long.

Why Choose Lakeshore Heating & Cooling For Furnace Repair?

At Lakeshore Heating & Cooling, we’re proud to serve homeowners in Painesville, Fairport Harbor, Euclid, Willowick, Willoughby, Mentor, Mentor-On-The-Lake, and nearby communities in Lake County. Our commitment to quality service, energy-efficient solutions, and customer satisfaction sets us apart. Whether you need emergency furnace repairs or preventive maintenance, our skilled technicians are here to help.

Contact Lakeshore Heating & Cooling Today

If your furnace isn’t working or you want to schedule routine maintenance, call Lakeshore Heating & Cooling today. We’ll ensure your home stays warm and comfortable all winter long. Contact us for reliable furnace repairs today!