A GOOD IDEA - Why not print this list out now and tape it to your furnace, if you need it on a frosty morning at 3am it will be there.
If your heating system has decided to take a vacation during the coldest winter day, here is a checklist that may help you isolate the source of the trouble. Before you call in a service technician there are a few things that you should check yourself. Print off a copy of this list and have it in front of you when you call for service. It will help your service contractor's dispatcher in setting up a service call.
ALL HEATING SYSTEMSThermostat Check |
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| Item To Be Checked | ..Yes.. | ..No.. |
|---|---|---|
| Is the system selector switch in the "heat" position? | ..Yes.. | ..No.. |
| Is the temperature set at least 3 degrees above current room temperature? | ..Yes.. | ..No.. |
| If your thermostat is electronic, are the batteries charged? | ..Yes.. | ..No.. |
| Forced Air Furnaces Only Some forced air furnaces have a switch on the thermostat that allow you to turn the fan on. This switch will usually be located at the bottom of the thermostat, closer to the left side and will be marked "ON" and "AUTO". Does your thermostat have such a switch? |
..Yes.. | ..No.. |
| - If ..Yes.. Listen to hear the furnace fan coming on. . If you cannot hear the fan, go to one of the supply registers and see if you can feel any air coming up. Is the furnace fan operating? | ..Yes.. | ..No.. |
| Summary If everything is fine with the thermostat, next step is to make sure there is power going to the furnace. | ||
ELECTRICAL CHECK |
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At the FURNACE |
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| Emergency Power Shut-off Switch Your heating system may be equipped with an emergency shut-off switch for the furnace. If your system is so equipped, locate it and make sure it is turned on. In most homes the emergency shut-off switch looks just like a regular light switch and will be located close to the furnace. It is quite common for this switch to be turned off accidentally. If the switch is ON, but the fan still doesn't operate, proceed to the ELECTRICAL PANEL CHECK. |
..Yes.. | ..No.. |
| Some heating systems also have emergency cut-out switches that are activated when a door or service panel is removed. Often the furnace door is not replaced properly after a filter cleaning and the cut-out switch will prevent the furnace from coming on. Check to make sure all access doors are properly secured and fitted. | ..Yes.. | ..No.. |
At the ELECTRICAL PANEL |
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| Is the breaker for the furnace in the "ON" position, or if you have fuses, is the fuse okay. | ..Yes.. | ..No.. |
| WARNING: If a breaker keeps tripping or a fuse keeps blowing, you should contact a qualified service technician to inspect your system to determine why you are having problems. | ||
| Electrical Check Summary: If you have determined that there is power to the furnace and you are still not getting any heat, select your heating fuel type from the box to the right and continue with the checklist. If you have discovered that the furnace not getting any power, call your service contractor. |
Natural Gas Oil Propane |
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| If your furnace has a standing pilot light, is it lit. | ..Yes.. | ..No.. |
| Is there fuel? Now with natural gas units it is rare that you would have a fuel supply interuption (unless you forget to pay your bill). Unless your neighbourhood is affected, fuel is not usually a problem |
| Is there oil in the oil tank? (You should not let your tank get too low. Water and other debris can collect at the very bottom of the tank and if it is pulled into the furnace, it can cause a lot of problems. | ..Yes.. | ..No.. |
| Continue... | ||
| If your furnace has a standing pilot light, is it lit. | ..Yes.. | ..No.. |
| Is there fuel? Check to see that your tank are full and that the valves outside have not been shut off. | Continue... | |
| If you are still without heat, you should contact your service contractor. If you do not have a regular service contractor, |