Waking up to an unheated home in cold weather can be an unpleasant and uncomfortable start to your day. If you notice your home is unusually cold this winter, but are sure your furnace should be running, take a few simple furnace troubleshooting steps. If the problem can be remedied by these quick fixes, you’ll save yourself time and money, and your home will be comfortable again in no time.

• Check the thermostat – Thermostats can be adjusted by accident, which can cause interruption to your heat flow. Ensure the thermostat is in heat mode and that it’s set at an appropriate temperature. If you have a programmable thermostat, make sure you have followed the instructions carefully. These can be challenging to get the hang of.
• Check the power – If the fuse that controls the furnace is tripped or blown, you may need to reset or replace the fuse to bring your furnace back to life. Also ensure the switch on the side of the furnace is set in the “on” position.
• Check the pilot light – If it has gone out, relight it according to instructions in the owner’s manual. If you have a furnace manufactured in the last 10-15 years, it probably doesn’t use a pilot light.
• Check the filter – Standard filters should be replaced at least every three months but more often during the heavy heating season. Dirty or clogged filters can prevent a furnace from functioning correctly, or cause it to shut down.

If these steps don’t have your furnace up and running again, it’s time to call in a professional. To schedule an appointment in the Kansas City area, or for more information about furnace troubleshooting and home comfort, contact Overland Park Heating & Cooling. We have provided the Kansas City area with quality HVAC services since 1983.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in Overland Park, Kansas about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). 

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