{"id":3415,"date":"2023-12-18T15:42:24","date_gmt":"2023-12-18T20:42:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/orzechheating.ca\/?p=3415"},"modified":"2024-03-18T10:32:58","modified_gmt":"2024-03-18T14:32:58","slug":"what-to-do-when-furnace-goes-out-in-winter","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/orzechheating.ca\/blog\/what-to-do-when-furnace-goes-out-in-winter\/","title":{"rendered":"What To Do When Your Furnace Goes Out In Winter?"},"content":{"rendered":"
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As winter’s cold embrace sets in, a malfunctioning furnace can quickly turn into a household emergency. So, what to do when the furnace goes out in winter? In this article, we\u2019ll discover timely solutions, tips for navigating the challenges of a winter furnace outage, and when you need to call a professional for a furnace repair<\/a>.<\/p>\n Get ready to address your furnace issue and ensure your home stays warm and inviting during the chilly season.<\/p>\n If you’re experiencing an HVAC emergency, we’re here to help. 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Contact our HVAC professionals<\/a> now.<\/p>\n Here are the seven most popular reasons your furnace might stop working during the colder months:<\/p>\n Your thermostat is the command center for your heating system. Your furnace won\u2019t know when to turn on if it\u2019s not working properly. Check to ensure it’s set to “heat” and the temperature is set high enough to trigger the furnace.<\/p>\n See also: HVAC not working after changing thermostat<\/a><\/p>\n A clogged air filter restricts airflow, causing your furnace to work harder and potentially overheat.<\/p>\n Regularly replacing or cleaning the air filters can prevent this issue.<\/p>\n For gas furnaces, the pilot light or ignition system is crucial. If these components fail, your furnace won’t be able to produce heat.<\/p>\n Just like any machine, your furnace can suffer from wear and tear. Parts can become worn out or malfunction over time, affecting the furnace’s efficiency and functionality.<\/p>\n Problems with the electrical connections or power supply can prevent your furnace from operating. This could include blown fuses, tripped circuit breakers, or other electrical system failures.<\/p>\n Proper airflow is critical for the efficient operation of your furnace, especially during the winter months.<\/p>\n Factors such as blocked or closed vents, and even the potential issue of a frozen furnace exhaust, can significantly impact your heating system’s performance.<\/p>\n For those with gas or propane furnaces, issues with the fuel supply can be a common culprit. This could be due to a closed valve, a problem with the delivery system, or empty fuel tanks.<\/p>\n When your furnace stops working during the winter, it’s important to stay calm and perform some basic checks before calling a professional.<\/p>\n First, check your thermostat to ensure it is set correctly to ‘heat’ and the temperature is higher than the room’s temperature. Also, check if the circuit breaker has tripped or if the furnace switch is turned off.<\/p>\n Here\u2019s a more comprehensive checklist to guide you through the initial troubleshooting:<\/p>\n <\/strong><\/p>\n Pilot Light Status:<\/strong> If your furnace has a pilot light, check if it’s lit. If not, contact a professional to inspect and have it relighted.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n If these simple checks don\u2019t resolve the issue, or if you’re uncomfortable performing any of these steps, it\u2019s best to call a professional HVAC technician. They can diagnose and repair more complex issues safely and efficiently. Regular maintenance by a professional can also help prevent future breakdowns.<\/p>\n How to prepare your furnace and HVAC system for cold winter?<\/p>\n Ensuring your air filters are clean is essential for the efficient operation of your furnace. Ideally, you should replace or clean them every 1-3 months. A clean filter not only improves air quality but also enhances airflow, reducing the strain on your furnace.<\/p>\n It’s important to check and test your thermostat to ensure it’s functioning properly. You can turn on the heat and observe if the furnace starts and reaches the set temperature. You should also change your thermostat batteries regularly to ensure proper operation.<\/p>\n Although not a DIY task, scheduling professional maintenance is a key step. An annual inspection and servicing by a qualified HVAC technician can prevent potential issues from escalating and ensure your system is running efficiently.<\/p>\n Cleaning all vents and registers in your home is a simple yet effective task. Removing dust and debris ensures unobstructed airflow and can significantly improve the efficiency and effectiveness of your heating system.<\/p>\n With increased furnace use, it’s vital to ensure your carbon monoxide detectors are working properly. This is a simple check that involves pressing the test button on the detectors to confirm they are operational.<\/p>\n This step is crucial for your safety, as furnaces can be a source of carbon monoxide leaks. Also, it\u2019s recommended to check the expiry date for replacement if needed.<\/p>\n To prevent furnace exhaust from freezing in winter<\/a>, clear snow around the vent, manage condensation, and consult a professional to schedule annual maintenance for optimal heating system performance and safety in cold weather.<\/p>\n Inspect the air filter for any visible dirt, dust, or clogging. If it looks dirty or hasn’t been changed in the past 1-3 months, it’s time to replace or clean it.<\/p>\n We strongly recommend not to try relighting the pilot light on your own. Instead, contact an HVAC professional to handle this task.<\/p>\n Regularly change or clean air filters, keep vents and registers clear of obstructions, and ensure your thermostat is functioning properly. Also, schedule annual professional maintenance.<\/p>\n In conclusion, a winter furnace outage demands quick action. We hope this guide has equipped you with essential information\u2014prioritizing safety, seeking professional emergency furnace repair service<\/a> if necessary, and implementing preventive measures.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" As winter’s cold embrace sets in, a malfunctioning furnace can quickly turn into a household emergency. So, what to do when the furnace goes out in winter? In this article, we\u2019ll discover timely solutions, tips for navigating the challenges of…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":3426,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[6],"tags":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-3415","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-heating"},"yoast_head":"\nWhat may cause your furnace to stop working during winter?<\/h2>\n
1. Thermostat Issues<\/h3>\n
2. Dirty Filters<\/h3>\n
3. Pilot Light or Ignition Problems<\/h3>\n
4. Mechanical Wear and Tear<\/h3>\n
5. Electrical Issues<\/h3>\n
6. Blocked Vents or Ducts<\/h3>\n
7. Fuel Supply Problems<\/h3>\n
What to check for when it happens?<\/h2>\n
1. Check Your Thermostat<\/h3>\n
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2. Inspect Air Filters<\/h3>\n
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3. Examine the Circuit Breaker and Power Supply<\/h3>\n
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4. Look at the Pilot Light (For Gas Furnaces)<\/h3>\n
5. Assess Vents and Registers<\/h3>\n
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6. Fuel Supply Check (For Gas or Oil Furnaces)<\/h3>\n
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7. Emergency Switch and Furnace Door<\/h3>\n
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When to Call a Professional<\/h2>\n
1. Replace or Clean Air Filters<\/h3>\n
2. Thermostat Check and Testing<\/h3>\n
3. Schedule Professional Maintenance<\/h3>\n
4. Clean Vents and Registers<\/h3>\n
5. Test Carbon Monoxide Detectors<\/h3>\n
6. Prevent your furnace exhaust from freezing<\/h3>\n
FAQ<\/h2>\n
How can I tell if my air filter needs to be changed?<\/h3>\n
Should I try to relight the pilot light by myself?<\/h3>\n
What maintenance can I perform at home to prevent furnace problems?<\/h3>\n
Conclusion<\/h2>\n