Furnace problems are a common homeowner headache. Here's a quick list of common furnace repair problems, a quick fix or two, and suggestions on when to call in a furnace repairman to get you back up and running as quickly as possible.
Prevention is the Best Medicine
As a rule, the best way to avoid furnace repair is to schedule an annual furnace tune-up with your HVAC technician. Not only will you save 5-10% in energy costs each year by ensuring your furnace is operating at maximum efficiency, but your furnace repairman will be able to catch small problems before they become big ones. The other big step you can take to avoid furnace problems is to religiously change or clean your furnace's air filter once a month. Some furnace technicians report that up to 50% of their furnace repair service calls are caused by dust and dirt contaminating motors and other moving parts. By keeping a fresh filter installed, you're taking a huge step towards preventing such breakdowns.
Have You Checked The . . . ?
Keep in mind that any time you're dealing with an appliance that runs on natural gas, propane, or other flammable materials, you don't want to take chances. If you have any questions about the operation of your furnace it's best to call in a professional. Before you do, however, here's a few quick fixes to check that could you save you the cost of an unnecessary service call.
Is the pilot light lit? If your furnace isn't providing any heat at all, check to see if the pilot light has gone out. If so, follow the instructions on the furnace for getting it lit and your heat back on.
Is the circuit breaker on? Has the fuse blown? Also, check to see if your furnace needs to be turned on or just reset. Sounds stupid, but think how frustrated you'll be if your repairman comes out, flips the on/off switch or the reset button, and then charges you $80 for showing up.
Check to make sure your thermostat is on and set at the right temperature.
If you're receiving insufficient heat, check to make sure all the registers in the house are open and not blocked by furniture or draperies. Also, check the furnace filter and change it if necessary.
If your furnace cycles on and off too frequently, won't turn on at all, if the blower is constantly blowing, or if you're experiencing inconsistent heating or major swings in temperature, you're best off calling in the pros to handle your furnace repair. Remember, if you're not sure, bring in an expert. Better to be overly cautious when it comes to working on your furnace, since blowing yourself up is a definite possibility. Finally, remember that anytime you smell gas in your home, you should get out of the house immediately and call an HVAC professional and/or your energy company a.s.a.p. 
Matt Goering, formerly a carpenter and house painter, is a freelance writer for the home improvement industry who has published over 600 articles.
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