Why Isn’t My Furnace Working?

Before you call out the national guard to restore heat in your home, why not try a few often-successful DIY steps first.  You’ll get your heat back faster that way, and you’ll save some money.

My Furnace Working

Clean or Replace the Filter

Nothing gums up the works like a clogged, dirty filter. In fact, don’t wait for problems to occur before checking it out…you should be cleaning or replacing it every 6-8 weeks, or as needed.  A clogged filter makes your furnace work harder and, if the clog is serious enough, warm air will have a hard time reaching your living spaces.

Pilot light went out

If the filter is clean or barely dirty, next have a look at the pilot light on your furnace. Here’s how:

Turn your furnace control switch to the “off” position. Then wait five minutes so residual gas has time to clear out.

Remove the cover at the bottom of the cabinet and pull out the metal burn cover. Once you’ve located the pilot tube, turn the control knob to “Pilot.”

Push and hold the red button down, the one you’ll find near the control knob.

Light a long match and hold the flame below the tip of the pilot tube to re-ignite the flame. Continue to depress the red button for one minute.

Release the red button and make sure the pilot light is back on. If not, repeat the steps above, but this time depress the red button for an extra 30 seconds.

The furnace has lost power

If you have no heat and your furnace seems to be napping, see if it’s getting power? Did someone trip over the plug and yank it from the wall? Did the thermostat get set to the “off” position by mistake? Has the breaker tripped inside your electrical panel?

If you still haven’t solved the problem – or, if you’re simply not the DIY type – Optimum Air is just a phone call or email away.  We service and repair all makes and models of home furnaces, including yours.  Plus, we guarantee your 100% satisfaction.