Furnace Not Working? 5 Things to Check Before Calling a Pro

Published by Parisa Ostovari

It’s cold out and your heat stopped working. What now? We know what a worry it is to find that your heater won’t turn on, especially if you’ve got little ones around. Your first instinct might be to call a professional — and we’re always happy to help, but sometimes the solution is as simple as a flip of a switch. That’s why we put together this list of five things to check before calling a pro the next time your house feels like the inside of a freezer.

man and woman shivering with coats on indoors

What to check when your heat stops working

Check the thermostat batteries

If you haven’t had your air conditioner or furnace maintenance done in the last two to three years, there is a good possibility the batteries in your thermostat need to be replaced.

Check your thermostat settings

Make sure it’s turned to the heat function and set to 72 degrees. It’s not uncommon for another member of the household to make changes to the thermostat that results in the furnace being turned off or the temperature setting being cooler than desired.

Check your furnace unit

Is it on? Sometimes the furnace switch can be accidentally turned off. Always double-check that the switch is in the ON position. You can find the switch on the side of your furnace.

Check the circuit breaker for the furnace 

Open the panel and find the breaker switch that’s connected to your furnace. Has it been tripped? If so, reset it by moving the switch to its OFF position, then back to ON.

Change the furnace filter

Make sure the furnace filter has been installed properly and doesn’t need to be replaced. A clogged filter can restrict airflow and cause your furnace to stop working. Change your filter regularly to help prevent furnace shutdowns.

If your furnace still isn’t working after going through this checklist, it could be something more technical. Our service technicians are on call 24 hours a day and ready to help solve your heating problems and ensure you and your family are toasty warm during these frigid Des Moines winters.

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