Finding out that your furnace has stopped working all of a sudden isn’t only disappointing, but it could be a major issue that could be highly damaging to your home. So what do you do when something like this happens? Well, the most common step would be to troubleshoot the furnace yourself before calling in a professional technician to look at the issues.

In this article, we’re looking at some easy steps to troubleshoot your non-operational furnace and help you understand the details of the system issues.

Troubleshooting a Non-Operational Furnace

Thermostat Issues

Make sure the thermostat is getting power because it can’t work unless it does. It may not work properly with old batteries, so be sure to change them if it runs on batteries. Check if the thermostat’s circuit breaker is not tripped (if your thermostat is wired). If so, you can reset it at the main electric panel.

Make sure to check your thermostat’s settings twice. When the seasons change, it’s easy to forget about this. To start the furnace in the winter, turn the thermostat to “heat” and set the desired temperature a few degrees higher than the room’s present temperature.

If you think the thermostat could be malfunctioning, you can check its functionality with a multimeter. Take the lid off the thermostat and insert the probes of the multimeter into the wires to ensure continuity. The thermostat may need to be replaced if it does not provide any readings.

Take a look at where your thermostat is located. Avoid placing it near windows, as they can let drafts in, and keep it out of direct sunshine since it can overestimate the room temperature. If you want precise measurements, move it to a different spot.

When problems persist after a factory reset or recalibrating the programmable thermostat, it may be necessary to replace the unit. For more information on these steps, refer to the manufacturer’s manual. It may be time to upgrade that outdated mechanical thermostat to a more energy-efficient model if the issues continue.

Electrical Problems with the Heating system

Make sure the furnace power switch is turned on. You can find this switch on or near the unit; it looks like a light switch. Make sure the main electrical panel’s furnace circuit breaker is on and not tripped.

If the circuit breakers are tripped, you can reset it by turning it off and then back on again. Sometimes, this can fix a little electrical problem. Be sure to keep an eye on the breaker after resetting it. If it trips again, it could indicate a more serious problem.

Check for damage, or wear and tear on any exposed wiring that goes into or out of the furnace system. All electrical connections must be tight and undamaged. Because of the potential dangers involved, it is recommended that you contact a professional if you notice any signs of damage or loose connections.

Avoid trying to reset the breaker again if it keeps tripping even after you have done so. If this keeps happening, it’s likely because of a wiring or furnace-related electrical problem. Diagnosing and securely fixing this issue requires the expertise of a professional.

Gas Supply Issues

Verify that the main gas valve is open; you can find it at the gas meter outside your house. The normal position of this valve, when open, is for it to be parallel to the pipe.

Make sure the gas valve for the furnace is open as well. Unintentionally turning off this valve is a common occurrence, particularly after maintenance or when the season is over.

Check the functionality of any other gas appliances you may have by turning them on. The heating system could be fine, but if they don’t, the issue might lie with the main gas line.

When troubleshooting the valves doesn’t fix what seems like a gas flow problem with the furnace, it’s time to get a professional inspector to take a look. Dealing with gas supply concerns is a task best left to experts due to the inherent dangers.

Furnace Ignition Switch and Pilot Light Failures

Be sure to check the electronic ignition by listening for the clicking sound that usually happens when it tries to light the furnace. An electrical fault might be indicated by the absence of sound, whereas a failure in the ignition process could be indicated by constant rapid clicking.

Before performing any maintenance on a system that requires a furnace pilot light, be sure the light is turned on. If it goes out again and again after being lit, it could be because of a draft that puts out the flame or a broken thermocouple that requires tweaking or replacement. Dust and other debris can also cause problems, so it’s important to clean the area around the pilot light.

If the pilot light’s flame sensor gets sooty, it won’t be able to detect the flame. Gently wipe the sensor down with a fine abrasive cloth. Make sure the pilot’s flame is hitting the sensor correctly by adjusting it according to the manufacturer’s recommendations.

Airflow Problems due to a dirty Air Filter

When changing a dirty air filter, look for the panel that allows you to access the filter, which is typically on the furnace’s front or side. Take it out of the air filters and put it in the light. Quickly replace it if light can’t enter through. Keep in mind that you can clean some filters with water and use them again and again.

Find any indications of obstruction or leakage in the available air ducts. Stop any holes or cracks from showing by sealing them with mastic or metal tape. Make sure that no furniture or curtains are blocking the return air grilles or supply vents.

If there still isn’t proper airflow and you think the ducts are clogged, you might want to think about getting a professional duct cleaning service. Indoor air quality and gas furnace efficiency can both be enhanced in this way.

Mechanical Failures

When you hear the furnace try to turn on, that’s a good sign that the furnace blower motor is turning on. A power outage or broken motor would not be indicated by the absence of sound. If the blower is humming but not moving air, it could be because it is stuck or needs to be oiled.

You can check the continuity of the limit switch by using a multimeter. If continuity is not detected, the switch should be replaced. Proper diagnosis and replacement of this part is essential for safety reasons.

Safety Switches

  • Flame Sensor Cleaning: To remove any accumulation, carefully clean it with steel wool or a mild abrasive cloth. Put the furnace back in place and make sure it’s working.
  • Pressure Switch Check: The pressure switch is usually linked to the draft inducer motor via a tiny tube; find it so that you can inspect it. Since it is a safety feature, the furnace can not turn on if something goes wrong. If you believe that this component is faulty, it is best to have an expert check it out.

What Are Customers Saying?

Check out some of our latest reviews.

dong Lauredodong Lauredo
05:09 13 Oct 24
they are very professional people , they took good care of the problem .I would definitely recommend them .. very cheerful and nice to deal with
William HucmanWilliam Hucman
00:23 07 Oct 24
My hot water tank failed on a Friday evening. Had spent some time on Saturday morning calling a number of service companies and Comfort Union was one of the quickest to respond and able to execute the work over the weekend. The gentlemen that showed up were very friendly, completed the work in a timely manner, left no damage and cleaned up after the work was complete. Great experience with Comfort Union!
Trang LeiTrang Lei
04:33 06 Oct 24
We strongly recommend that Comfort Union attends to your residential heating, plumbing, and electrical services. Our tank water heater broke down on the weekend. On Monday, we called a few large companies, and all their estimates were on par or above the price point for the following tankless water heaters: Navien NPE-240A2, Rinnai RXP199iN, Rheem CRTGH95DVLN-3, AOSmith ATHR-199X3. During our online search, we encountered a hidden gem: Comfort Union, a small, family-oriented business with competitive and affordable pricing. They strive to adhere to a strict moral code that values integrity, fairness, and straightforwardness. We had the pleasure of meeting Asif, who was patient and took the time to address all our questions, concerns, and needs. He assessed the situation and recommended the most suitable tankless water heater option.We were not pressured to buy products – Asif was genuine and transparent. He used his expertise to guide our decision-making, always considering our needs and best interests. Ultimately, we decided on the Rinnai RX199iN SENSEI® RX Series. This model from Rinnai, a frontrunner in the industry, offers higher efficiencies, higher BTU output, better pairing with existing systems, and forward-thinking technologies. These unique features have truly enhanced our home comfort and reduced our energy bill. Asif and his team were excellent. Their workmanship, craftsmanship, and customer service are unparalleled. With their engineering backgrounds, they combine their vital knowledge to ensure our installation process is of the highest quality and standard. A special thanks to Asif, who worked tirelessly and meticulously to ensure all components were correctly installed and even took extra effort to reposition the water supply line and pipe at no additional cost. These thoughtful additions demonstrate their attention to detail and commitment to customer satisfaction, making us feel valued and important. Their commitment to our satisfaction was evident throughout the process, making us feel truly important. Thanks to their professionalism and expertise, the entire process was smooth and hassle-free. Their service was not only quick and reliable but also very affordable.  This affordability, coupled with their superb customer service, a key factor that sets them apart, will make me use them for all my residential heating, plumbing, and electrical services needs. Our experience with Comfort Union has been nothing short of exceptional. We couldn't be more satisfied!
Andrea MendrosAndrea Mendros
16:45 04 Oct 24
I recommend this with a Heart. Found this site in goggle. And they did a very good job.
Abdel Aziz FarahAbdel Aziz Farah
17:54 02 Oct 24
Asif and Ismail were awesome came in let me know everything I needed and it was a smooth install. Would highly recommend them to anybody!!!
Ab CaAb Ca
04:01 30 Sep 24
I recently had the pleasure of working with Comfort Union for three major installations in my home—a new heat pump, a tankless water heater, and a furnace—and I couldn't be happier with the entire experience!Heat Pump Installation:From the first consultation, Comfort Union’s team impressed me with their knowledge and transparency. I decided to upgrade to a heat pump because I wanted to improve energy efficiency and take advantage of both heating and cooling from one system. The team carefully assessed my home’s layout and explained every step of the process, including how the heat pump would function in Calgary’s colder climate. They even took the time to break down the cost savings I could expect over time.The installation was seamless. The technicians were punctual, professional, and clearly experts in their field. They worked efficiently, ensuring that all components were correctly installed, and even took extra care to tidy up after themselves. They walked me through the setup, explaining how to use the system, and answered all of my questions patiently. Now, I enjoy year-round comfort with a system that’s quiet, effective, and eco-friendly!Tankless Water Heater Installation:I also had Comfort Union install a tankless water heater (Rinnai RXP199), and it’s been a game-changer for my household. No more waiting for the water to heat up or running out of hot water during long showers—this tankless system delivers endless hot water on demand!Their installation team was fantastic. They emphasized the importance of proper installation for efficiency and to protect the warranty, which gave me peace of mind knowing I was in good hands. I appreciated that they took the time to explain the maintenance needs to ensure the system stays in top shape for years to come. Plus, they added smart touches like installing a drier filter for extra protection against Calgary’s colder months.Furnace Installation:Lastly, I had Comfort Union replace my old furnace, and wow—what a difference it’s made! They recommended a high-efficiency model based on my home’s size and heating needs, and it has drastically improved my energy bills. The new furnace is powerful yet super quiet, and I can already feel the consistent warmth throughout my house.I can’t stress enough how smooth this installation went. The team was respectful of my space, even laying down mats to protect my floors. They installed a new programmable thermostat and made sure everything was running perfectly before leaving. They also included a comprehensive warranty and provided advice on how to keep the system running efficiently for years.Overall Experience:What I love most about Comfort Union is how they combine their technical expertise with a personal touch. From the friendly office staff to the knowledgeable technicians, everyone I interacted with was professional, courteous, and genuinely cared about my comfort. I also appreciate that they offer full coverage with their installations, including maintenance plans, which makes me feel even more confident in my investment.If you’re looking for a reliable, family-run HVAC company that truly puts customers first, I highly recommend Comfort Union. Their workmanship, attention to detail, and top-notch service exceeded all my expectations. Whether you need a new heat pump, tankless water heater, or furnace, you won’t be disappointed!
Pramila YesudasPramila Yesudas
03:26 30 Sep 24
Asıf and team replaced our hot water tank very quickly and efficiently. Asif was very professional and communicated well with us. Asıf is knowledgeable, I would definitely recommend comfort union heating and plumbing company to others. Thank you Asıf for your quick and responsible work.
Rych 1821Rych 1821
01:19 20 Sep 24
Asif and his team installed a heat pump in my home. They did an excellent job. Quality of work was very good. They were friendly and helpful; happy to explain what they were doing and answer any questions. Very pleased with the service.  Highly recommended.Looking forward to the annual maintenance service from you, guys. Thank you.
Omolade AjetunmobiOmolade Ajetunmobi
05:13 19 Sep 24
Both Moe and Ben were really good and they completed the heat pump install in a timely manner. Very professional and kept our place clean afterwards.
Pablo GPablo G
01:15 18 Sep 24
Tankless Water Heater: Very happy and impressed with how quickly Asif came out to assess the problem, with his knowledge and the response time to quote and install a replacement unit. No pressure sales and upfront pricing with no surprises. I had a quote from another ‘Rinnai Approved’ company who flip-flopped on the work scope, upgrades and advised on new venting (at great cost) that was simply not needed. The tech (Mo) did a good job removing and installing the new unit and so far the unit has been working great.
Glen RGlen R
17:46 07 Sep 24
I recently had the pleasure of working with Comfort Union Heating and Plumbing, and I can’t say enough about the exceptional service I received. Led by Asif, the team was incredibly meticulous in their work, ensuring that every detail was attended to.Their attention to detail and commitment to quality work were evident from start to finish. If you’re looking for reliable and skilled service in heating and plumbing, I highly recommend Comfort Union Heating and Plumbing. Thank you, Asif, Muhammad and the team, for a great experience!
Chris EllettChris Ellett
13:28 06 Sep 24
I had a great experience with comfort union. Even over the long weekend they answered the phone, and were there the next day to replace my hot water tank. Moe called in the morning to give me an ETA and then a text when he was actually on the way. He was thorough, friendly, knowledgeable and would use this family run business again
Berta SiposBerta Sipos
02:20 05 Sep 24
Amazing service Asif, Mo and Daryl. Thank you Comfort Union! On Friday evening our hot water tank stoped working. We e- mailed Comfort Union in 30 minutes they called us back. Very professional and friendly staff. Friday evening we had our quote. Very detailed and clear. On Saturday morning they called to see if we have any questions. The price was very reasonable. We booked the service and that afternoon we had a brand new hot water tank installed. We were very pleased and we highly recommend Comfort Union. These three young man were just amazing! Thank you again.
SamiurSamiur
20:24 04 Sep 24
Professional, competitive and immediate service. Installed a new heat pump from them and it was good experience. Highly recommend.
Charles KabanoCharles Kabano
19:12 01 Sep 24
Comfort Union just finished up HVAC work for the secondary suite basement for us in Airdrie, and I gotta say, these guys did a fantastic job. They installed a new Carrier furnace, moved our old Trane to a different spot, and hooked us up with a Lennox AC. Everything was smooth, and they really knew what they were doing.I love that they’re a family business—and really care about their work and their customers. The crew was super friendly and easy to talk to, and they made sure to explain everything along the way. The new furnace and AC are working great, and moving the old unit seemed like no big deal for them.Overall, just a great experience. If you need any HVAC work done in Airdrie, these are the people to call. Can’t recommend Comfort Union enough!
KyleKyle
21:57 29 Aug 24
Vic DePazVic DePaz
01:09 28 Aug 24
Comfort Union team was awesome to deal with and loved they are Calgary family run business. I will greatly recommend them. Great work.
Kathleen VinluanKathleen Vinluan
01:26 24 Aug 24
Quick and Reliable.
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Calling a Professional HVAC technician for your furnace repair

If you find your furnace malfunctioning and simple troubleshooting doesn’t resolve the problem, it’s highly important to seek the expertise of a professional HVAC technician, such as those at Comfort Union. Complex challenges like issues with the gas supply, intricate electrical faults, or challenging system diagnostics require the skilled hands of technicians equipped with the right tools and training.

Engaging a specialized HVAC service provider ensures that your furnace repairs are comprehensive, restoring your system efficiently and safely while mitigating the risk of further complications.

  • Expertise and Safety: Handling HVAC systems requires precise knowledge and caution due to their complexity and potential hazards. Qualified technicians at Comfort Union have the skills necessary to safely manage repairs that extend beyond simple fixes, ensuring that all work complies with industry safety standards.

Comfort Union stands out as a premier option for professional HVAC services. Renowned for their dependability and expertise, Comfort Union employs a team of certified technicians adept at managing a diverse array of furnace problems.

  • Comprehensive Service: Each Comfort Union’s furnace technician is prepared to address a wide range of HVAC challenges, from routine check-ups to urgent service needs. They focus on delivering thorough service that not only resolves current issues but also enhances the system’s future performance and efficiency.

  • Preventive Maintenance: Consistent maintenance is crucial for prolonging the life of an HVAC system. Comfort Union provides customized maintenance programs designed to avert sudden failures and keep your furnace operating at optimal efficiency, helping to save costs and prevent discomfort over time.

Reach out to us to know more about our services today!

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