Working as a Heating Professional Can Lead to Success

Three Things You Should Know If Your Furnace Doesn't Work The First Time You Turn It On When It Gets Cold

27 December 2020

Abbie Wade

Every year there comes a day when it gets cold enough that you need to turn on the heat for the first time. But for many homeowners, it doesn't always work properly on that first cold day. When this happens, there are a few things you should know.

A few things to do before you call a repair company

The first thing to do is to check your thermostat. Make sure that it is set correctly. Sometimes it is set for the desired temperature, but it is not set to auto. If you're getting air but no heat, the switch may not be in the heat position. If the thermostat checks out, then you need to check the pilot light if you have a gas furnace. Having the pilot light blow out during the warmer month is common. Sometimes it is turned off, and you simply forget that you need to reignite it. For electric furnaces, you need to check the circuit breakers.

If possible, call the right repair company

At this point, you are probably worried because it's cold outside, and you find yourself in a mild emergency. It probably isn't cold enough to panic since this is likely fall, so you may be able to wait a day or two. If so, you need to take enough time to hire a furnace repair company that has experience with the make and model that you have in your home. This will help to ensure that quality work is done on your heating system. But if you want a company now, you may not be able to get the repair company you want. And since there are other homeowners who have the same problem as you when the weather changes, you may have to pay more for emergency service.

Have your furnace serviced once a year

Before you turn on your furnace for the first time, it is best to call a repair company to service your heating system. There is a checklist of work they will do on a furnace. Much of this work is inspection and cleaning. Some adjustments may be made along with replacing parts that may be worn, such as belts. By doing this every year, you will extend the life of your heating system and lessen the need for emergency repairs.

When the weather turns cold, and you turn on your heating system for the first time, it may not work properly or not at all. Make sure you check the thermostat for the correct settings. If your furnace is electric, check the circuit breakers, and for a gas furnace, check the pilot light. You may have to call for repairs, but try to take enough time to call a company that has experience with your make and model. However, to avoid this problem in the future, call for annual maintenance on your furnace before the weather turns cold. 

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