3 Troubleshooting Tips for an Aging Furnace

Like all machines, aging furnaces can begin to regularly malfunction. This could be highly problematic in the middle of a cold night. A furnace is crucial for comfort and survival in cold winter weather. As the winter months come around, it’s a good idea to know a few trouble-shooting tips in the case of a tricky furnace.

Often, if the fix is simple and it can be done immediately by yourself.

Even with proper maintenance, however, furnaces can break down and develop problems that impede regular functioning. If your furnace is acting up or refusing to turn on, you may want to troubleshoot before you reach out to a professional. 

Check the Furnace Filter

The first thing you want to check is the air filter. Over time, furnace filters get dirty. Dirt and dust can quickly clog the filter, which impedes airflow, worsens indoor air quality, and can even prevent the furnace from turning on in some cases.

Check the Thermostat

After verifying that your furnace filter is clean and installed properly, check the thermostat. This may seem simple, but we’ve seen it all! Often a simple battery switch can fix the problem.

Make sure it is set to “heat” and try setting the temperature at least 5 degrees higher than the current room temperature.

Inspect Vents

Sometimes, your furnace is running but your rooms aren’t getting the proper heat or airflow. Inspect all of the vents in your home – they should all be fully opened and not covered by anything. These are 3 simple things you can check yourself before calling your Trane dealer.