As autumn begins, most Midwesterners know the warmer temps are already on their way out. Be prepared before winter arrives and choose this time of year to ensure you won’t run into any furnace problems come January.

Pro Tip: If you notice your furnace stops working early enough, there are many ways to troubleshoot the issue before calling in the experts—whether you run a gas or electric furnace.

Gas & Electric Furnace Troubleshooting

Furnace on the fritz? Try these simple tricks to help troubleshoot the issue:

• Change Your Furnace Filter: A dirty or clogged filter can prevent your furnace from working properly, so check your filter regularly. Pros recommend changing 1-2-inch filters every three months, 4-inch filters every six months, and 5-inch filters every twelve months.
• Test Your Thermostat: Testing your thermostat when the weather is still warm is another way to find out if your furnace is running into any issues come winter. HomeTips offers a simple guide on how to accurately test your thermostat:
  1. Turn off your furnace.
  2. Unscrew the wires from their terminals.
  3. Twist bare ends of two wires together.
  4. Turn the furnace back on.
• Reset Your Circuit Breaker: Every once in a while, you’ll need to reset your circuit breaker, especially if it’s the power source for your furnace.
• Check Your Furnace Flame: The flame of your furnace should be blue with a yellow tip. If you see the flame showcasing a different color, contact a professional right away! Never try to fix your furnace flame on your own.
• Relight Your Pilot Light: If your furnace flame is out, you can easily relight it. HowStuffWorks outlines how to safely light a pilot light in 5 simple steps:
  1. Find the pilot light assembly.
  2. Turn the valve to “off” and wait three minutes before moving to the next step.
  3. Switch valve to pilot setting.
  4. Hold a lighted match to the pilot opening while you push the reset button on the panel.
  5. Keep button depressed until the pilot flame burns brightly.

You can always check your owner’s manual for further instructions. If you’re having issues with the pilot light, contact us today!

• Spot Check Your Vents & Registers Around Your Home: Walk around your home and spot check all the vents and registers to ensure they aren’t blocked by furniture, rugs, or anything else that may restrict the flow of air.

Electric & Gas Furnace Services Near You

After you’ve exhausted all the troubleshooting tips for fixing your furnace problem, it may be time to contact your local HVAC expert for a professional inspection. For three decades, Burnsville Heating & Air Conditioning continues to deliver exceptional heating and AC services in Burnsville and the surrounding areas. If your furnace needs replacement or repairs, contact us and let us help your family stay comfortable all winter long!