Common Furnace Problems and How to Fix Them

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Discovering that your furnace in Westchester, NY isn’t working properly can be stressful and inconvenient, to say the least.

While you can always reach out to us at Cottam Heating & Air Conditioning, you can check a few things on your own first.

If these steps don’t resolve the issue though, then definitely give our Westchester HVAC experts a call; we’re here to restore your heat!

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1) Is the Furnace Getting Power Consistently?

Ensure your furnace has the necessary power. Check to see if it’s plugged in, verify that all relevant switches are flipped on, and confirm that your circuit breaker is functioning. If the breaker trips repeatedly, it’s time to call on our professionals to assess and fix your furnace.

2) Are Your Burners Dirty?

Filthy burners produce non-ideal flames. While you can clean them on your own, it’s easy to cause damage. We recommend professional help to clean and maintain your furnace without risking harm.

3) Is Your Furnace Scraping? Grinding?

Immediate action is required if you hear scraping or grinding sounds from your furnace in Westchester. Turn off your furnace, and bring in professionals. These noises often signal problems with ball bearings that demand expert replacement to reduce the risk of further damage to your furnace.

4) Is Your Thermostat On and Set Properly?

Confirm that your thermostat is activated, has functional batteries, is set to “heat,” and is correctly programmed. Surprisingly, thermostat issues are common culprits when it comes to heating problems, so double-check this before assuming a problem with the furnace itself.

5) Are Your Filters Dirty?

If your furnace isn’t working, check the filters. Dirty filters can impede performance. If you hold them up to the light and can’t see through them, swap them out and observe if your home heats up. Regular filter changes are a crucial part of heating maintenance and for optimal furnace function.

6) Is Your Furnace Squealing?

Squealing noises may indicate a belt issue inside the furnace. Turn off and unplug the unit, remove the furnace cover, and inspect any belts you can see. You can tighten or replace them independently, or contact us, and we’ll handle it for you.

7) Did Something Get Left Open?

Ensure all access hatches are closed, as furnaces often won’t operate with open hatches. Check these especially if you’ve recently inspected or worked on your furnace. If open, close them and test the furnace.

Get Help from the Westchester Furnace Pros

If these DIY tips don’t help with your furnace issue, don’t hesitate to call us at Cottam Heating & Air Conditioning. Whatever is going on with your furnace, we’ll diagnose the problem and then get to work fixing it right away!