If your furnace isn’t turning on, don’t stress! We’ve got some simple troubleshooting steps you can try. With winter here, it’s time for your furnace to shine this season. As a homeowner, there’s nothing worse than anticipating a warm and cozy home only to find out your furnace isn’t working.
Before you panic and call your Lewis Center-Powell Heating & Air pros, remember that there are a few common issues that might be causing your heating system to act up. So, let’s start with a quick and easy troubleshooting list to help you figure out the problem and get it fixed!
When a Furnace is Not Turning on, It’s a Good Idea to Check the Power Source
The first thing to do when troubleshooting a problem is to check the power source. After all, “With great power, comes great responsibility,” or so they say!
But jokes aside, you’ll want to check two main power sources depending on your furnace type: the circuit breaker or the gas or oil supply.
Check on the Circuit Breaker: If your furnace runs on electricity, make sure to check the circuit breaker. It’s possible that the circuit breaker for your furnace has tripped, cutting off power to your heating system. So, take a look at your electrical panel and check for any switches that are in the “off” position or somewhere between “on” and “off.” You might be surprised—sometimes a breaker switch can look like it’s “on,” but if it’s in the middle, it’s actually turned “off.”
To fix this, you’ll want to reset any tripped breaker switches by flipping them all the way to “off” and then back to “on.” If the breaker trips again, though, there might be an underlying electrical issue that needs a professional’s help. Keep in mind that it’s normal for circuit breakers to wear out over time, so if this keeps happening, it might be a good idea to chat with a pro about whether you should repair or replace your circuit breaker.
Check your Natural Gas or Oil Supply: If your furnace runs on fuel, remember it needs a steady supply to work properly. Issues like a closed valve or an empty oil tank can keep it from turning on. You can safely check if the gas valve is in the right position, but if you think there’s a problem with the gas pressure, it’s best to leave that to the pros.
When a Furnace is Not Turning on, It’s a Good Idea to Check the Thermostat
Next, let’s try checking the thermostat. After all, it functions as the command center for your HVAC system. So, if your furnace isn’t turning on, the solution might be an easy fix with the thermostat. Inspect your thermostat by confirming that your thermostat is set to “heat” and that the temperature setting is higher than the current room temperature, so that it gives your heating system a chance to rise to the temperature level at which you set.
Sometimes, your thermostat might just be acting up. It happens! Check the batteries and replace them if your model needs it. If your thermostat is still not responding, it’s probably a good idea to call in an HVAC technician for a proper check-up.
When a Furnace is Not Turning on, It’s a Good Idea to Check the Air Filters
What about your HVAC system’s air filters? Have you taken a look at those? It might seem minor, but a clogged air filter can really impact how well your furnace works. When the filter gets dirty and stuffed with dust and other particles, it can block airflow, which might cause the furnace to overheat and shut off for safety. So, checking your air filters to see if the issue still isn’t fixed is definitely a smart move.
If the filter’s dirty, just swap it out for a new one. Remember, it’s a good idea to change the air filters regularly—aim for every 1-3 months. This can really boost your HVAC system’s efficiency and help it last longer!
When a Furnace is Not Turning on, It’s a Good Idea to Check on the Ducts
Did you know that blocked or obstructed ducts can mess with your furnace’s performance? When airflow gets restricted, it can signal to your furnace that something’s off, causing it to shut down. For instance, if anything has fallen into the ductwork, some furnaces may go into safety mode and just won’t turn on.
Some furnaces are set up to respond this way as a safety measure to help prevent carbon monoxide poisoning in your home. While certain things need to happen for this to become an issue, your safety is the top priority. So, it’s always a good idea to take care of any obstructions as soon as possible.
When a Furnace is Not Turning on, It’s a Good Idea to Check the Drain Pan
There are a few other safety features in modern furnaces. For instance, when a drain pan collects an excessive amount of moisture, it can trigger a safety switch that prevents the furnace from operating. If at this point your issue is still not resolved, it would probably be a good idea to locate the drain pan, (usually beneath the furnace), and carefully empty it if it is full of water.
Similarly, if you’ve noticed that the drain pan is filling up often and it’s becoming a recurring issue, it might mean there’s a problem with your HVAC system’s drainage. If that’s the case, just give us a call!
To Sum It All Up:
When a Furnace is Not Turning on, It’s a Good Idea to Just check the circuit breaker, thermostat, air filter, ducts, drain pan, pilot light, and fuel supply, and you can usually pinpoint and solve the problem on your own.
If that doesn’t solve your furnace problems, remember your Lewis Center-Powell Heating & Air team is always here to help! With our know-how in furnace repair and maintenance, we’re ready to get your furnace back up and running in no time!
Your comfort and safety are super important, and sometimes getting expert help is the best way to go. Don’t hesitate to reach out to us. You can contact Lewis Center-Powell Heating & Air today at (614) 490-7530, or schedule an appointment online now by clicking here!
