If you will go through this checklist before scheduling a service call, you may be able to save yourself the cost of a service call. If after going through these checklist items, your furnace and heating system is still not operating, then call to schedule a service appointment.
- Is your thermostat in the “heat” position (& not still in cooling mode)?
- Is the temperature set above (or higher than) the indoor temperature showing on the thermostat?
- Is there power to the furnace?Try turning the fan to “ON” using the fan switch on the thermostat to test for power to furnace. Have the circuit breakers been checked at the electrical panel? Is the SSU switch (looks like a light switch on a gray box) at the furnace in the “ON” position?
- Is the gas valve inside the furnace in the “OPEN” or “ON” position?
- Has the furnace filter been replaced recently? All 1” thick furnace filters should be replaced monthly. Purolator 2” thick, Mark 80D High Capacity Pleated Filters can most likely be changed every other month or just 6 times per year. If the system is running but you have not changed your filter, the filter needs to be replaced before we schedule to come out.
- Check all return air grilles to make sure they are not blocked by furniture. (The return air grilles are normally located on your walls and are wide and flat). Check all supply air registers to make sure they are open and blowing air.
- If the furnace is running and there is a smell or light smoke coming out of the ductwork when it is first turned on, remember that this is normal. The first few times the furnace is “fired” this may occur due to the furnace heat exchanger being coated with oil at the factory to prevent corrosion when shipping.
- Remember if the problem is caused by a maintenance related item, (i.e. air filter clogged, SSU being turned off, breakers tripped, return air grilles blocked, supply air registers closed, etc.) the service call will be COD. If it is a builder that has called for service, they need to know that if we “run the call” and the breakers or disconnect are “OFF” or the unit is not wired, they will be billed for the service call.
