What to Do If Your Furnace Quit Working in Greenwood Village, CO

Would you feel concerned if your furnace quit working during the depths of winter? Parker Heating & Air is the trusted provider of furnace repair services in Greenwood Village, CO, and helps keep people safe during those sub-zero months. Here, we discuss everything homeowners should know about why their device stops working and how to stay safe.

Most Common Reasons a Heating System Stops Working

Only a certified HVAC professional can accurately diagnose a furnace issue. Some problems could have multiple causes, or one issue could cause various symptoms. However, when the heating system doesn’t work, you can likely blame one of the following complications.

The Device Has Power Issues

A healthy heating system runs when needed and then shuts off once the home reaches the temperature on the thermostat. If the device doesn’t run at all, it may not have any power.

Think about any unusual situations that occurred recently. Have you noticed any of the following?

• Power surges
• Humming coming from wires or outlets
• Frequently tripped circuit breakers
• Scorch marks on walls
• Flickering lights

All these experiences indicate a larger problem with a home’s electrical system. An HVAC technician can determine whether the issue resides with the device or if you should call an electrician.

The Thermostat Malfunctions

Like any device in a home, thermostats can grow old or experience damage. If your furnace quit working suddenly and you are wondering what the problem is, you may have a problem with this temperature control device.

The component should last around 10 years, so if it’s at least a decade old, it may require an upgrade. It can also accumulate dirt that throws off the sensor.

Dirt Has Built Up in the System

An air filter clog and other dirt buildup wreak havoc on a device or system. For example, dust in the mechanical components significantly reduces lubrication and causes massive friction. An HVAC technician often fixes this problem with a simple cleaning.

Vital Components Have Experienced Damage

A problem with the ignition system or pilot light issues in older gas heaters can prevent the furnace from turning on. If the device has a blower motor failure, its safety features will prevent it from activating, too.

The system will require a detailed inspection. If the technician finds signs you need a new furnace, schedule the replacement promptly.

Follow These Tips to Stay Warm in the Winter When the Furnace Malfunctions

What should you do when your furnace malfunctions and the temperature is below freezing? Follow these steps to help everyone in the home stay safe.

1. Check the Thermostat

If your furnace quit working suddenly, the first step is to check the thermostat settings. For example, did someone set it to cooling mode or turn it off?

Also, try turning the temperature up. Set it to 80 and see if the appliance activates. The device may need simple recalibration.

2. Change the Air Filter

If checking the thermostat doesn’t fix the problem, locate the air filter. Remove it from the housing and check how much dirt it has. Also, remove the outer panel of the furnace and see how much dirt has accumulated.

Changing the air filter and cleaning the dirt may restore the device to working condition. Dirt often causes problems with overheating, which forces the furnace to shut down for safety reasons.

3. Examine the Circuit Breaker

If step one or two doesn’t fix the issue, perform a power supply check. Locate your circuit breaker and look for the switch that regulates power to the appliance. If it has flipped off, turn it back on and see if the device activates again.

Keep a close eye on this issue. If it happens frequently, it can indicate problems with your home’s electrical system.

4. Schedule Emergency Repairs

Have none of these troubleshooting techniques worked? Call a trusted HVAC technician for emergency repairs. The right company won’t make customers wait more than a few hours in an emergency.

In the meantime, use other techniques to stay warm. Add extra layers of clothing and snuggle under blankets. Consider cooking a hot meal and drinking some steaming tea or cider.