When to DIY and When to Call a Pro

Should You Fix Your Furnace Yourself?

After a long winter, furnaces across West Michigan have been put to the test. It’s not unusual for their performance to decline or for heating systems to stop working entirely. If you find your home’s temperature suddenly dropping and you’re unsure of the cause, should you dive in and troubleshoot yourself, or seek the help of a professional?

Troubleshooting Steps you can Safely Perform Yourself

1. Check your Thermostat:
   1. Even if your furnace seems to be operating normally, issues can sometimes stem from the thermostat. Take a moment to verify your thermostat settings, check for dead batteries, and ensure the furnace is responding properly to your commands.
2. Replace Your Air Filter:
   1. Air filters are often overlooked but are crucial for your system’s efficiency. Blocked filters can impede airflow, reduce efficiency, and even cause modern energy-efficient units to shut down if they detect increased resistance. Filters should be replaced at least every three months, or more frequently if you have a large family, pets, or allergy sufferers in the home.
   2. If you use a cool mist room humidifier, stop! These humidifiers can produce a fine white powder that clogs air filters. This can prevent your system from pulling air through the filter and lead to various problems.
3. Check Your Breakers:
   1. Another possibility is that your furnace is functioning correctly but isn’t receiving power due to a tripped breaker. Check your home’s breaker panel to ensure the furnace circuit is set to the ON position. If it isn’t, switch it to OFF and then back to ON to reset it.

When to Shut Down your Furnace and Call a Pro

• When troubleshooting steps haven’t resolved the issue: If you’ve followed all the previous troubleshooting advice and your furnace still isn’t working properly.
• If outside temperatures are dangerously low: When the cold poses risks such as frozen pipes or health concerns if you delay repairs.
• If you smell gas: This could indicate a serious problem requiring immediate attention.
• If your CO detector goes off: A carbon monoxide alarm is a critical warning that needs urgent action.
• If you notice water dripping or puddling around your furnace: This could signal a leak or other serious issue.
• If your system is short cycling: When your furnace repeatedly turns on and off, it’s a sign of potential trouble.
• If your furnace is making loud or unusual noises: Strange sounds could indicate mechanical problems that need professional assessment.

Important Note: Both gas leaks and carbon monoxide emissions are extremely hazardous and require immediate professional intervention. To ensure the safety of you and your family, minimize exposure and contact emergency services for prompt assistance.

Expert Service and Quality Equipment

Baumann & Degroot employs NATE Certified Service Technicians ready to diagnose and restore a wide variety of heating and cooling equipment including furnaces, air conditioners, heat pumps, and boilers.

We also offer a comprehensive line of heating & cooling products to improve the comfort of your home in the event that your furnace or air conditioner has reached the end of its lifespan. To request an appointment, please call (616) 396-4328 today!