When your furnace malfunctions during a Milwaukee winter, it's more than an inconvenience—it's an emergency. While some issues require professional repair from Tony's Heating & Air, many common problems have simple solutions you can try before calling for service. This guide helps you troubleshoot furnace issues and know when to call the experts.

Furnace Won't Turn On

Check Your Thermostat

Before assuming the worst, verify your thermostat is set to "heat" mode and the temperature is set higher than your current room temperature. Replace batteries if you have a battery-powered model. Try raising the temperature 5 degrees to trigger the furnace.

Inspect the Circuit Breaker

Check your electrical panel for tripped breakers. Furnaces have dedicated circuits that may trip due to power surges or electrical issues. Reset the breaker and try again. If it trips repeatedly, call Tony's Heating & Air—this indicates a serious electrical problem.

Verify the Furnace Switch

Most furnaces have a wall switch near the unit that looks like a light switch. Ensure it's in the "on" position. This switch is often accidentally turned off during basement activities.

Check the Gas Supply

For gas furnaces, verify that your gas valve is fully open. The handle should be parallel to the gas line. If you smell gas, leave immediately and call your gas company—never attempt repairs yourself.

Furnace Runs But Produces No Heat

Inspect the Air Filter

A severely clogged filter restricts airflow, causing your furnace to overheat and shut down before warming your Milwaukee home. Replace the filter and wait 30 minutes before testing again.

Check the Pilot Light

For older furnaces with standing pilot lights, verify the flame is lit. If it's out, follow your furnace's relighting instructions carefully. If the pilot won't stay lit, you likely need professional repair for a faulty thermocouple.

Examine the Flame Sensor

Modern furnaces have flame sensors that can become dirty and prevent operation. If you're comfortable doing so, turn off power to the furnace, locate the flame sensor (a thin metallic rod near the burners), and gently clean it with fine sandpaper or steel wool.

Furnace Cycles On and Off Frequently

Replace the Air Filter

Restricted airflow from a dirty filter is the most common cause of short cycling. This problem wastes energy and stresses your system.

Check Thermostat Placement

Thermostats located near heat sources, drafts, or direct sunlight may cause erratic cycling. Consider relocating your thermostat to a more suitable location with Tony's Heating & Air's help.

Verify Proper Furnace Size

An oversized furnace heats your Milwaukee home too quickly and shuts off prematurely, then cycles back on repeatedly. This requires professional assessment and possibly system replacement.

Strange Noises from Your Furnace

Banging or Popping

These sounds often indicate dirty burners or expanding/contracting ductwork. Dirty burners need professional cleaning, while ductwork noises may require insulation or modification.

Squealing or Screeching

High-pitched noises typically signal worn blower motor bearings or belt issues. These components need professional replacement before complete failure occurs.

Rumbling

A rumbling sound after the burners shut off may indicate a dirty burner or cracked heat exchanger. The latter is serious and requires immediate professional attention.

Rattling

Loose panels, screws, or ductwork connections cause rattling. Tighten any loose components you can safely access. Persistent rattling may indicate more serious internal problems.

Uneven Heating Throughout Your Home

Balance Your Vents

Adjust dampers in your ductwork to direct more airflow to cold rooms. This may require trial and error to achieve balanced temperatures throughout your Milwaukee home.

Check for Blocked Vents

Ensure furniture, curtains, or other objects aren't blocking supply or return vents. Blocked vents prevent proper air circulation and create temperature imbalances.

Inspect Ductwork

Leaky or disconnected ducts waste heated air before it reaches living spaces. Check accessible ductwork in your basement or attic for obvious problems. Professional duct sealing may be necessary.

High Energy Bills

Schedule Professional Maintenance

Dirty or worn components force your furnace to work harder, consuming more energy. Annual tune-ups from Tony's Heating & Air restore efficiency and reduce operating costs.

Improve Home Insulation

Even the most efficient furnace loses energy if your Milwaukee home has poor insulation or air leaks. Address these issues to maximize heating efficiency.

Consider System Age

Furnaces older than 15 years lose efficiency even with proper maintenance. Replacement with a high-efficiency model may provide better long-term value than continued repairs.

Yellow or Flickering Pilot Light

A healthy pilot light burns blue. Yellow or flickering flames indicate incomplete combustion and possible carbon monoxide production. This is a serious safety issue requiring immediate professional attention. Don't attempt DIY repairs—call Tony's Heating & Air right away.

When to Call the Professionals

Contact Tony's Heating & Air immediately if you experience:

• Gas odors anywhere in your home
• Carbon monoxide detector alarms
• Yellow pilot light flames
• Visible cracks in the heat exchanger
• Water pooling around your furnace
• Repeated circuit breaker trips
• Problems that persist after basic troubleshooting

Preventive Maintenance

The best way to avoid furnace problems is enrolling in Tony's Heating & Air's preventive maintenance plan. Regular professional service catches small issues before they become expensive emergencies, ensuring your Milwaukee home stays warm all winter.

Experiencing furnace problems you can't solve? Don't suffer through a cold Milwaukee winter. Contact Tony's Heating & Air today for fast, professional furnace repair. Our certified technicians will diagnose and fix your heating issues quickly and affordably.