Furnace Troubleshooting: 7 Gas Furnace Solutions

Zafar Saeed Ahmed

7/19/20232 min read

Furnace Troubleshooting: 7 Gas Furnace Solutions

Waking up to a cold house in the middle of winter can be quite unpleasant, and it's often due to a malfunctioning furnace. While certain issues like gas leaks or unusual noises warrant immediate professional attention, some minor problems can be resolved through simple troubleshooting. Here are seven safe gas furnace troubleshooting solutions you can try.

However, remember that attempting to fix your furnace yourself can pose serious safety and health risks. Improper repairs on a natural gas furnace can lead to dangerous leaks, exposing your family to toxic fumes and explosion risks. Electric furnaces can cause shocks during wiring work. Always consult a licensed HVAC professional if your furnace has mechanical issues.

Before calling in the professionals, you can check these seven furnace troubleshooting tips:

  1. Thermostat Check: The issue might not be with your furnace but with your thermostat. Make sure it's on and set to 'heat' at a temperature at least five degrees above room temperature.

  2. Vent Check: Ensure all your vents are completely open. If they're blocked or closed, heat will not be able to flow.

  3. Furnace Filter Check: A clogged or dirty furnace filter could be the problem. Locate the filter near the blower and inspect it for any dust or debris. Replace it if it's particularly dirty or rinse it with water and let it air-dry completely before putting it back if it's a permanent filter.

  4. Power Check: Check the general power switch on your furnace and your home’s main electrical panel. If a fuse blows as a result, contact an HVAC professional.

  5. Flame Check: For older furnace models, look for a blue, even flame. If you see yellow or uneven flames, you may have dirty or blocked burners.

  6. Pilot Light or Electric Igniter Check: If your furnace has a pilot light, you can relight it by turning the knob to ‘off,’ waiting a minute, then setting it back to ‘on.’ If you have a newer furnace with an electric igniter, contact an HVAC professional.

  7. Gas Valve Check: Make sure the gas valve, located in the service panel on the side of the furnace, is on and supplying gas to the pilot light.

If you smell gas, hear unusual noises from your furnace, or if troubleshooting doesn't fix the problem, call an HVAC professional immediately.