Furnace Repair in Ballwin and St. Charles, MO: How to Handle 9 Common Problems

1. Check the Thermostat

To begin, make certain that your thermostat is signaling your heater to ignite.

Digital Thermostat

• Change the batteries if the monitor is empty. If the digital monitor is jumbled, the thermostat may need to be replaced.
• Ensure the switch is switched to “heat” as opposed to “off” or “cool.”
• Ensure the program is set to the appropriate day and time and is scheduled to “run.” If you’re having problems getting out of the schedule, adjust the temperature by using the up/down arrows and holding the “hold” button. This will make the heat to turn on if thermostat settings are a problem.
• Increase the temperature setting to 5 degrees above the temperature of the room.

If your heating hasn’t kicked on within a few minutes, make sure it has power by toggling the fan switch from “auto” to “on.” If the fan doesn’t operate, your heating system might not have power.

Smart Thermostat

If you utilize a smart thermostat—for example one made by Nest, Ecobee, Lux, Honeywell or Bosch—troubleshooting will depend on your model. Take a look at the manufacturer’s website for assistance. If you still can’t get your Wi-Fi thermostat to function, reachl us at 636-206-4250 for heating and cooling service.

2. Examine Breakers and Switches

Next, you should check if your breaker and furnace switch are on.

• Find your home’s main electrical panel. If you aren’t sure where it is, keep an eye out for a silver metal box in your basement, garage or closet.
• Ensure your hands and feet are dry before opening the panel or breakers.
• Look for the breaker titled “furnace” or “heat,” and double-check it’s turned “on.” If the breaker has tripped, it will be in the middle or “off” area.
• Moving one hand, steadily turn the breaker to the “on” position. If the breaker immediately trips and pops back to “off,” leave it alone and contact a professional from Air Alliance Team at 636-206-4250 quickly.

Regardless of your furnace’s age or brand, it has at minimum one ordinary wall switch situated on or close to it.

• Make sure the control is facing up in the “on” position. If it was turned off, expect your furnace to take up to five minutes to turn on. (If you’re unsure where to locate your furnace, look in your basement, garage or utility closet. It may also be in a crawl space or attic.)

3. Get a New Air Filter

When it comes to heating problems, a grungy, blocked air filter is often the top culprit.

If your filter is too dirty:

• Your heating system won’t be able to stay on, or it could get too warm from restricted airflow.
• Your energy expenses may increase because your heat is working more than it should.
• Your heating system may stop working too soon due to the fact a dirty filter causes it to work overtime.
• Your heating may be cut off from power if an excessively filthy filter causes the breaker to trip.

While it depends on what type of heating system you have, your air filter can be found in the interior of the blower compartment of your heater, an attached filter case or wall-mounted return air grille.

To replace your filter:

• Cut the power to your heater.
• Pull out the filter and hold it up to the light. If you can’t notice light through it, get a new one.
• Insert the new filter with the arrow motioning toward the furnace to prevent damage.

Flat filters ought to be replaced every month, while pleated filters should work around three months. You could also buy a washable filter that will work for about 10 years. If you have children or pets, you may have to change your filter sooner.

To make the process easier down the road, write with a permanent pen on your heater exterior or ductwork to show the airflow direction and filter size.

4. Look at the Condensate Pan

Otherwise known as drain pans, condensate pans hold moisture your heater draws from the air.

If water is leaking from within your heater or its pan has standing water in it, try these guidelines.

• If your pan includes a drain (look for a PVC pipe), make sure that it’s clear. If it needs to be drained, use a special pan-cleaning tablet you can get at home improvement or hardware shops.
• If your pan contains a pump, take a look at the float switch. If the button is jammed “up” with standing water in the pan, call us at 636-206-4250, because you will likely have to get a new pump.

5. Check for Heating Error Codes

If faults persist, peek at your heater’s plastic window to verify the blower motor’s status. Dependent on the type, the light may also be mounted on the outside of your heating system.

If you note anything other than a solid, colored light or flickering green light, reach us at 636-206-4250 for HVAC service. Your heating system might be communicating an error code that requires professional help.

6. Scrub the Flame Sensor

If your furnace tries to run but turns off without blowing heat, a dusty flame sensor might be responsible. When this happens, your heater will make an attempt to ignite three times before a safety device powers it down for around an hour.

If you feel comfortable with taking the panels off your furnace, brushing off your flame sensor is work you can do yourself. Or, one of our heating service experts can finish it for you.

If you are fine with cleaning the sensor personally, you need:

• A 1/4” hex screwdriver or wrench
• Portion of light grit sandpaper, steel wool or emery cloth
• An unused paper towel

Next:

• Shut off the heating system’s power by using its wall switch or breaker. If your gas valve isn’t electric, you must switch off the gas in addition.
• Remove the heating system’s front panel and trace the wire to the flame sensor.
• Remove the rod and use your sandpaper, steel wool or emery cloth to lightly rub the metal rod.
• Clean the rod with a paper towel.
• Remount the sensor.
• Secure the furnace doors.
• Turn the furnace’s power back on. It could go through a sequence of inspections before proceeding with usual operation. If your furnace doesn’t turn on, the sensor could require replacement or something else could be creating an issue. If this occurs, call us at 636-206-4250 for heating and cooling repair support.

7. Light the Pilot Light

If you have an aging furnace, the pilot light could be extinguished. To reignite it, locate the steps on a sticker on your heating system, or try these guidelines.

• Find the switch beneath your heating system marked “pilot,” “on” and “off.”
• Push the switch to the “off” position.
• Wait at least five minutes to prevent creating a fire.
• Move the switch to “pilot.”
• Press the “reset” lever as you bring the flame of a long lighter to the pilot light opening.
• Depress the “reset” switch once the pilot light is ignited.

If you have followed the list twice and the pilot light still won’t ignite or remain lit, get in touch with us at 636-206-4250 for furnace service.

Examine Your Fuel Delivery System

Try switching on another gas appliance. If it doesn’t operate, your natural gas delivery may be shut off, or you could be out of propane.