Furnace Repair in Menomonie and western Wisconsin, WI

1. Check the Thermostat

To begin, make certain that your thermostat is instructing your heater to ignite.

Digital Thermostat

• Swap out the batteries if the display is empty. If the digital monitor is messed up, the thermostat might need to be swapped out.
• Make certain that the control is switched to “heat” instead of “off” or “cool.”
• Ensure the program is showing the right day and time and is set to “run.” If you’re having trouble getting out of the schedule, adjust the temperature by using the up/down arrows and holding the “hold” button. This will cause the furnace to ignite if thermostat is causing an issue.
• Turn the temperature setting to 5 degrees above the temperature of the room.

If your heating hasn’t started within a few minutes, ensure it has electricity by switching the fan switch from “auto” to “on.” If the fan doesn’t start, your heater could be without power.

Smart Thermostat

If you utilize a smart thermostat—for example one manufactured by Nest, Ecobee, Lux, Honeywell or Bosch—troubleshooting will depend on your model. Check the manufacturer’s website for assistance. If you’re still unable to get your Wi-Fi thermostat to work, call us at 715-352-4052 for heating and cooling service.

2. Check Breakers and Switches

Next, confirm your breaker and furnace switch are on.

• Look for your main electrical panel. If you don’t know where it is, search for a silver metal box in your basement, garage or closet.
• Make certain that your hands and feet are dry prior to opening the panel or breakers.
• Find the breaker titled “furnace” or “heat,” and ensure it’s moved to “on.” If you discover a tripped breaker, it will be in the middle or “off” area.
• Moving one hand, steadily turn the breaker to the “on” position. If the breaker instantly trips and pops back to “off,” don't try to reset it and call a professional from Halverson Brothers Inc at 715-352-4052 immediately.

It doesn’t matter how old your furnace is or what brand it is, it has at least one ordinary wall switch set on or near it.

• Make certain the switch is flipped up in the “on” position. If it was switched off, it could take your furnace up to five minutes to start. (If you don’t know where to find your furnace, take a look at your basement, garage or utility closet. It can also be in a crawl space or attic.)

3. Replace the Air Filter

When we think about heater problems, a grungy, full air filter is regularly the top offender.

If your filter is too dusty:

• Your heat won’t keep heating your home, or it may get too hot from limited airflow.
• Your energy bills may be higher because your heater is turning on more than it should.
• Your heater may fail too soon since a dusty filter causes it to work overtime.
• Your furnace can be cut off from power if an extremely filthy filter is the cause of a tripped breaker.

While it depends on what type of furnace you have, your air filter is located inside the blower compartment of your furnace, an attached filter case or wall-mounted return air grille.

To swap out your filter:

• Cut the power to your heating system.
• Remove the filter and angle it toward the light. If you can’t notice light through it, replace it.
• Install the new filter with the arrow pointing toward the heating system to prevent damage.

Flat filters should be replaced every month, while pleated filters should last about three months. If you have children or pets, you may have to change your filter more often.

To make the procedure go more quickly down the line, write with a permanent pen on your furnace housing or ductwork to show the airflow direction and filter size.

4. Look at the Condensate Pan

Also known as drain pans, condensate pans capture liquid your heating system pulls from the air.

If liquid is leaking from your heating system or its pan is overflowing, use these steps.

• If your pan has a drain (look for a PVC pipe), double-check that it’s clear. If it should be drained, get a special pan-cleaning tablet you can get at home improvement or hardware retailers.
• If your pan contains a pump, inspect the float switch. If the switch is jammed “up” with water in the pan, call us at 715-352-4052, because you will likely have to install a new pump.

5. Check for Furnace Error Codes

If malfunctions persist, look within your heating system’s plastic window to verify the blower motor’s status. Subject to the model, the light may also be fixed on the outside of your heater.

If you notice anything other than a solid, colored light or flickering green light, reach us at 715-352-4052 for HVAC service. Your heating system may be giving an error code that is calling for pro help.

6. Scrub the Flame Sensor

If your furnace attempts to operate but switches off without distributing warm air, a filthy flame sensor can be responsible. When this occurs, your furnace will attempt to start three times before a safety feature turns it off for approximately an hour.

If you feel confident with removing the panels from your heating system, gently scrubbing your flame sensor is something you are able to do on your own. Or, one of our heating service specialists can finish it for you.

If you are confident cleaning the sensor personally, you require:

• A 1/4” hex screwdriver or wrench
• Piece of light grit sandpaper, steel wool or emery cloth
• A dry, clean paper towel

Then:

• Turn off the heater’s power with its wall switch or breaker. If your furnace’s gas valve isn’t electric, you have to shut off the gas in addition.
• Remove the heating system’s front panel and trace the wire to the flame sensor.
• Unscrew the rod and use your sandpaper, steel wool or emery cloth to gently clean the metal rod.
• Clear the rod with a paper towel.
• Screw the sensor back in.
• Secure the furnace doors.
• Turn the furnace’s power back on. It may go through a set of checks before resuming regular running. If your furnace doesn’t start, the sensor might have to be replaced or something else could be creating an issue. If this occurs, get in touch with us at 715-352-4052 for heating and cooling repair support.

7. Relight the Pilot Light

If you are using an outdated heating system, the pilot light could be out. To light it, locate the steps on a sticker on your heater, or follow these steps.

• Look for the lever below your heater labeled “pilot,” “on” and “off.”
• Push the switch to the “off” position.
• Don’t do anything for at least five minutes to prevent starting a fire.
• Push the switch to “pilot.”
• Press the “reset” button as you bring the flame of a long lighter to the pilot light opening.
• Release the “reset” button once the pilot light is ignited.

If you have followed the instructions twice and the pilot light still won’t burn or remain lit, call us at 715-352-4052 for furnace service.

Check Your Energy Source

Try switching on a second gas appliance. If it doesn’t function, your natural gas service might be turned off, or you may have run out of propane.