DIY Furnace Repair Tips

Michigan winters can be brutally cold. Between ice, snow, and plummeting temperatures, homeowners depend on a reliable, working furnace to stay safe and comfortable.

When your furnace malfunctions, there are a few do-it-yourself steps you can take to try to resolve the problem. Even so, keep in mind that some repairs are too difficult or complex and require professional attention.

Troubleshoot Your Home’s Furnace

When there’s a furnace malfunction, a few causes have fixes you may be able to handle yourself, including:

• Checking the thermostat: Sometimes the thermostat may be set to “cool” when you want “heat.” Also, check that the correct temperature is set and the batteries are working. This simple check often avoids a lot of headaches.
• Relighting the pilot light: When the pilot light is out in your gas furnace, the unit can’t burn its fuel, even if everything else is working. The good news is the fix is relatively easy. First, turn off the gas valve. After a few minutes, turn the valve to the “Pilot” setting. Light a match and hold it to the pilot opening while pushing the reset button on the pilot control panel. Continue pressing the button until the pilot flame burns brightly. Then, adjust the gas valve to the “On” position.
• Cleaning the pilot light: Sometimes, the components of the pilot light get clogged and dirty, resulting in a pilot light that won’t light or stay lit. When this happens, turn the gas valve off. After a few minutes, the gas will have dissipated, and you can continue. Clean around the gas release hole with a small wire brush. You can also use compressed air to blow away any dust or debris.
• Replacing the thermocouple: A furnace’s thermocouple turns off the gas if the igniter fails or the pilot light goes out. The thermocouple may be the problem if you’ve cleaned and relit the pilot light but still have trouble. Disconnecting the thermocouple requires a few simple steps. First, remove the copper lead, unscrew the gas line connection nut, and remove the bracket nut holding the thermocouple tube in place. Take out the existing thermocouple. Slide the new thermocouple into the bracket hole – make sure the steel tube faces up while the copper tube faces down. Connect the gas line’s copper lead. Lastly, tighten all connections.

Maintenance Tasks To Keep Your Furnace in Top Condition

A few simple maintenance tasks can help avoid furnace breakdowns and extend the life of your furnace. These include:

• Checking your filter: If your furnace isn’t producing enough heat, you may have a clogged filter. Changing it for a fresh filter may be all you need to do.
• Vacuuming the burners: This cleans dirt and dust that could become a fire hazard. Turn off the furnace, then turn off the gas supply. Vacuum any dirt or dust near the burners, blower, and base of the furnace.
• Cleaning the blower: The blower pushes the hot air from the furnace through the ducts and vents. Clean it by unscrewing the blower and removing it from the unit. Use a brush and vacuum to clean the blower blades. Don’t disturb the wiring or counterweights.

Schedule Furnace Repair or Maintenance

Sometimes, even the most capable DIYers need help with their furnaces. For professional, expert furnace service, count on Ehlers Heating & Air Conditioning for superior work you can trust, backed by outstanding customer service.

You’ll get prompt, professional, thorough service to make sure your furnace keeps you safe and comfortable when you need it most.

Call Ehlers Heating & Air Conditioning at (248) 579-2362 to schedule furnace repair or maintenance in the Livonia area.