If your furnace does not seem to be functioning properly, it’s time to troubleshoot. Even though you might ultimately have to call for emergency furnace repair, it does not hurt to conduct a few basic tests to try and determine the cause of the problems.

If your furnace is not turning on or does not seem to be functioning properly, here are a few things you can check:

Is the thermostat set correctly? It is not uncommon for a thermostat’s switch to inadvertently be changed to the “off” or “cool” position instead of “heat.” This can happen when the thermostat is being dusted. It’s also common for a person to accidentally switch the thermostat off when trying to adjust the temperature. Make sure to check the thermostat to see if it’s set properly before picking up the phone and calling for emergency furnace repair service.

Do you need to reset the circuit breaker? It’s possible there was a power surge that caused the circuit breaker to trip. If you have checked your thermostat, and it’s set properly, the next step is to check your breaker box. Try switching the furnace’s circuit breaker to off. Let it sit in the off position for a couple of minutes before switching it to the on position. Then, check to see if your furnace kicks on.

Does your furnace seem to be running, but the air coming out of the vents seems to be restricted? If the warm air coming out of your vents seems weak, don’t call for furnace repair service until you try changing your furnace filter. If your current filter is extremely old or dirty, it may be preventing adequate air flow through your furnace system. Try replacing your old filter with a brand new one, and see if it solves the problem. Slow or restricted air flow can also be caused by clogged or fallen air ducts.

If you have checked the abovementioned items and you furnace is still not running as well as it should, or it does not work at all, it’s time to call a professional furnace repair technician. Determining exactly what is wrong with a furnace requires the assistance of an experienced furnace repair company.

When a furnace is not working properly, the situation does not necessarily mean that you must purchase a brand new system. In many cases, a furnace can be repaired. However, you will want to weigh the cost of the furnace repairs with the cost of a new (and probably more efficient) furnace before you decide which route to take. Keep in mind that simple problems with your furnace can lead to more complex issues if they are not repaired in a timely manner. Therefore, if you notice that something might be amiss with your furnace, it’s smart to contact a furnace repair service company as soon as you realize something might be wrong.