Troubleshooting Common Furnace Issues: What Jake Checks Before Calling for Service

🏠 1. When Your Furnace Acts Up

I’ve been in the HVAC field for over a decade, and I’ve seen it all — from frozen vents to furnace panels held on with duct tape. But here’s the truth:

Nearly 80% of “no heat” calls I get could have been fixed by the homeowner in under 10 minutes.

That’s not to downplay the importance of professionals — safety always comes first. But most Goodman 92% furnaces are smart, self-protecting, and designed for easy homeowner checks.

60,000 BTU 92% AFUE Upflow/Horizontal Single Stage Goodman Gas Furnace - GR9S920603BN

So before you panic — or pay $200 for a quick fix — grab this guide. I’ll walk you through what I check first, what’s safe to do yourself, and when it’s time to call in a pro.

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⚡ 2. Start Simple: Power, Thermostat, and Airflow

When a Goodman furnace won’t run, always begin with the basics. These steps might sound obvious, but I promise — they solve more calls than you’d believe.

✅ Jake’s 5-Step “Quick Check”:

1. Thermostat Settings:

   • Make sure it’s set to HEAT and above room temperature.

   • If it’s battery-operated, replace the batteries.

2. Power Switch:

   • Look for the wall switch near the furnace (it often looks like a light switch).

   • Ensure it’s flipped to ON.

3. Circuit Breaker:

   • Check your electrical panel — if the furnace breaker has tripped, reset it once.

4. Filter:

   • Remove and inspect the air filter.

   • If it’s gray or clogged, replace it immediately. A dirty filter can make your Goodman’s safety sensors shut down the unit to prevent overheating.

5. Airflow Check:

   • Make sure supply and return vents aren’t blocked by rugs, furniture, or curtains.

“It sounds simple, but I’d bet a new filter has saved more furnace calls than any other fix out there.”

👉 EnergyStar.gov — Heating System Basics

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🔥 3. Understanding How Your Furnace Starts Up

Knowing how a furnace works helps you pinpoint where things go wrong.
Here’s what happens inside your Goodman 92% furnace every time you call for heat:

1. Thermostat calls for heat.

2. Inducer motor turns on to create proper draft.

3. Pressure switch confirms venting airflow.

4. Igniter glows red hot.

5. Gas valve opens, releasing fuel to the burners.

6. Flame sensor confirms the fire is lit.

7. Blower motor starts pushing warm air through your ducts.

If any of these steps fail, your furnace shuts down automatically — and a flashing LED light on the control board tells you what went wrong.

Jake’s tip:

“Your Goodman furnace is smart — when it won’t start, it’s not ‘broken,’ it’s protecting itself.”

👉 Energy.gov — How Furnaces Work

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💡 4. Reading Goodman Furnace Error Codes

Every Goodman furnace has a small window where you can see a blinking LED. Those flashes aren’t random — they’re the system’s way of talking to you.

Here’s a quick translation chart for the 92% models:

To check:

1. Turn off power for 10 seconds.

2. Turn it back on and watch for the pattern.

3. Count flashes and match to the table above.

Jake’s advice:

“Keep your phone handy — snap a photo of the blinking light before it resets. That helps your tech troubleshoot faster if you do need service.”

👉 Goodman Manufacturing — Owner’s Manual

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🧹 5. Filter and Vent Blockages — The #1 Cause of Shutdowns

If you only fix one thing this year, let it be your furnace filter.

A dirty filter chokes airflow, causing the heat exchanger to overheat. When that happens, Goodman’s limit switch shuts down the furnace to prevent damage or fire.

Jake’s Step-by-Step:

1. Turn off the furnace.

2. Slide out the filter (usually near the blower).

3. Replace it with a clean MERV 8–11 filter.

4. Turn power back on.

If your Goodman still won’t stay on, check the PVC exhaust and intake pipes outside. Birds, snow, or even spider webs can block airflow and trigger the same safety switch.

“If your furnace runs for 90 seconds and stops, airflow is almost always the culprit.”

👉 EPA.gov — Duct & Vent Maintenance

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🌬️ 6. When the Furnace Runs But Blows Cold Air

Few things are worse than feeling cool air when you’re expecting heat. Luckily, this is usually a simple fix.

Possible Causes:

1. Thermostat fan set to “ON” — blower runs constantly, even without heat.

   • Fix: Set it to AUTO.

2. Dirty flame sensor — furnace lights but shuts off after 3 seconds.

   • Fix: Turn off power, remove sensor (a thin metal rod near burners), and clean gently with fine sandpaper.

3. Condensate line backed up — the drain safety switch cuts the burners.

   • Fix: Flush PVC drain with vinegar and warm water.

Jake’s note:

“Goodman’s 92% models shut off burners automatically when condensation can’t drain — it’s one of the most common midwinter calls I see.”

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💧 7. Water Pooling Around the Furnace

If you see water at the base of your Goodman 92% furnace, don’t panic — it’s not leaking gas or refrigerant. It’s condensate.

Condensing furnaces create water as part of their efficiency process. But that water needs a clear drain path.

Jake’s Steps to Fix:

1. Shut off power.

2. Find the PVC drain pipe leaving the furnace.

3. Detach and inspect for clogs or algae.

4. Flush with a 50/50 mix of vinegar and warm water.

5. Reconnect and restart.

If water reappears within 24 hours, the condensate pump may have failed. Call a pro for pump replacement.

👉 Energy.gov — Condensing Furnace Maintenance

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🔥 8. Igniter or Flame Sensor Problems

If your furnace clicks but doesn’t light — or lights briefly then shuts down — chances are the igniter or flame sensor is at fault.

Igniter Check:

• It should glow bright orange before flame ignition.

• If it’s dull or cracked, it needs replacement (usually under $40).

Flame Sensor Check:

• If the flame starts then stops after 2–3 seconds, clean the sensor.

• Remove the rod gently and polish with fine-grit sandpaper until shiny.

“Think of the flame sensor like a light switch for your furnace — it tells the board the flame’s on. If it’s dirty, the furnace thinks the fire failed and shuts off for safety.”

👉 HVAC.com — Flame Sensor Cleaning Guide

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🧠 9. Blower Motor Won’t Run or Makes Noise

Your Goodman 92% furnace has a 9-speed ECM blower motor — efficient and quiet. If it’s not running (or making a humming sound), here’s what to check:

✅ Jake’s Checklist:

1. Blower Door:

   • Make sure it’s securely latched — there’s a safety switch inside.

2. Burnt Smell:

   • Shut off power immediately and call a pro.

3. Humming Sound:

   • Likely a failed capacitor (a small cylinder on the motor). Replacements are inexpensive but should be handled by a technician.

4. Rattling or Vibration:

   • Remove debris from blower wheel using a soft brush or vacuum.

If the blower runs but air feels weak, check your ductwork — collapsed flex ducts or blocked returns can cause this too.

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⚙️ 10. Safety Switches and Sensors — The Furnace’s “Bodyguards”

Your Goodman furnace includes multiple safety sensors that shut the system down at the first sign of trouble.

Jake’s golden rule:

“Never bypass or tape down a safety switch. It’s not a hack — it’s a hazard.”

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💬 11. When to Call a Professional

I’m all for homeowners being hands-on — but some situations call for trained help.

Call a Pro If:

• You smell gas or burning plastic.

• The LED flashes faster than 6 times repeatedly.

• The heat exchanger or burners show rust.

• You’ve reset the furnace more than twice in a day.

• You find standing water inside the cabinet.

“If your furnace keeps shutting itself off, it’s doing its job — protecting you. Let a pro figure out why.”

👉 Average Furnace Repair Costs

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🧰 12. What Jake Brings to Every Furnace Check

When I show up for a service call, here’s what I always bring — and why:

“Homeowners can safely do visual inspections, but testing gas or voltage is professional territory.”

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🧭 13. Preventing Problems Before They Start

The best troubleshooting is prevention.
Here’s how I keep my own Goodman 92% furnace running like new year after year:

🗓️ Seasonal Maintenance Plan:

• Fall: Clean burners, check venting, replace filter.

• Winter: Midseason filter change, test thermostat accuracy.

• Spring: Flush condensate line, vacuum blower.

• Summer: Cover outdoor vent caps, keep area clean.

Jake’s bonus tip:

“Write your filter change dates directly on the furnace cabinet with a marker — you’ll never forget.”

👉 EnergyStar.gov — Heating System Maintenance

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⚡ 14. Common Misconceptions Homeowners Have

Myth #1: “If it’s running, it’s fine.”

• Not always — minor airflow issues or partial clogs can silently reduce efficiency.

Myth #2: “Flame sensors don’t need cleaning.”

• Wrong — it’s the most common cause of 3-second heat shutdowns.

Myth #3: “I’ll save money skipping yearly maintenance.”

• In reality, skipping tune-ups can reduce efficiency by 10% per year and void warranties.

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🧾 15. How Troubleshooting Saves You Money

Let’s do some math:

With basic knowledge, homeowners can save hundreds every year — and keep their Goodman 92% furnace running efficiently all season long.

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🧠 16. What Makes Goodman Furnaces Easy to Troubleshoot

Goodman builds its systems with DIY-friendly features:

• LED diagnostic window for quick error codes.

• Tool-free panels for easy access.

• Clear labels on wiring and switches.

• Reliable components that fail gracefully — meaning your furnace protects itself before something major breaks.

“Goodman makes it easy for both homeowners and pros to diagnose — and that’s why I trust it in my own home.”

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🌡️ 17. Safety Reminder: Always Respect Gas & Electricity

Even with simple steps, never ignore safety:

• Turn off power before removing panels.

• Don’t touch igniters with bare hands — oils can cause failure.

• Never relight a pilot or reset a gas valve if you smell gas.

• Always test CO detectors monthly.

Jake’s rule:

“If it sparks, hums, or smells funny — stop, step back, and call a professional.”

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🔋 18. Case Study: Jake’s 5-Minute Fix

Last January, I got a call from a homeowner in Ohio:

“My furnace keeps turning off — must be the control board.”

I arrived, removed the front panel, and found a filter that hadn’t been changed in 9 months.

After replacing it, the furnace ran perfectly.

Their repair quote went from $400 to $20, and the homeowner was thrilled.

The takeaway?

“Before assuming the worst, check the simplest things first. Furnaces want to run — you just have to help them breathe.”

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🧭 19. Furnace Troubleshooting Flowchart (Simplified)

Furnace not heating?
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✅ Thermostat on HEAT, temp above room level
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✅ Power switch and breaker ON
⬇️
✅ Filter clean, vents clear
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✅ LED light check (note code)
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❌ Still off? Call a pro — it’s likely ignition or sensor-related

Jake says:

“You don’t need to be an HVAC expert — just a careful observer. Start simple and move step by step.”

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🏁 20. Jake’s Final Word: Don’t Panic — Your Goodman Is Built to Protect Itself

If your furnace shuts down or flashes a code, that’s not failure — it’s prevention.

The Goodman 92% AFUE model is one of the most homeowner-friendly systems out there, designed with smart sensors and durable parts that last decades with care.

So next time your furnace acts up:

1. Check power, filters, and vents.

2. Read the LED code.

3. Do safe, simple resets.

4. Call a pro if it repeats.

And remember:

“A calm homeowner with a clean filter can solve half of winter’s heating problems.”

Your Goodman furnace was built to be reliable. With a little knowledge — and a bit of confidence — you’ll keep it that way for years to come.

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In the next topic we will know more about: Is 60,000 BTUs Enough for Your Home? Furnace Sizing Made Simple