Minnesota weather can be tricky, and cold can set in even during the summer months. You may find yourself wanting to switch your furnace on, rather than the AC. But what happens if you’re expecting warm air and your furnace just isn’t cooperating?
If your furnace goes out, you might immediately think to call a repairman. However, there are a few things you can do to try and fix the problem before calling for furnace repair in Grand Rapids, MN. Try out these furnace tips to get your home back to a comfortable, warm temperature:
- Check the thermostat: The problem may not be with your furnace itself, but with your thermostat, which controls the heat settings. First, make sure the thermostat is set to “heat,” not “cool.” Try setting the heat five degrees higher than the temperature in the room to see if the furnace kicks on. Check the thermostat wires that lead to your furnace for any breaks; these can be repaired by splicing the wires and taping them together with electrical tape. Open the thermostat and gently blow out any dust or debris. Also, make sure it is firmly attached to the wall, with no loose wires.
- Make sure the furnace and gas valve are on: Sometimes, the furnace is simply not turned on at all, causing it to not run. This may be common after a repair or during warmer months. Look for a wall switch near the furnace to turn it back on. Also, check your gas valve to make sure it is on. If the gas valve is turned off, no gas will be available for your furnace to burn.
- Shut the blower motor panel: If someone previously repaired your furnace and opened the panel for the blower motor, they may have forgotten to shut it completely. If the panel is not securely fastened, the furnace will not run as part of a safety feature. Press the panel in completely.
- Check and replace the air filter: A very common furnace problem is that the filter gets too dirty and blocks airflow. Dirty filters can also cause the furnace to shut down by itself because it runs too long and overheats. Turn off the furnace shutoff switch and turn off the thermostat before inspecting and replacing dirty filters.
- Inspect your air ducts: If you’re getting heat in some rooms, but not all, check the air ducts and make sure the dampers that control airflow are completely open. Also check the ducts themselves for leaks or gaps that may be letting warm air escape.
If these tips don’t work for you, then you might be in need of more serious repairs. Call a professional HVAC technician and speak with them about the problem to get an estimate for your furnace repair in Grand Rapids, MN.
If you’re in need of furnace repair in Grand Rapids, MN, contact Rapids Plumbing & Heating Inc. We’ve provided HVAC services for more than 35 years, and our fully licensed experts are available 24/7. Call us today for a free estimate!