Imagine coming home after a long day of work to a freezing home. When your furnace quits working unexpectedly, it can be a stressful experience, especially during cold Wisconsin winters. However, staying calm and knowing what steps to take can make all the difference.
If your furnace stops working, you can restore warmth and comfort to your Fox Cities home quickly and safely by following these steps.
Immediate Steps Wisconsin Homeowners Should Take If Your Furnace Quits
Stay calm and check the thermostat settings.
- Check that the thermostat is set to “heat” and the temperature setting is higher than the current room temperature.
Inspect the power source.
- Check the circuit breaker to make sure it hasn’t tripped.
- Confirm the furnace’s power switch is turned on.
Replace or clean the filter.
- A clogged filter can block airflow and cause the furnace to shut down, so inspect it and replace it if necessary.
Here’s how to replace your furnace filter:
- For safety, switch off your furnace before accessing the filter. Use the power switch on the unit or turn off the circuit breaker.
- The filter is usually found in the return air duct, near the blower compartment, or behind a removable panel on the furnace.
- Note the dimensions and type of filter printed on the old one. Double-check that the replacement matches these specifications.
- Slide the old filter out carefully to avoid spreading dust.
- Look inside the slot for dirt or debris and clean it with a damp cloth if necessary.
- Position the new filter with the arrows pointing in the direction of airflow (toward the furnace).
- Replace the panel or cover, switch the furnace back on, and check that it’s running properly.
Troubleshooting Tips for Common Furnace Problems for Wisconsin Homeowners
Check that vents are not blocked or closed.
Check all vents and registers throughout your home to make sure they are open and unobstructed, allowing proper airflow throughout your home.
Look for error codes on the furnace’s control panel.
Many modern furnaces display diagnostic codes that can help identify specific issues. Refer to your furnace’s user manual to interpret the codes.
Check the pilot light (if applicable).
If your furnace has a pilot light, ensure it is lit. If it’s out, follow the manufacturer’s instructions to safely reignite it.
Monitor for unusual noises or smells.
Pay attention to any banging, rattling, or other strange sounds and unusual odors, as these could indicate mechanical or electrical issues.
Contact the Fox Valley HVAC Specialists at Martens Heating and Cooling Today
If your troubleshooting efforts don’t resolve the issue, it’s time to contact the Wisconsin HVAC technicians at Martens Heating and Cooling for your Appleton, Oshkosh, or Neenah-area home.
Certain problems, such as no airflow, frequent circuit breaker trips, or water pooling around your furnace, require expert attention to ensure safety and proper repairs.
Attempting DIY fixes on complex systems can lead to further damage or safety risks, so it’s best to leave these issues to our trained technicians. Our reliable HVAC specialists in Omro travel throughout Northeast Wisconsin to quickly diagnose furnace problems, provide effective solutions, and get your furnace running again.
For urgent issues, take advantage of 24/7 emergency furnace repair services to restore heat and comfort to your home without delay.
Our technicians travel throughout the Fox Cities area, including:
Call us today to get your HVAC unit back up and running in your Fox Cities home.