Furnace Repair in Narvon, PA

1. Inspect the Thermostat

To begin, make certain that your thermostat is telling your heater to start.

Digital Thermostat

• Replace the batteries if the screen is empty. If the digital display is mixed up, the thermostat could need to be replaced.
• Make certain that the button is on “heat” rather than “off” or “cool.”
• Ensure the program is set to the correct day and time and is scheduled to “run.” If you’re having problems turning off the schedule, set the temperature with the up/down arrows and using the “hold” button. This will cause the furnace to turn on if thermostat is causing an issue.
• Set the temperature setting to 5 degrees above the temperature of the room.

If your heating hasn’t kicked on within a few minutes, ensure it has power by toggling the fan switch from “auto” to “on.” If the fan doesn’t start, your heating system could be without power.

Smart Thermostat

If you utilize a smart thermostat—such as one manufactured by Nest, Ecobee, Lux, Honeywell or Bosch—troubleshooting is very model-specific. Check the manufacturer’s website for assistance. If you’re still unable to get your Wi-Fi thermostat to work, contact us at 717-479-4950 for heating and cooling service.

2. Check Breakers and Switches

Next, verify your breaker and furnace switch are on.

• Locate your main electrical panel. If you don’t know where it is, keep an eye out for a metallic metal box in your basement, garage or closet.
• Make certain that your hands and feet aren’t wet prior to using the panel or breakers.
• Locate the breaker labeled “furnace” or “heat,” and ensure it’s turned “on.” If you find that the breaker tripped, it will be in the middle or “off” spot.
• With one hand, quickly flip the breaker to the “on” position. If the breaker immediately trips and pops back to “off,” don't try to reset it and call a professional from Ameri-Tec Mechanical at 717-479-4950 quickly.

It doesn’t matter how old your furnace is or what brand it is, it has no less than one standard wall switch located on or by it.

• Ensure the control is facing up in the “on” placement. If it was shut off, expect your furnace to take up to five minutes to start. (If you don’t know where to find your furnace, check your basement, garage or utility closet. It may also be in a crawl space or attic.)

3. Get a New Air Filter

When we think about heater issues, a filthy, blocked air filter is often to blame.

If your filter is too grungy:

• Your furnace won’t stay on, or it might get too warm from restricted airflow.
• Your heating costs could increase because your heat is operating more often.
• Your furnace could stop working sooner than it should since a dusty filter forces it to work overtime.
• Your heater can be cut off from power if an excessively filthy filter causes the breaker to trip.

Based on what type of heating system you own, your air filter is located within the blower compartment of your heating system, an attached filter case or wall-mounted return air grille.

To replace your filter:

• Turn off 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.
• Install the new filter with the arrow facing toward the heater to avoid damage.

Flat filters need to be replaced monthly, while pleated filters should last about three months. If you have children or pets, you could have to replace your filter more frequently.

To make the procedure smoother down the line, draw with a permanent marker on your heater exterior or ductwork to show the airflow direction and filter size.

4. Check the Condensate Pan

Otherwise known as drain pans, condensate pans hold liquid your furnace draws from the air.

If liquid is seeping from your furnace or its pan is overflowing, use these recommendations.

• If your pan includes a drain (look for a PVC pipe), double-check that it isn’t full. If it needs to be drained, drop in a special pan-cleaning tablet you can get at home improvement or hardware retailers.
• If your pan contains a pump, inspect the float switch. If the button is jammed “up” with liquid in the pan, call us at 717-479-4950, because you will likely have to buy a new pump.

5. Watch for Heater Error Codes

If faults continue, peek inside your heating system’s plastic window to verify the blower motor’s status. Dependent on the model, the light may also be mounted on the outside of your heating system.

If you notice anything except an uninterrupted, colored light or blinking green light, reach us at 717-479-4950 for HVAC service. Your heating system might be communicating an error code that is calling for specialized service.

6. Clean the Flame Sensor

If your heater tries to run but shuts off without putting out warmth, a grimy flame sensor could be at fault. When this occurs, your heater will make an attempt to turn on three times before a safety device shuts it down for around an hour.

If you feel comfortable with opening up your furnace, brushing off your flame sensor is something you can do on your own. Or, one of our heating service specialists has the ability to complete it for you.

If you are confident cleaning the sensor personally, you need:

• A 1/4” hex screwdriver or wrench
• Portion of light grit sandpaper, steel wool or emery cloth
• A fresh 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 turn off the gas as well.
• Lift off the heater’s front panel and follow the wire to the flame sensor.
• Remove the rod and use your sandpaper, steel wool or emery cloth to gently rub the metal rod.
• Wipe off the rod with a paper towel.
• Put the sensor back in.
• Replace the furnace doors.
• Turn the furnace’s power back on. It might run through a sequence of examinations before proceeding with normal operation. If your heating system doesn’t start, the sensor could have to be replaced or something else may be wrong. If this occurs, contact us at 717-479-4950 for heating and cooling repair assistance.

7. Light the Pilot Light

If you are using an outdated heater, the pilot light could be extinguished. To reignite it, look for the directions on a sticker on your heating system, or follow these recommendations.

• Look for the lever beneath your heating system marked “pilot,” “on” and “off.”
• Push the switch to the “off” position.
• Take a break for at least five minutes to limit the possibility for starting a fire.
• Move the knob to “pilot.”
• Hold down the “reset” lever as you move the flame of a long lighter to the pilot light opening.
• Depress the “reset” lever once the pilot light is lit.

If you have tried the instructions twice and the pilot light still won’t ignite or remain lit, get in touch with us at 717-479-4950 for furnace service.

Inspect Your Gas Source

Try turning on another gas appliance. If it doesn’t operate, your natural gas source might be turned off, or you may have run out of propane.