If my furnace breaks down in the middle of winter, what would I do? It’s a scary thought, but one that is imperative that we consider. Afterall, th...
If my furnace breaks down in the middle of winter, what would I do? It’s a scary thought, but one that is imperative that we consider. Afterall, there’s nothing wrong with wanting to be prepared.
So in today’s blog, the expert repair technicians at Action Furnace will go over our top tips for handling this potential emergency and the steps to take to get your furnace back up and running quickly. Plus we’ll offer insights on how to prevent the risk of a winter furnace breakdown all together!
Action Furnace has been the preferred choice for furnace repairs in Calgary, Edmonton and Red Deer since 1975. Our technicians are simply trained better, and are always ready to take action with full stocked service trucks and the most up to date tools.
Let’s begin!
Stay Calm & Assess The Situation
The first step is to remain calm. Yes, we know this is easier said than done, but having a clear head is crucial while running through an initial checklist of potential issues.
Let’s assess the overall situation here together.
Check Your Thermostat
Ensure that the batteries are working or that it's connected to your home’s wifi (if a smart or programmable device). Secondly, check that it’s in the correct mode. Use the switch to cycle to “heat” and then set the temperature to your desired level.
Check That Your Furnace Is Connected To Power
Your furnace, and every furnace, will have a power switch that looks very similar to a light switch on the wall near the unit. Make sure yours is switched to the on position. If it’s not, wait a couple minutes after flipping before proceeding with repairs as some older furnaces may take more time to wake up.
Inspect The Pilot Light
Next thing to check is the pilot light. There are a number of things that could affect it, including a build up of dust and dirt, a drafty mechanical room and gas supply issues. If you feel comfortable doing so, it’s typically safe enough for you to try and relight the pilot light yourself by holding down the rest button while using a lighter to reignite the flame.
However we understand that gas and flame might give many people pause, so please feel free to give our friendly team a call to relight it for you. We’ll also identify the reason it went out in the first place while we’re there.
Change The Furnace Filter
Furnace filters can easily reduce air flow and heating performance if they’re not replaced regularly. Your furnace filter can be found near the bottom of your furnace behind an access panel. Gently remove it and replace it if it’s full of dust, hair and other debris.
Most standard furnace filters last about 3 months, but it's a good idea to get into the habit of at least checking it monthly. Keeping the furnace filter free of buildup helps protect the sensitive components of your furnace and greatly improves indoor air quality.
Check The Furnace Exhaust Vent (A Common Cause Of A Winter Furnace Breakdown)
Finally, bundle up and head outside to check if your furnace exhaust vent is clear of snow and ice build-up.
A blocked furnace vent can result in your furnace constantly cycling on and off, and even dangerous CO fumes to potentially enter your home.
Luckily cleaning is easy! Simply take a soft broom and remove the snow and ice from the rim of the exhaust vent. It’s also a good idea to take a shovel and clear some extra room beneath the vent to avoid you having to come back up again.
Call In The Professional Repair Technicians At Action Furnace
If you’ve tried everything above and there’s still no heat, it’s time to call us in to avoid being stuck in the cold for too long.
Our repair technicians are continually trained and are dedicated to providing you with the most thorough furnace repair available. Our team has seen it all, and will be able to quickly identify the underlying issue affecting your heating performance. From malfunctioning components, to connection issues, we’ve got you covered.
Here’s what you can expect from a typical service call.
Evaluation
Our experts are trained to quickly identify any heating issues and provide you with an immediate solution.
They will diagnose the problem and present you with a quote for the best repair options tailored to meet your specific heating needs.
Recommendation
Given the critical nature of furnace repair, we provide an immediate, on-site assessment of your needs. We take into account your home's efficiency, power requirements and the specific problem to give you a complete explanation of all your options.
Finally, with our No Surprise Guarantee, the investment quoted is what you pay. No additional charges or surprises during or after your repair.
Repair
Our team is dedicated to providing you with clean, respectful, and efficient service, ensuring minimal disruption to your daily life. We’ll exceed your expectations by completing your furnace repair with speed and precision. From cleaning and replacing components to de-icing your exhaust vent, we take care of your home and guarantee our workmanship.
If we haven't met your expectations, we'll provide you with a 1-year club membership at no additional cost.
After the repair is complete, we'll reconnect and test your furnace to ensure it's working correctly.
You’ll also rest easy knowing that if one of our furnace repairs should fail within the first heating season, we’ll come back and repair it again absolutely free with the Action Furnace exclusive Fixed Right Or Its Free Guarantee.
Preventative Measures To Prevent A Winter Furnace Breakdown
Prioritize Maintenance
The best way to ensure your furnace runs throughout the winter is to schedule annual maintenance from the home of the Most Thorough Tune-Up, Action Furnace. This is because a clean and well-maintained service will just simply work better.
We don’t cut corners, our industry-leading 50 point tune-up includes:
- Gas pressure checks
- Igniter performance checks
- Temperature heat rise
- Blower motor efficiency testing
- Plus a top to bottom safety check
In addition to equipment longevity, a furnace tune-up can also save you up 12% on your energy bills!
And keep your furnace running smoothly long-term with regular, pre-scheduled maintenance through Action Furnace's Comfort Club – we'll take the hassle out of remembering your tune-ups!
For a small monthly fee, you'll get priority service, 50% off diagnostic fees, and 10% off future furnace repairs. Over 10,000 Albertans trust the Action Furnace Comfort Club to help maintain and even improve home comfort, join them! Chat with our team today!
Change Air Filters
To reiterate what we mentioned above, keeping a clean air filter is key to furnace performance. So set a reminder on your phone to check it monthly and replace it every 3 months.
Upgrade Your Furnace
If your furnace is older, or the heating issue is recurring, sometimes the wisest and easiest choice is to replace it.
Modern furnaces come in a variety of high-efficiency options, come with robust warranties and lower your maintenance costs.
Action Furnace’s installation process always begins with an evaluation that will ensure you get the best, appropriately sized unit for your home heating needs. We’re also proud to offer a number of workmanship and installation guarantees, so you can trust that you’re in good hands.
Armed with these tips we hope you feel more confident as you continue to navigate through winter in Alberta. If you have any other questions about furnace repair, give us a call today. Our dedicated customer service department is here to help, and our commitment to quality doesn’t end once we’ve addressed your issue. At Action Furnace we’re your trusted home comfort leader.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I repair or replace my furnace?
As your furnace gets older and repairs become more frequent, it may be time to upgrade to a newer, more energy-efficient model. Not sure if it’s the right move? Contact our Home Comfort Advisors! We’ll guide you through a detailed evaluation process and provide tailored recommendations to suit your heating needs and budget.
How much do repairs cost?
Every heating repair is unique, and the cost of fixing your furnace will largely depend on the complexity of the problem. When you choose Action Furnace for your repairs, you can feel confident knowing we’ll provide a complete overview of the work needed before getting started.
What should I do if my furnace isn’t working?
Start by checking your thermostat settings to ensure everything is in order. If the problem persists, contact the repair experts at Action Furnace. Our team is skilled at diagnosing and resolving heating issues swiftly to restore your comfort. With our Fixed Right, Or It’s Free Guarantee, you can trust that our work is reliable and your satisfaction is our priority.
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