Furnace Won’t Start: Quick Troubleshooting + When to Call for Heat Help

 Furnace Won’t Start: Quick Troubleshooting + When to Call for Heat Help Disclosure: General information only. If you smell gas, see sparks, or hear loud unusual sounds, stop and call a licensed HVAC pro . Quick Answer Check thermostat mode, power, and filter first. Confirm the breaker and furnace switch are on. If it still won’t start or short-cycles , call HVAC. Stop the Damage First If you smell gas, leave and call from outside. If you smell burning, shut it off and turn off the breaker. Don’t keep restarting a failing furnace . Fast Checks (Most Common Fixes) Thermostat set to HEAT, temperature raised Replace an extremely dirty filter Check breaker and reset once Check furnace power switch (often near unit) Confirm vents are open and unobstructed Listen: does it try to start then stop? What the Symptoms Usually Mean Starts then stops quickly: safety shutdown , airflow issue , sensor Fan runs but no heat: ignition or flame sensor rel...

Roof Leak: Temporary Fixes That Don’t Make It Worse (And What to Check)

 Roof Leak: Temporary Fixes That Don’t Make It Worse (And What to Check)

Disclosure: General information only. Do not climb a wet or steep roof. If it’s unsafe, call a licensed roofer.

Quick Answer

Contain the leak inside first.
Then inspect from safe areas.
Temporary protection is possible, but unsafe roof work can cause injury.

Stop the Damage First

Safe Clues to Identify Leak Location

Temporary Fixes (Safer Options)

  • Place a tarp from a safe position if you can access safely

  • Redirect water away from the leak area (temporary cover)

  • Inside the attic, you can guide drips into a bucket as a short-term control

Call-a-Pro Triggers

Cost Variables (5)

  1. Leak source (shingle vs flashing vs vent)

  2. Roof pitch and height (access)

  3. Number of layers and materials

  4. Hidden rot and decking damage

  5. Interior repairs (drywall/paint/insulation)

Scam Prevention (5)

  1. Avoid “full roof replacement” without evidence of scope.

  2. Ask for photos of damage areas.

  3. Get an itemized quote (repair vs replace options).

  4. Verify licensing and insurance.

  5. Don’t pay in full before work starts.

Related guide: 【Internal Link①】Water Leaking From Ceiling: What To Do Now (Stop Damage Fast)
Related guide: 【Internal Link②】Home Repair Cost Guide: Repair vs Replace (What Really Changes the Price)

FAQ

Can a small roof leak wait?

It often gets worse fast.
Water spreads behind materials.

Should I go up there during rain?

No. That’s when most injuries happen.

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

AC Not Cooling: 11 Fixes Before You Call HVAC (And When to Stop)

Circuit Breaker Keeps Tripping: Causes, Safe Checks, and When It’s Dangerous