So, you’re having trouble with your furnace and have called for a furnace repair. But now what? What is the technician going to do? How long will it take? What happens next? You don’t get your furnace repaired every day (thank goodness), so it’s normal to have questions! In this blog from Honest Abe’s Heating and Cooling, we’ll walk you through what happens during a furnace repair inspection.
Step 1: Checking the Thermostat and Power Supply
The first step in any furnace repair service call is simple—the technician makes sure the thermostat is set correctly and that the unit is receiving power. Sometimes the most common causes of heating issues come down to loose connections, tripped breakers, or a thermostat that isn’t set to “heat.”
From there, we’ll inspect electrical connections and make sure the furnace is able to turn on.
Why We Do It
- The thermostat must communicate with the unit correctly so the heating system responds to changes in temperature.
- Problems with electrical components or wiring can prevent the furnace from turning on, which is why these are checked first.
- Loose connections often interfere with system performance or cause the furnace to shut down unexpectedly.
- Power issues need to be ruled out early before moving on to more complex furnace repair diagnostics.
Step 2: Inspecting the Air Filter and Airflow
A clogged air filter is one of the most common causes of poor system performance. During a furnace repair visit, the technician checks your furnace filter to make sure air is flowing freely. Restricted airflow can overwork the blower motor, reduce efficiency, and even shut down the system.
We’ll also inspect vents and ductwork for debris or blockages.
Why We Do It
- A dirty air filter strains the blower fan and fan blades, leading to extra wear and possible failure.
- Restricted airflow forces the heating system to run longer, lowering efficiency and driving up energy bills.
- Blocked vents or clogged ducts may create cracks, corrosion, or rust inside the unit.
- Safe pressure levels must be maintained to keep airflow steady and the family safe during the heating season.
Step 3: Examining the Ignition System and Pilot Light
For a gas furnace, the ignition system and pilot light are critical. Our technician will inspect the flame sensor, pilot light, and ignition control to ensure the furnace is lighting properly. If the flame sensor is dirty or faulty, the unit may shut itself off as a safety precaution.
This step is especially important for homeowners with older furnaces that still use a standing pilot light. Modern systems often use electronic ignition, but both will need to be closely looked at.
Why We Do It
- A faulty flame sensor can shut the furnace down even when fuel is available.
- Pilot light or ignition problems are some of the most common causes of no-heat calls from homeowners.
- Proper ignition prevents gas from building up inside the unit and ensures combustion is operating safely.
- Protecting the ignition system from wear extends the life of the furnace and helps it deliver consistent heat.
Step 4: Inspecting the Heat Exchanger and Combustion Chamber
The heat exchanger is one of the most important parts of your furnace. During a furnace repair inspection, the technician looks for cracks, rust, corrosion, or debris inside the combustion chamber. A damaged heat exchanger can allow carbon monoxide to leak into your home, which is very dangerous for your family.
We also measure pressure levels to confirm the furnace is venting properly. If combustion gases aren’t venting, the system can become unsafe to operate.
Why We Do It
- Cracks, rust, or corrosion on the heat exchanger can become serious safety hazards if left unaddressed.
- A damaged exchanger may allow carbon monoxide to leak into the house, which puts everyone at risk.
- Balanced combustion ensures the gas furnace runs efficiently throughout the heating season.
- Proper vent pressure confirms that exhaust gases are leaving the system safely rather than building up inside.
Step 5: Testing the Blower Motor and Blower Fan
The blower motor and blower fan push heated air throughout your house. If they’re not working properly, you may notice uneven temperatures or weak airflow. The technician will check the motor, fan blades, and electrical components tied to the blower system.
Why We Do It
- Weak airflow from the blower motor forces the unit to work harder with an inconsistent performance that also increases energy bills.
- Damaged or unbalanced fan blades reduce system efficiency and make it harder to maintain a steady temperature.
- Loose electrical connections in the blower system often cause the blower fan to shut down unexpectedly.
- Smooth blower operation is essential for keeping the heating system reliable.
Step 6: Checking Electrical Components and Connections
A furnace has many electrical connections that need to be secure. During a diagnostic inspection, we test for loose connections, corroded wires, or failing electrical components that affect system performance.
From the control board to safety switches, each electrical part plays a role in keeping your furnace working properly.
Why We Do It
- Loose connections create the risk of system failure and can also lead to safety issues if not repaired.
- Corrosion or rust on electrical components reduces efficiency and prevents the unit from working properly.
- A detailed furnace repair inspection can explain intermittent performance problems that are hard for homeowners to pinpoint.
- Secure electrical connections ensure the furnace delivers dependable heat all winter long.
Step 7: Inspecting Drain Pan, Condensate Lines, and Evaporator Coil
High-efficiency furnaces and HVAC systems often produce condensation. During an inspection, the technician checks the drain pan, condensate line, and evaporator coil for clogs, corrosion, or cracks. If water can’t drain properly, it may damage electrical connections or cause rust inside the unit.
The evaporator coil is also checked for debris that can impact airflow and efficiency.
Why We Do It
- A clogged drain pan or blocked condensate line can cause water to back up and damage electrical connections.
- Dirt on the evaporator coil reduces airflow, lowers efficiency, and drives up monthly energy bills.
- Standing water and corrosion inside the unit lead to unnecessary repairs and shorten system lifespan.
- Clear drainage and clean coils keep both your heating and cooling systems operating properly.
Step 8: Measuring System Performance and Efficiency
Finally, once the technician has inspected and tested all major components, we run the system to check overall performance. This includes measuring temperature rise, checking airflow, and ensuring the unit shuts off and turns on properly.
We’ll confirm that the system is operating safely, efficiently, and delivering the heat you need to keep your family safe and comfortable. If necessary furnace repairs are found, we’ll explain them clearly and give you all the available options.
Why We Do It
- Running a final system check confirms the furnace is working properly before the job is considered complete.
- Measuring airflow and temperature rise identifies small issues before they grow into costly repairs.
- Efficiency testing ensures the furnace is producing consistent heat while keeping energy bills low.
Need a Furnace Repair in the Greater Indianapolis Area? Honest Abe’s is Your Local Furnace Repair Company
Honest Abe’s Heating and Cooling is proud to serve the greater Indianapolis area, including Marion, Hamilton, Hendricks, Boone, Hancock, Johnson, Madison, and Morgan counties. Our highly trained technicians are spread throughout these local communities so we can get to your house quickly when you need us most.
We live up to our name with honest service at honest prices. If we can fix your furnace and still give it life, that’s what we’ll do. If the damage is too severe and your unit is older, we’ll set you up with a replacement furnace quickly that will give your family dependable heat. You’ll always get the fast, fair service you deserve but don’t always get. You can count on us for:
- 24/7 emergency furnace repair when your heating system stops working day or night, because no one should be left in the cold waiting for service.
- Furnace maintenance services, which are recommended by manufacturers to ensure your family stays safe and comfortable. A professional furnace tune up checks the blower motor, flame sensor, and other critical components to catch problems earlier.
- HVAC maintenance plans with priority service and other exclusive benefits for scheduling your annual tune up for your furnace and air conditioner.
- Expert furnace replacement with next-day installs whenever possible. If you need to replace your furnace, financing options are available to make it easier to manage.
We’re proud to be a Carrier® Factory Authorized Dealer, and our excellent service is reflected in the reviews our customers share.
Schedule Your Furnace Repair with Honest Abe’s
At Honest Abe’s Heating and Cooling, our furnace repair inspection process is thorough, detailed, and always focused on keeping your system safe. If your furnace needs repairs, you’ll get a great price, great service, and peace of mind knowing your family will stay warm and safe.
Call or schedule your furnace repair in the Indianapolis area online! Our friendly team is here to help you.