When a furnace unexpectedly stops working or fails to start, there are several safe, simple procedures you can try before calling professionals.  Naturally do not hesitate to call for service if you feel uncertain about how to proceed or if you suspect danger.

1) Check the Thermostat. The first thing to check is the thermostat, which governs the automatic operation of the furnace. If the control knob or dial is set to a lower temperature that the thermostat is showing, set the control 5 to 10 degrees higher than the the temperature displayed. If the thermostat has a timer, see that its settings allow the furnace to be on at the time you are checking it.  Making these adjustments may start the furnace.

2) Check the power switch. If the furnace still won't power on after checking the thermostat then check the switch governing the power to the furnace.  Most resemble ordinary wall switches and can be switched off inadvertently.  You can find the switch in the furnace room on the wall near the furnace. Returning the switch to the "on" position should restart the furnace.

3) Check the breaker box. If the furnace still does not start, go to the electrical service panel(or fuse box) and check whether the circuit breakers or fuses governing the furnace have tripped or blown.  Be sure to turn the emergency switch(see step 2) to the off position before resetting breakers or replacing fuses.  Tripped circuit breakers are easily spotted.  But it is not obvious when the cartridge fuses for furnaces have blown.  To be on the safe side, replace fuses that are more than five years old.  Or you can try remaining restart procedures and if they fail, then try replacing the fuses.

4) Check the pilot. In older gas furnaces, check to see if the pilot flame has gone out.  To see the flame, you usually must remove the access panel.  This will also reveal the gas valve, which must be closed and reopened when relighting a pilot flame.  If the pilot flame is out, set the thermostat to its lowest setting. Then shut off the gas supply and relight the pilot by one of the methods described below, or as specified in the sinstructions printed on the furnace.

There are two common types of gas valves.  One, called a combination valve, has a dial that can be pushed inward and rotated to settings marked "pilot" and "on" The other, a single function valve, has a small lever or button that can be pushed.

To shut off the gas supply to a combination valve, close the single large-handled valve on the gas pipe leading to the furnace.  To shut off the gas to a button valve, close both the large-handled valve and the adjacent smaller valve, which controls the pilot gas. Wait five minutes to allow unburned gas in the furnace to escape.  Then, if you have a combination valve, turn the setting to "pilot" and reopen the gas supply valve.

Hold a burning match beside the pilot burner inside the furnace while pressing on the dial.  After the burner lights, continue pressing the dial for one minute.  If the flame goes out when the dial released, repeat the procedure once; if the flame goes out again close the gas supply and call for service.

If you have a button valve, open only the small gas supply valve.  Press and hold the button for one minute while relighting.  If the pilot does not stay lighted after two attemps, close the gas supply and call for service.

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact us or schedule an appointment.  Remember, if you feel uncertain about how to proceed or if you suspect danger we can be reached 24 hours a day, 7 days a week!