Many people totally ignore the home heating system--until it quits. That's when you visit www.FixItClub.com and quickly read up on fixing heating systems. If your system is powered by natural or propane gas, keep reading. Otherwise, check the Electric Furnace Fix-It Guide, the Oil Furnace Fix-It Guide, The Steam Boiler Fix-It Guide, or the Hot Water Boiler Guide. If you suspect problems in the forced-air distribution system or the comfort controls , check those guides as well. Then meet back here!

How Does It Work?

Make sure the flame is well-formed and blue.

Natural or propane gas from an outside source is piped to the furnace where it is burned to produce heat. Usually a fan-driven forced-air distribution system blows the warmed air through ducts that vent into the various rooms of the house. Older gas furnaces use a standing-pilot ignition. Maintenance involves turning off the pilot each spring and relighting it each fall. Newer, more efficient gas furnaces use an electric spark to light the gas as necessary.

What Can Go Wrong?

Most gas furnaces are quite reliable. What are the symptoms of problems? The furnace may not produce heat or may not produce enough heat. The pilot light may go out repeatedly or refuse to light. The thermocouple may be faulty. The pilot may light but not ignite the burner. The furnace may be noisy. There are some maintenance and a few minor repairs that you can make. However, major service should be left to a trained technician.

Fix-It Tip

To minimize problems with your gas furnace, take time each month to check the air filter and clean or replace it if necessary. Once a year, clean the blower blades, lubricate the blower motor, and inspect the belt.