The feeling of a chilly Lakewood morning is wonderful—until you realize your furnace isn’t keeping up. When temperatures drop below freezing, a broken or struggling heating system isn’t just an inconvenience; it can be a serious comfort concern.
At True Flow Heating and Air, we understand how disruptive heating troubles can be. That's why we're dedicated to providing fast, effective, and transparent heating services right here in Lakewood and the surrounding areas. Before you panic and reach for the phone, let's walk through a few common heating issues you might encounter and what you can do to troubleshoot them.
Basic Checks: Simple Steps Before Calling for Service
Sometimes, the simplest solution is the right one. Before scheduling a repair visit, a quick check of these basic components can often resolve minor issues.
Check Your Thermostat
The thermostat is the brain of your heating system, and often the source of simple problems. First, make sure it’s set to "Heat" and the temperature is set higher than the current room temperature. If your thermostat uses batteries, try replacing them, even if the display still looks functional; low batteries can cause inconsistent behavior. For programmable or smart thermostats, ensure the programming schedule isn't automatically lowering the temperature when you need heat. A common fix is simply turning the unit off and back on again.
Check the Furnace Power and Gas
Your furnace needs two things to run: power and fuel. Locate the furnace switch—it looks like a regular light switch and is typically mounted on or near the furnace. Ensure it hasn't been accidentally flipped off. Next, check your circuit breaker box. If the breaker for the furnace is tripped, reset it once. If it immediately trips again, call a professional like True Flow Heating and Air immediately, as this indicates an electrical fault. Finally, if you have a gas furnace, ensure the gas shut-off valve near the unit is parallel to the pipe (open). A recent gas outage or appliance work could sometimes lead to this being inadvertently turned off.
Replace the Air Filter
A dirty air filter is the number one enemy of an efficient furnace. A clogged filter restricts airflow, forcing your furnace to work harder, which can cause it to overheat and shut down prematurely. It also severely impacts your indoor air quality. If your furnace is running but blowing weak or cool air, check the filter. If it looks grey and coated with dust, replace it with a clean one. We recommend checking your filter monthly and replacing it every 1–3 months, depending on use. This simple act drastically improves performance and lowers utility bills.
When to Call the Experts: Advanced Issues
While simple troubleshooting can save you a service call, some issues require the expertise and tools that only certified HVAC technicians possess. For these complex problems, the experienced team at True Flow Heating and Air is ready to provide best-in-class workmanship for your Lakewood home.
Persistent Noises or Smells
Any new, persistent, or alarming noise coming from your furnace—such as grinding, squealing, or scraping—should prompt a call to a professional. These sounds often indicate a mechanical failure, such as a worn-out fan belt or a problem with the motor or inducer. Similarly, a burning or metallic smell that persists after the initial startup of the season could signal overheating or damaged components. While a slight burning smell upon first use is normal, a strong odor is a warning sign.
Pilot Light or Ignition Failure
For older furnaces, a pilot light that goes out or fails to relight is a common issue. On modern furnaces, the electronic ignition system can fail. While you can sometimes follow manufacturer instructions to relight a pilot, repeated failure indicates a deeper problem with the gas line, thermocouple, or ignition sensor, which requires expert diagnostics and repair. Do not attempt to repeatedly relight a pilot light if you smell gas.
At True Flow Heating and Air, we take a customer-first approach to heating services, offering comprehensive repairs, maintenance, and installations. When simple troubleshooting isn't enough, you can rely on our highly experienced HVAC professionals to diagnose and fix the problem quickly and effectively. We proudly serve the Lakewood community and are ready to ensure your family stays warm and comfortable all winter long. Don't struggle with a faulty system; give us a call at (720) 445-8139 for transparent, high-quality heating solutions today.