top of page

Troubleshoot, Repair, or Replace
Furnaces

Furnace Troubleshooting. Furnace Repair. Furnace Replacement.

4

3

2

1

We will find the issue and give you a quote for repair.

Text us a photo of your furnace. We'll send a quote.

Schedule a furnace repair.

You might be able to easily solve the issue yourself.

We will have you warm and cozy ASAP.

After hours? Contact our "No Heat Emergency" team.

Furnace on the fritz?

We've got four ways to help!

Furnace
Troubleshooting

Before calling for furnace repair, try these easy troubleshooting tips first.

Interested in scheduling regular HVAC service? Check out our Maintenance Plans.

Pay only $1 for diagnostic, and no service, or trip fees.

1

Save money

$

Diagnostic
Fee

  • The first thing you want to check is the air filter. Over time, furnace filters get dirty. Dirt and dust can quickly clog the filter, which impedes airflow, worsens indoor air quality, and can even prevent the furnace from turning on in some cases. It can also become a fire hazard and cause premature breakdowns due to excessive dust and dirt.

     

    1.     Power Down First 

    Turn your thermostat off and flip the furnace switch off before you conduct any work on the furnace.

    2.    Inspect the Filter

    Hold your filter up to a light source — if light cannot pass through easily, it should be cleaned or replaced.

    3.    Follow Airflow Arrows

    When installing your new filter, remember that the arrows should point in the direction of the airflow.

    4.   Secure the Panel

    Make sure you properly secure the access panel.  Many furnaces won't run  if the panel is not properly secured. 

    5.   Check Your Filter Regularly

    Remember to change or check your air filter every 30 days.

  • After verifying that your furnace filter is clean and installed properly, check the thermostat.

     

    1.     Replace the batteries

    If the thermostat needs new batteries, replace them.​

     

    2.    Confirm heat setting

    Make sure your thermostat is set to “heat” and try setting the temperature at least 5 degrees higher than the current room temperature.

     

    3.    Clean the thermostat

    For older electromechanical thermostats, you may need to open it up and give it a gentle dusting. Use a soft paintbrush or something similar to lightly brush off dirt and dust, including around the metal coils and contact plates. If your brush is too large, try a soft paper.

     

    4.    Avoid false readings

    Check the location of your thermostat and make sure it isn’t receiving any false readings from sunlight, lamps, ovens, space heaters, or any other heat source. If the thermostat is receiving the wrong input, it will send out the wrong output.​

  • Sometimes, the filter and thermostat are fine. Instead, power could be the problem.

     

    1.     Check Furnace Switch

    Check the furnace switch located near the furnace. Someone may have accidentally turned it off. Try flipping it back on. If that doesn’t work, head to the electrical panel.

    2.    Verify Breaker Power

    Make sure power is turned on at the breaker box or fuse box.

    3.    Identify the HVAC Breaker

    If your breaker box is properly labeled, make sure the HVAC breaker is on. Even if you don’t have any labels, look for the breaker switch that is in the opposite direction of the rest. That is the breaker you want to switch back on with the rest.

    4.    Reset the Breaker

    To reset your breaker, flip the switch all the way off before flipping it back on again. You should hear a click.

    5.    Replace a Blown Fuse

    To restore power to a fuse box, look for a melted and discolored fuse. Unscrew the fuse and replace it with the exact same size and type of fuse. The best way to find fuse replacements is to go to the store with a current fuse and replace it with an identical one.

    6.    Test the Furnace & Call if Needed

    Turn your furnace switch on and see if this restored power to your furnace. If the power is still out or the breaker continues to trip, please contact us or a qualified electrician right away.

     

    Warning: Make sure your hands and feet are completely dry before attempting to reset power. If there are any signs of electrical damage or moisture, or you don’t feel comfortable, don’t touch anything and contact us or a qualified electrician right away.

  • A furnace condensate pump is a device that automatically removes the water (condensate) produced during the heating process.  They are generally about the size of a shoe box and are found next to your furnace with a small hose leading to a drain or outside to discharge water. 

    1.     Make Sure the Pump Has Power

    Double-check the outlet, breaker, or shut-off switch—power issues are an easy fix that’s often overlooked.

    2.     Look at the Float Switch

    The float should move freely inside the tank. If it’s stuck, dirty, or waterlogged, clean or replace it so the pump knows when to turn on.

    3.    Give the Microswitch a Gentle Tap

    Sometimes the microswitch sticks—just a light tap can free it. If that doesn’t work, it might need a closer look or replacement.

    4.    Check for a Blocked Discharge Pipe

    In colder months, water in the discharge pipe/hose can freeze preventing the pump's reservoir from draining.  When the reservoir can't drain, your furnace will auto shut-off.   Take a hairdryer and use it to melt the blockage.  If ice isn't the culprit, sometimes the discharge pipe/hose can fill with gunk. Disconnect the outlet pipe/hose and clear out any debris, rust, or scale that could be stopping water flow.

      ​

    5.    Give It a Good Cleaning

    Sediment and algae can build up. Rinse and scrub the pump, impeller, and tank to keep everything moving smoothly.

    6.    Consider a Replacement

    If none of these fixes work, it may be time for a new pump. Give us a call at (253) 754-5441 and we can replace it or guide you to replace it yourself. 

  • Your furnace flame should be a healthy blue color, with perhaps a small yellowish tip. The blue flame indicates that your gas furnace is burning the fuel safely and efficiently.
     

    If the flame is red, yellow, purple, green, or any other color than blue, contact a professional right away.  Never attempt to fix your furnace flame color on your own.

  • If you go to check the furnace flame and it is out, you will need to relight it. While you can relight the pilot on your own, be extra careful and consult your owner’s manual for proper instructions.
     
    Don’t forget to turn off the gas for around 10-15 minutes before attempting to relight the pilot. If you continue to smell any gas, do not continue! You may have a leak, in which case, you should evacuate the household immediately and call your gas company and the fire department from a safe distance.
     
    If you have any doubts, don’t hesitate to contact us (253) 754-5441

  • Follow your manufacturer’s instructions for properly securing the access panel. Many furnaces will not operate if the panel is not securely pressed in all the way.

  • Sometimes, your furnace is running but your rooms aren’t getting the proper heat or airflow. Inspect your entire home for all the supply and return grilles. They should all be fully opened and unobstructed.
     
    Make sure there are no rugs, furniture, or anything else restricting the flow of air. Not only will blocked vents and registers affect your comfort, they can also lead to duct leaks due to excessive air pressure and premature HVAC repairs and breakdowns. Closing off vents and registers in unused rooms is NOT a good idea. You won’t save any extra money and will end up causing more problems for your heating system.

  • If none of those tips worked for you and you need expert furnace repair or replacement, contact us. We would be glad to help!
    (253) 754-5441 😁
     

From "oh fudge" to "fixed", fast

Schedule a Furnace Repair

To schedule a Furnace repair visit in the Seattle or Tacoma areas,
fill out the form below, give us a call, or send us a text.

(253) 754-5441

Are you a new customer?
How did you hear about us?
Estimates & Service
Main Office Address
24-Hour  Emergency

(253) 754-5441

(253) 300-2500

Seattle Area Heating & Cooling Service. Installation & Repair. Heat Pumps, Furnaces, AC & Mini Splits.  $1 Diagnostic.  FREE Estimates. Call GREENTOP Heating (253) 754-5441.
License Number  GREENTC823O6
Seattle Area Heating & Cooling Service. Installation & Repair. Heat Pumps, Furnaces, AC & Mini Splits.  $1 Diagnostic.  FREE Estimates. Call GREENTOP Heating (253) 754-5441.
Seattle Area Heating & Cooling Service. Installation & Repair. Heat Pumps, Furnaces, AC & Mini Splits.  $1 Diagnostic.  FREE Estimates. Call GREENTOP Heating (253) 754-5441.
Office Hours
bottom of page