You wake up on a chilly morning, and your Goodman furnace isn’t doing its job. No warm air, maybe a strange sound, or the blower is running nonstop.
Before you panic (or call a pro right away), take a deep breath. Many furnace issues have simple fixes that you can check yourself in minutes. Others will require a licensed HVAC technician.
As Savvy — your eco-conscious, budget-smart homeowner guide — I’ll walk you through step-by-step troubleshooting for when your Goodman furnace isn’t heating right, so you can save time, money, and stress.
🛡 Safety First: Before You Start
Your furnace runs on natural gas, electricity, and high temperatures — all potentially dangerous. Keep these rules in mind:
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🔌 Shut off power at the switch or breaker before opening furnace panels.
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🔥 Check for gas smells. If you smell rotten eggs (sign of a gas leak), leave immediately and call your gas utility — do not attempt DIY troubleshooting.
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❌ Never bypass safety switches. They exist to protect you.
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🏠 Install a carbon monoxide detector. Every home with a gas furnace should have one near sleeping areas.
📖 Energy.gov stresses that safety checks should always come first in furnace troubleshooting.
🔍 Why Your Furnace May Not Be Heating
A Goodman furnace that isn’t heating properly can be caused by:
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Thermostat missettings.
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Clogged or dirty air filters.
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Power issues (switch, breaker, wiring).
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Ignition or pilot light problems.
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Gas supply interruptions.
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Blower or motor malfunctions.
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Faulty sensors or control boards.
Knowing these possibilities helps you start with the most common, easy-to-fix issues before moving to more complex repairs.
🪣 Step 1: Check the Thermostat
The thermostat is often the culprit — and it’s the easiest fix.
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✅ Make sure it’s set to HEAT.
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✅ Set temperature higher than current room temp.
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✅ Replace batteries if it’s battery-powered.
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✅ Ensure the fan setting is on AUTO, not just “ON” (which runs blower without heat).
💡 Savvy’s Tip: “If your thermostat screen is blank, replace batteries first. I’ve seen too many homeowners call for service when it’s just dead batteries.”
🪣 Step 2: Inspect the Air Filter
A dirty filter can:
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Block airflow.
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Cause the furnace to overheat and shut down.
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Reduce efficiency by 10–15%.
Steps:
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Locate your filter (inside return grille or blower compartment).
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Hold it up to light. If you can’t see light through it, replace it.
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Use the correct Goodman-approved size.
📖 ENERGY STAR recommends checking filters monthly, replacing every 1–3 months.
🪣 Step 3: Confirm Power Supply
If your Goodman furnace doesn’t turn on at all:
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Look for a light switch near the furnace — make sure it’s ON.
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Check your breaker box for tripped circuits. Reset if needed.
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Some furnaces have a fuse inside the control board — if blown, a pro must replace it.
💡 Savvy’s Tip: “Don’t overlook the simple stuff. Half the calls HVAC techs get are just flipped switches or tripped breakers.”
🔥 Step 4: Inspect Ignition or Pilot Light
Most modern Goodman 96 AFUE furnaces use electronic ignition instead of a standing pilot.
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Listen for clicking sounds when it tries to start.
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Look for flashing error codes on the control board (see Step 6).
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If your furnace is older with a pilot: make sure the flame is blue and steady. If out, follow Goodman’s manual to relight.
📖 Goodman Support provides ignition and pilot troubleshooting guides.
⛽ Step 5: Verify Gas Supply
If ignition fails repeatedly:
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Ensure the gas valve is in ON position (parallel to the pipe).
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Check other gas appliances (like stove) — if they don’t work, it may be a utility issue.
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Call your gas provider if you suspect a service interruption.
⚠️ If you smell gas: leave immediately and call your gas company.
💡 Step 6: Look for Error Codes
Goodman furnaces are designed to help you troubleshoot.
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Look for the LED light inside the control panel.
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Count the flashes — they correspond to diagnostic codes.
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Common codes include:
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1 blink = ignition failure.
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3 blinks = pressure switch problem.
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6 blinks = rollout switch tripped.
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💡 Savvy’s Tip: “Snap a photo of the error code flashing before calling a tech — it speeds up diagnosis and saves labor costs.”
🔊 Step 7: Listen for Unusual Noises
Furnace sounds can be clues:
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Banging = delayed ignition or duct expansion.
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Grinding/Squealing = blower motor bearing issues.
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Whistling = clogged filter or duct leaks.
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Clicking = ignition system misfiring.
📖 Consumer Reports notes that noises often indicate mechanical issues needing professional service.
🛠 When to Call a Pro
After checking thermostat, filter, power, gas, and codes — if your Goodman furnace still won’t heat:
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Burner won’t ignite after reset attempts.
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Blower runs constantly.
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Furnace cycles on/off rapidly (short cycling).
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Strange smells (burning or gas).
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Carbon monoxide detector alarm goes off.
💰 Potential Repair Costs
Here’s what common fixes may cost in 2025:
| Repair | Typical Cost |
|---|---|
| Filter replacement | $10–$40 |
| Thermostat replacement | $150–$400 |
| Igniter replacement | $150–$300 |
| Flame sensor replacement | $100–$250 |
| Blower motor repair/replacement | $500–$1,500 |
| Control board replacement | $400–$800 |
| Heat exchanger replacement | $1,000–$2,000 |
| Full furnace replacement | $3,500–$6,500 |
📖 HomeAdvisor provides updated repair cost ranges.
🌱 Savvy’s Troubleshooting Hacks
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“Always start with the thermostat and filter — they solve 50% of heating issues.”
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“Error codes are your friend — snap a photo to show your HVAC tech.”
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“If your blower runs nonstop, check that your thermostat fan is set to AUTO.”
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“Regular maintenance (filter + annual tune-up) prevents most breakdowns.”
🔭 Final Word from Savvy
A Goodman furnace that isn’t heating right doesn’t always mean disaster. In many cases, it’s something simple: thermostat settings, a dirty filter, or a tripped breaker.
But when it’s not simple, knowing what to check first saves time, helps your HVAC tech diagnose faster, and protects your wallet.
In the next topic we will know more about: Lifespan & Warranty Insights: How Long Should a Goodman 96 AFUE Furnace Last?
