Furnaces are one of the most important appliances in your home during winter. It keeps your family warm and toasty when the temperature outside dips. But like any other appliance, furnaces can break down and stop working.
There are different types of furnaces, but the most common is the electric furnace. When your electric furnace breaks down, it can be tempting to immediately call a technician for help. But before you do that, there are a few things you should check and do first.
Check your thermostat settings
Make sure that your thermostat is set to “heat” and not “cool” or “off.” Also, check the temperature setting to ensure it’s set to your preferred level. You’d be surprised how often people forget to do this simple step!
Check the power supply
If your furnace runs on electricity, make sure that it’s plugged in and that there’s power running to the outlet. You can check this by plugging in another appliance to the same outlet. If it doesn’t work, then you may need to reset your circuit breaker.
Check the furnace filter
A dirty furnace filter can impede airflow and cause your furnace to overheat. Try replacing the filter first and see if that fixes the problem. Electric furnace filters should be replaced every few months.
Check for debris around the furnace
Sometimes, pieces of debris can fall and block the vents around your furnace. This is especially common if you have a wood-burning fireplace. Clear away any debris that you see and make sure the vents are unobstructed.
Inspect the blower
The blower is responsible for circulating air around your home. If it’s not working properly, then your furnace will overheat and shut off. Inspect the blower and make sure there’s nothing blocking it.
Check for loose wires
Sometimes, loose or damaged wires can cause furnaces to malfunction. Any electric furnace in Rockvilleneeds to be checked for any loose, damaged, or bare wires because they can be a fire hazard. You can check for loose wires by taking a look inside the access panel. If you don’t have any knowledge about electricity, it’s best to call a professional.
Listen for strange noises
If you hear any banging, popping, or screeching noises coming from your furnace, then something is definitely wrong. These could be signs of a serious problem, so it’s best to call a technician right away.
Make sure that the blower and the motor are properly lubricated
The motor is responsible for powering the blower, so it’s important that they are both properly lubricated. You can check the owner’s manual to see what kind of oil to use. You may need to call a professional to do this for you.
Inspect the furnace belt
The belt is responsible for connecting the motor to the blower. If it’s broken or damaged, then it needs to be replaced. You can inspect the belt by looking for cracks or fraying. If you see any damage, then it’s best to call a technician.
Look for blown fuses
Electric furnaces have fuses that can blow if there’s an electrical problem. You can check for blown fuses by looking at the control panel. If you see any burned-out fuses, then replace them with new ones. You should be careful when doing this because you don’t want to overload the circuit.
Check for a tripped circuit breaker
If your furnace is on its own circuit, then a tripped breaker can cause it to stop working. You can check for a tripped breaker by looking at your home’s electrical panel. As mentioned above, you should be careful when dealing with electricity. If you’re not sure what you’re doing, then it’s best to call a professional.
Call a Professional
Sometimes, no matter how much you troubleshoot, you just can’t figure out what’s wrong with your furnace. If this is the case, then it’s best to call a professional. They will be able to diagnose the problem and get your furnace up and running again in no time.
Electric furnaces are a great way to heat your home, but they can be tricky to troubleshoot. If you follow these simple steps, then you should be able to fix most problems on your own. However, if you’re still having trouble, then it’s best to call a professional. They will be able to help you figure out what’s wrong and get your furnace running again in no time.
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