The seasonal shifts in temperatures are not a new experience for Northside residents. We're familiar with those balmy winter days that follow a cold snap and the delightfully crisp air that sometimes greets us in February. Everything, from our outdoor pipes to our indoor flora, seems to be at perfect temperature. And then—boom! Furnace failure on the coldest day of the year. Smart homeowners have a working knowledge of their heating systems. You know the top three things that go wrong with forced air systems (your furnace should be among the top 10 things to love about winter), your furnace troubleshooting skills are sharp, and you just plain get your system. If something's awry, you know how to check for danger signs without checking your own blood pressure.
How do you determine what's wrong with that noncompliant furnace? The comforting hum that used to be... wrong with that uncooperative furnace? The hum that used to be comforting is now an absence, replaced by a disconcerting silence or, worse, a strange clanking sound. Each symptom can be a clue. Weird noises might suggest a loose belt, while constant cycling might mean a faulty thermostat. Sometimes, a simple reset is all that's needed. Yes, unplugging it and plugging it back in actually works for home systems too!
Proceeding with repairs might feel like venturing into the unknown, but it doesn't have to be so. The first step is to really listen to your furnace. Is it working at all? If not, check the basics, like whether the power switch is on, the fuel supply line is open, and any path the furnace draws air through is clear. Next, like a good detective, you want to track down mysterious noises and any strange smells. Keep in mind, if your furnace makes a noise or gives off an odor, that could be a signal to shut it down and call for help. And even though it might feel like a waste of time, if you haven't looked at your furnace manual since the day it was installed, now would be a good time to do so.
