Furnace Problems on Start-Up? Resolve Them With Expert Help

by Greg Leisgang on September 24, 2013

Posted in: Furnaces

furnace problems, Cincinnati, OhioFurnace problems always seem to arise when you least expect it. It may stubbornly rebuke your thermostat setting or spew a yellow flame instead of a blue one. Or it may be making cranky noises that you’ve never heard before. 

If you run into any of these problems as you start up your furnace this fall, don't panic. Instead, run through some basic troubleshooting steps. Often a quick fix is all that's needed to get your furnace running smoothly again.

So get your owner's manual, grab a flashlight and try the following to remedy or perhaps diagnose furnace problems:

  • Make sure that your furnace is actually on. Someone may have accidentally turned it off. 
  • Turn up the temperature a few degrees and wait a few minutes to see if the furnace kicks on.
  • Check the furnace circuit breaker and fuse. Flip the breaker if necessary, or replace the fuse.
  • Check that the socket switch utility is on.
  • Inspect the pilot light, and if it isn’t on, relight it. The flame should be light blue. Dirty burners turn the flame yellow, which means that the burners must be cleaned by a furnace expert.
  • Remove the filter and inspect its condition by holding it up to a light. If you can't see through the filter, it's time for a new one. A clogged filter can cause a furnace to shut down; in the worst cases, a dirty filter can cause damage to the motor.
  • Check the heat registers in your home to make sure that they're not obstructed by furniture or other objects.

Some furnace problems warrant an expert’s immediate attention. If your furnace is making unusual noises— anything from high-pitched squealing to deep rumbling sounds — consider the sounds a literal cry for help. The reason for the racket? The burners may be dirty or out of alignment. Either predicament requires the expert hand of a qualified technician.

If you've reached the end of your troubleshooting rope and need help with furnace problems, or any other HVAC issue, contact the pros at JonLe Heating & Cooling. We proudly serve homeowners throughout greater Cincinnati.

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