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 step up for the season. As a homeowner, you know there’s nothing worse than looking forward to a warm, cozy home only to discover your furnace isn’t working!
Before you start panicking and dialing up your Greater Dayton Furnace & Air Conditioning pros, remember that there are a few common issues that might be messing with your heating system. So, let’s take a breath and go through a quick, easy troubleshooting list. These basic steps will help you identify the problem and get things back on track!
The Power Source Needs to Be Looked at If Your Furnace Is Not Turning On
When you’re troubleshooting a problem, the first thing to check is the power source. After all, “With great power, comes great responsibility,” right?
Jokes aside, there are two main power sources you might need to look at, depending on the type of furnace you have: the circuit breaker or the gas or oil supply.
The Circuit Breaker: If your furnace runs on electricity, it’s a good idea to check your circuit breaker. Sometimes, the breaker for your furnace can trip, cutting off power to your heating system. So, take a peek at your electrical panel and see if any switches are in the “off” position or somewhere between “on” and “off.” You might be surprised—often, a breaker switch can look like it’s on when it’s actually in the middle, meaning it’s really turned off!
To fix this, just reset any tripped breaker switches by flipping them all the way to “off” and then back to “on.” If the breaker trips again, there might be a deeper electrical issue that needs a pro’s help. And remember, it’s totally normal for circuit breakers to wear out over time. So, if this keeps happening, it might be a good idea to chat with a professional about whether you should repair or replace the circuit breaker.
The Fuel Supply: If you have a furnace that runs on fuel, remember it needs a steady supply to work. Issues like a closed valve or an empty oil tank can stop your furnace from turning on. You can easily check if the gas valve is in the right position, but if you think there’s something off with the gas pressure, it’s best to call in the pros.
The Thermostat Needs to Be Looked at If Your Furnace Is Not Turning On
Next, let’s check the thermostat! It’s basically the command center for your HVAC system. If your furnace isn’t kicking on, the problem might be an easy fix right there. Take a look at your thermostat—make sure it’s set to “heat” and that the temperature is higher than what it is in the room. This way, your heating system gets a chance to warm things up to your desired level!
Sometimes, your thermostat might just be acting up. It happens! First, check the batteries and swap them out if your model needs it. If it’s still not responding like it should, that’s a good sign it’s time to call in an HVAC technician for a proper check-up.
The Air Filters Need to Be Looked at If Your Furnace Is Not Turning On
Have you checked your HVAC system’s air filters lately? It might seem like a small thing, but a clogged air filter can really mess with your furnace’s performance. When the air filter gets dirty and packed with dust and other stuff, it restricts airflow, which can cause your furnace to overheat and shut down for safety. So, if you’re still having issues, it’s a good idea to take a look at those filters.
If they’re dirty, just swap them out for new ones! Remember, it’s best to change your air filter regularly—every 1 to 3 months is ideal. Doing this can boost your HVAC system’s efficiency and help it last longer!
The Ducts Need to Be Looked at If Your Furnace Is Not Turning On
Did you know that if your ducts are blocked or obstructed, it can mess with your furnace’s performance? When airflow gets stopped up, your furnace might think something’s wrong and shut down. For instance, if something falls into the ductwork, it could trigger some furnaces to go into safety mode and not turn on at all.
This safety feature is designed to help prevent carbon monoxide poisoning in your home. While there are certain conditions that have to be met for this to happen, your safety comes first! So, it’s always a good idea to tackle any blockages as soon as you can.
The Drain Pan Needs to Be Looked at If Your Furnace Is Not Turning On
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.
On the same note, if you have noticed that the drain pan fills up frequently, making this a repeated issue, this could indicate a problem with your HVAC system’s drainage. In which case, it’s time to give us a call.
Let’s Wrap It Up
Dealing with a furnace that won’t turn on can be really frustrating! But don’t worry—most of the time, you can sort it out with a few troubleshooting steps. Just check the circuit breaker, thermostat, air filter, ducts, drain pan, pilot light, and fuel supply. You might find the solution right there!
If that doesn’t do the trick, remember that your friends at Greater Dayton Furnace & Air are always here to help! With our expertise in furnace repair and maintenance, we’ll have your furnace up and running in no time. Just reach out!
Your comfort and safety are super important, and sometimes, getting expert help is just the way to go. Feel free to reach out to us anytime! You can contact Greater Dayton Furnace & Air Conditioning today at (937) 412-2939 or schedule an appointment online now by clicking here!
