Is Your “Dead” Furnace Really Dead?

During those cold winter months, you rely on the furnace to provide heat and warmth inside your home. But what if the heat suddenly shuts off on its own and you’re left in the cold? Could it be that your furnace “died” or are there complications preventing it from functioning properly? Recognizing the differences between them and the issues that can cause them are important to us at Apollo Heating and Air Conditioning. The possible factors listed below would allow us to decide the best course of action needed for furnace repair in St. Paul.

Time

All things come to an end when the time calls, and your furnace is no different. With constant use over a long period of time, your furnace begins to wear down and isn’t able to perform as well as it used to. This causes the furnace to overexert itself, becoming less energy efficient and adding more money to your monthly bill. Then, abruptly, you wake up to a cold house and unable to turn your unit on. Many times, the only option is to install a new furnace.

Circuit Breaker Issues

Even gas furnaces require electricity to power on. One reason your furnace isn’t working could be something as simple as there being a power outage, in which case you should call your electric company. The circuit breaker connected to your heating unit could have been tripped or the power cord has been damaged in some way. Or your furnace suffered an electric shortage from a blown fuse. Another possible explanation is that the motor has been overloaded and just needs to cool down.

Condensate Pan Issues

The condensate pan collects the water that’s removed from the air by your furnace. If the pan is full, the furnace will not turn on. You can drain it manually or, if your pan is equipped with a drain, there might be something blocking the flow of water. A pump could pose the same problem if there is a loss of power or just in need of a replacement.

Ignition Sensor Issues

Older gas furnaces and some newer models are equipped with a pilot light, a small gas flame that ignites the furnace. The ignition sensor is the safety feature that notifies the furnace if the pilot light is on or not. If, immediately upon lighting the pilot light, the flame goes out, the sensor might be dirty and the furnace will function improperly.

Air Filter Issues

The purpose of an air filter is to remove dust, mold, and bacteria from the air traveling through and allow clean air to pass. Forgetting to replace it frequently causes buildup over time and the air won’t be able to pass through. The accumulation of trapped air will result in furnace overheating and damage.

Gas Supply Issues

Gas furnaces are fueled by just that: gas. If your furnace won’t start, the gas supply might have been shut off or is depleted and need to be refilled. However, if you begin to smell gas inside your home, leave immediately.