5 HVAC Checkups to Make Before Calling a Technician

You wake up to discover that you’re freezing cold, your breath visible in the dim light of your bedroom. You shuffle, shivering, to check the temperature on the thermostat; it says it’s 48 degrees inside. How can that be? It was set on 68 when you went to bed last night. Your first thought is, “I need to call an HVAC technician out right now to find out what’s wrong.” So, you throw on your winter coat and mittens and begin to dial Iceberg Heating & Cooling. Stop. Hang up that phone. Today, Monroe County’s most trusted HVAC company for the past 20 years – Iceberg Heating & Cooling – are going to share 5 HVAC checkups to make before calling out one of our expert technicians.

1. Check the Thermostat.

Since you’re probably still standing right next to the thermostat, make sure that it’s set to the correct temperature. You wouldn’t believe how often we come out to a home only to find that the thermostat has been accidentally turned down. You also want to make sure that the thermostat is set to “Heat” and in the “On” position.

2. Check the Electrical Panel.

It’s not uncommon for a breaker to get tripped when the heat is coming on. Some breakers can be overly sensitive, especially during the winter months. In winter, there is a lot of static electricity and, believe it or not, sometimes it’s enough to cause a breaker to trip. Inside the panel box, you’ll see two columns of breakers. If one has been tripped, it’ll appear looser than the others. It won’t be in the off position, but it’ll be close, and you’ll be able to wiggle it slightly. Slid the breaker to the “off” position and then back to the “on” position, and then see if your heat kicks back on when you go inside.

3. Check to Make Sure You Have Gas.

When checking out the furnace, you want to first make sure that gas service has not been interrupted in any way. If the gas company detects a leak or one is reported, they will shut off the gas immediately. Next, make sure that your account to up to date. Sometimes, unless you have automatic payments, it can just slip your mind. Check your front door and gas meter for any red tags or notices that the gas has been turned off. The gas company will usually notify you, but not always – so make sure everything with them is squared away.

4. Check the Pilot Light.

If you have an older furnace, it may still have a pilot light, so it’s possible that it went out and needs to be re-lit. Nowadays, newer model furnaces typically come with an electronic ignition (If you have an electronic ignition, you don’t have to worry about the pilot light). Be sure to read the furnace instructions before attempting to re-light your pilot light.

They’re usually found in the form of a sticker on the side of the furnace. Near the bottom of your furnace, you’ll see the pilot switch. It’ll have three positions: “On”, “Off”, and “Pilot”. If it’s in the “On” position, turn it to “Off” and wait a few minutes for any gas to dissipate. Now turn it to “Pilot” and push it in, which should immediately light the pilot light. Keep pushing in the switch for one minute, and then turn the switch to the “On” position and set your thermostat.

5. Check the Furnace Flash Codes.

Newer furnaces use a code of dots and dashes to reveal a message – the flash code. These dots and dashes are not Morse Code, so sailors put down that pen and paper. The flash code on your furnace corresponds to a to chart of numbered codes on your furnace’s compartment door. These codes reveal what the source of the problem is. Just be sure to carefully read the chart and instructions on the compartment door and/or user manual and you’ll be just fine.

While these DIY tips should help you solve many problems with your HVAC system, they are in no way a substitute for a professional HVAC technician. At Iceberg Heating & Cooling, our experts are trained to solve and fix any problem you might have. We also offer a variety of maintenance options with our Comfort Club™ membership program. Comfort Club™ provides you with regular system checks, bi-annual checkups, and superior service. This will ensure your HVAC unit is operating at its best and will meet manufacturer requirements for extended warranties. We’re on call, online, and always on time, so schedule your air quality appointment today by calling the professionals at Iceberg Heating & Cooling at 734-342-3420, or email us.