Discount Heating And Cooling Wheeling Il

Living in Wheeling, IL, we know how crucial a reliable heating and cooling system is for year-round comfort. A common problem homeowners face, especially during peak seasons, is a furnace that won't ignite or blows cold air. Before you call Discount Heating And Cooling Wheeling IL for emergency service, let's walk through some troubleshooting steps you can take yourself. Remember, safety is paramount! Always turn off the power to your furnace before attempting any inspection or repair.

Step 1: Preliminary Checks – The Easy Stuff First

Sometimes, the simplest things are overlooked. Start with these basic checks:

1. Thermostat Setting:

It sounds obvious, but ensure your thermostat is actually set to "heat" and the temperature is set higher than the current room temperature. Verify the thermostat is not in "cool" or "off" mode. A simple oversight here can save you a service call.

2. Power Switch:

Most furnaces have a dedicated power switch, often located on the furnace itself or nearby on a wall. Make sure this switch is in the "on" position. It can be easily bumped or accidentally switched off.

3. Circuit Breaker:

Check your electrical panel for a tripped circuit breaker labeled "Furnace" or "HVAC". If the breaker is tripped, reset it. If it trips again immediately, do not keep resetting it. This indicates a more serious electrical problem and requires professional attention from Discount Heating And Cooling Wheeling IL.

4. Emergency Shut-Off Switch:

Some homes have an emergency shut-off switch, often red in color, near the furnace. Ensure this hasn't been activated accidentally.

If all of these simple checks are good, move on to the next steps.

Step 2: Inspecting the Air Filter

A dirty air filter is one of the most common causes of furnace problems. A clogged filter restricts airflow, which can cause the furnace to overheat and shut down, or prevent it from igniting properly.

1. Locate the Air Filter:

The air filter is usually located either inside the furnace itself or in a return air vent somewhere in your home. Consult your furnace manual if you're unsure of its location.

2. Remove and Inspect the Filter:

Carefully remove the filter and hold it up to the light. If you can't see light passing through easily, it's definitely time to replace it.

3. Replace the Filter:

Install a new, clean air filter of the correct size. Pay attention to the arrow on the filter, which indicates the direction of airflow. The arrow should point towards the furnace.

Run the furnace again after replacing the filter. If this was the problem, your furnace should now be working correctly. If not, continue to the next step.

Step 3: Checking the Pilot Light (For Older Furnaces)

If you have an older furnace with a pilot light, a common issue is a pilot light that has gone out. Newer furnaces have electronic ignition systems and don't have pilot lights, so skip this step if your furnace is relatively new.

1. Locate the Pilot Light Assembly:

Consult your furnace manual for the location of the pilot light assembly. It's usually behind a small access panel.

2. Follow Lighting Instructions:

Most furnaces have instructions for relighting the pilot light printed on a label near the pilot light assembly. Carefully follow these instructions. You'll typically need to:

• Turn the gas control valve to the "pilot" position.
• Press and hold the reset button.
• Use a long lighter or match to ignite the pilot light.
• Continue holding the reset button for 20-30 seconds after the pilot light ignites.
• Release the reset button. The pilot light should stay lit.

3. Troubleshoot a Persistent Pilot Light Issue:

If the pilot light goes out immediately after releasing the reset button, or if you can't get it to light at all, there may be a problem with the thermocouple (a safety device that senses the pilot light and allows the gas valve to open). Do not attempt to repair or replace the thermocouple yourself. This is a job for a qualified technician from Discount Heating And Cooling Wheeling IL.

If you successfully relight the pilot light, allow the furnace to run for a while and monitor it. If the pilot light continues to go out, or if you're uncomfortable relighting it yourself, call a professional.

Step 4: Inspecting the Gas Valve

The gas valve controls the flow of gas to the furnace. If it's not working correctly, the furnace won't ignite.

1. Locate the Gas Valve:

The gas valve is usually located near the gas supply line connection to the furnace.

2. Check the Valve Position:

Ensure the gas valve is in the "on" position. The handle should be parallel to the gas pipe.

3. Listen for the Gas Valve Opening:

When the furnace attempts to ignite, you should hear a faint click or hum from the gas valve as it opens. If you don't hear anything, the gas valve may be faulty.

Important Safety Note: Do not attempt to repair or replace the gas valve yourself. This is a dangerous task that should only be performed by a qualified gas technician from Discount Heating And Cooling Wheeling IL. If you suspect a problem with the gas valve, turn off the gas supply to the furnace and call a professional immediately.

Step 5: Examining the Flame Sensor (For Newer Furnaces)

Newer furnaces use a flame sensor to detect the presence of a flame. If the flame sensor doesn't detect a flame, it will shut off the gas supply, preventing the furnace from igniting.

1. Locate the Flame Sensor:

The flame sensor is usually a thin metal rod located near the burner. Consult your furnace manual for its exact location.

2. Clean the Flame Sensor:

Over time, the flame sensor can become coated with carbon, which can prevent it from working properly. To clean the flame sensor:

• Turn off the power to the furnace.
• Carefully remove the flame sensor.
• Use a piece of fine-grit sandpaper or steel wool to gently clean the metal rod, removing any carbon buildup.
• Reinstall the flame sensor.
• Turn the power back on to the furnace.

Run the furnace again. If the flame sensor was the problem, your furnace should now be working correctly. If not, continue to the next step.

Step 6: Blower Motor Issues

The blower motor circulates air throughout your home. If the blower motor isn't working, your furnace may ignite, but you won't feel any heat coming from the vents.

1. Listen for the Blower Motor:

When the furnace is running, you should hear the blower motor operating. If you don't hear anything, the blower motor may be faulty.

2. Check the Blower Motor Capacitor:

The blower motor capacitor helps start the blower motor. A failing capacitor can prevent the blower motor from running. However, working with capacitors can be dangerous as they can hold an electrical charge even when the power is off. Therefore, do not attempt to diagnose or replace the capacitor yourself. This is a task for a qualified technician from Discount Heating And Cooling Wheeling IL.

3. Check for Obstructions:

Sometimes, debris can get lodged in the blower motor, preventing it from spinning. Turn off the power to the furnace and carefully inspect the blower motor compartment for any obstructions. Remove any debris you find.

If the blower motor still doesn't work after checking for obstructions, it's likely a more serious problem that requires professional attention.

When to Call Discount Heating And Cooling Wheeling IL

While these troubleshooting steps can resolve many common furnace problems, there are times when it's essential to call a professional from Discount Heating And Cooling Wheeling IL. Do not attempt to fix the following issues yourself:

• Gas Leaks: If you smell gas, immediately evacuate your home, turn off the gas supply to the furnace from the meter outside (if you know how and it is safe to do so), and call 911 and Discount Heating And Cooling Wheeling IL.
• Carbon Monoxide Detection: If your carbon monoxide detector is sounding, evacuate your home immediately and call 911.
• Electrical Problems: If you suspect any electrical issues with your furnace, such as a tripped circuit breaker that repeatedly trips, leave it to the professionals.
• Gas Valve Problems: Never attempt to repair or replace the gas valve yourself.
• Complex Repairs: If you've tried the basic troubleshooting steps and your furnace still isn't working, it's likely a more complex problem that requires specialized knowledge and tools.
• If you are uncomfortable with any of the troubleshooting steps described above.

By following these steps, you can potentially save yourself time and money by resolving simple furnace problems yourself. However, always prioritize safety and don't hesitate to call Discount Heating And Cooling Wheeling IL for professional assistance when needed. We're here to ensure your home stays warm and comfortable all winter long. Remember that regular maintenance, like annual furnace inspections, can help prevent many of these issues in the first place. Stay safe and warm, Wheeling!