Troubleshooting a Hot Air Furnace

There is no heat at all.
Your rooms aren't warm enough.
Soot collects in your house.
The blower makes unusual noises, noticeable when the burner is off.

There is no heat at all.

Check for:

• The power is out.
• Broken blower belt.
• Broken blower motor.

Remedies:

• Check the fuse box/circuit breaker.
• Replace the belt.
• Call a qualified contractor.

Your rooms are aren't warm enough.

Check for:

• Dirty filter
• Dirty registers
• Leaks in the ducts
• Dirty heat exchanger
• Blocked ducts
• Loose blower belt
• Closed register
• Duct damper in an incorrect position

Remedies:

• Replace the filter.
• Clean the registers.
• Seal the ducts with duct tape.
• Remove any visible obstructions.
• Tighten the blower belt.
• Open the register.
• Adjust the dampers.
• Call a qualified contractor.

Soot collects in your house.

Check for:

• Dirty filter.
• Damaged heat exchanger
• Dirty ducts

Remedies:

• Replace the filter.
• Call a qualified contractor.
• Have a professional clean the ducts.

The blower makes unusual noises, noticeable when the burner is off.

Check for:

• Loose pulley
• Worn blower mounts
• Worn belt is worn
• Belt tension too tight
• Blower bearings need oil

Remedies:

• Tighten the setscrews.
• Put in new blower mounts.
• Replace the belt.
• Loosen the belt tension.
• Oil the bearings.