Here is some of the most common problems that you might encounter when your furnace is failing:

Be extremely careful, as you may be in the vicinity of 120 volts ac power.  Electrical power in this range can be fatal so watch out for any bare wires.

1.  First make sure the thermostat is set high enough so that the system is calling for heat. Just to be sure move the control to full heat. That way if the thermostat is simply reading wrong we will find out now. Be sure to reset the thermostat back to normal heat when testing is done.

2.  Don't overlook the system switch. Make sure its in the heat position. For a heat pump the three possible positions are  heat,  off,  cool.

3.  Make sure your fan mode switch is in auto. Some thermostats may not have this function.

4.  Don't overlook the SSU switch. It must be in the on position. You can normally find it on the outside of your furnace or on the ceiling or wall near your furnace.

5.  Be sure to check the fuse holder near the SSU switch if you have one. You should use an ohmmeter to check this fuse. If you have no way to test this fuse, simply replace it. Be sure to place the furnace in the full off postion before tampering with the fuse.

6.  Install a new fuse and turn the system back on.

7.  If no results, check the main electrical circuit breaker panel. This is a gray box which encloses all the circuit breakers for the entire home.  Be sure it is in the on position.  If it feel sorta sloppy, move it firmly to the off position and quickly snap it back to the on position. Many times when these circuit breakers pop, they may assume a mid way position between on and off and my be deceiving.

8.  Make sure the furnace door and panel are tightly closed, as they have a disconnect switch that will disable the entire system if the panel or door becomes even slightly dislodged.

9.  This inspection is extremely important if you have recently changed a filter in this area and may have disturbed the panels or door on the furnace.

10.  If your system has a pilot light, make sure it is lit. Most of the new units have an electronic ignition and therefore no pilot light. If you still can't restore your heat then call us at Smiley Heating and Cooling at 757-455-8650. We may be able to help you over the phone and if not we can dispatch a technician promptly. Please visit our website at Smiley Heating and Cooling

Author

Tom Chambers