It’s that time of year again! The leaves are changing colour and falling to the ground, there’s a chill in the air, and you need to start thinking about turning on your furnace for the first time in months. If you don’t know how to turn on the furnace, don’t worry – we’re here to help. In this blog post, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about turning on your furnace, from preparing your home to troubleshooting common issues.
Setup Preparation
The first thing you need to do is prepare your home for furnace season. It involves a few different tasks:
1. Check your furnace filter and replace it if necessary. A clean filter will help your furnace run more efficiently and prolong its life.
2. Inspect your furnace for any signs of damage or wear and tear. If you see anything that looks out of the ordinary, call a professional for help.
3. Make sure nothing is blocking the airflow to your furnace. It includes removing any furniture or storage items in front of the vents.
4. Check the surroundings of your furnace for any flammable materials. If there are any, ensure they have moved away from the furnace or removed entirely. Look for any signs of leaks or water damage near the furnace.
Read the Manual
Once you’ve prepared your home, it’s time to read the furnace manual. It may seem like a no-brainer, but you’d be surprised how many people skip this step. Your furnace manual will have all the information you need to know about how to turn on your furnace, including what settings to use and troubleshoot any issues that may arise.
You can also find instructions on the sticker on the front access panel of the furnace. The sticker will show how to set the thermostat and turn on the power switch.
Restore Power Supply
After you’ve prepared your home and read the manual, it’s time to turn on the furnace. Start by restoring power to the furnace if it was turned off at the breaker box. Double-check that the power switch is in the “on” position.
Take Off the Front Panel
Now you’re ready to take off the front panel of the furnace. It will give you access to the control board, where you can access the gas supply and pilot light. To remove the panel, start by unscrewing the screws that hold it in place. Once the screws are removed, lift the panel to release the clips holding it in place.
Inspect Pilot Light
Once you have access to the control board, take a look at the pilot light. The pilot light should be blue and burning steadily. If it’s not lit, follow the instructions in your furnace manual to relight it.
Adjust the pilot if needed. The flame should be about an inch high. If it’s too low, turn the knob to the right to make it higher. Turn the knob to the left to lower it if it’s too high.
Turn On the Gas Supply
Once the pilot light is lit, you can turn on the gas supply to the furnace. Locate the gas valve and turn it to the “on” position. You should hear a hissing sound as the gas starts flowing into the furnace.
If you don’t hear any gas, double-check that the power switch is in the “on” position and that the breaker box is turned on. If you still don’t hear any gas, check the emergency shut-off valve to ensure it’s in the “on” position.
Light the Burners
Now it’s time to light the burners. Start by setting the thermostat to the lowest temperature setting. Then, turn on the blower switch and set it to “auto.” It will start the blower motor and circulate the air in your home.
Next, locate the reset button on the control board. It will be located near the burner assembly. Press and hold the reset button for about 30 seconds. You should hear a clicking sound as the burners ignite.
Release the reset button when the burners are lit. If the burners go out, repeat the process. Once the burners are lit, you can adjust the thermostat to your desired temperature.
Monitor the Furnace
Once you’ve turned on the furnace, it’s essential to monitor it closely. If you notice strange smells or sounds, turn off the furnace and call a professional for help.
It’s also important to keep an eye on the furnace filter. It should be replaced every few months to ensure optimal performance. A dirty filter can cause the furnace to overheat and become a fire hazard.
Conclusion
We hope this guide has helped teach you how to turn on the furnace. Always use caution when handling any appliance in your home, and never hesitate to seek professional assistance if you’re unsure. With a bit of care and attention, your furnace should provide years of reliable service.
