If your furnace won’t turn on, we’ve got some simple troubleshooting steps you can try. With winter upon us, it’s time for your furnace to shine this season and beyond. As a homeowner, you know how frustrating it is to look forward to a warm, cozy home only to discover your furnace isn’t working. Let’s get it sorted!
Before you hit the panic button and call your Blacklick Heating & Cooling pros, remember that there are a few common issues that might be behind your heating system problems. So, let’s take a breath and look at this quick and easy troubleshooting list. It’ll help you walk through some basic steps to figure out what’s going on and hopefully get things sorted!
Try Checking the Power Source If Your Furnace Is Not Turning On
When you’re troubleshooting a problem, the first thing to do is check the power source. After all, “With great power, comes great responsibility,” right?
Jokes aside, you’ll want to look at two main power sources depending on your furnace type: the circuit breaker or the gas or oil supply.
The Circuit Breaker: If your furnace runs on electricity, the first thing to do is check the circuit breaker. Sometimes, the breaker for your furnace trips, cutting power to your heating system. So, take a peek at your electrical panel and see if any switches are in the “off” position or stuck 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 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, though, it might mean there’s a deeper electrical issue that needs a pro’s attention. Also, keep in mind that circuit breakers can 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 your furnace runs on fuel, it needs a steady supply to work properly. Issues like a closed valve or an empty oil tank can stop it from turning on. You can easily 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.
Try Checking the Thermostat If Your Furnace Is Not Turning On
Okay, let’s check the thermostat next! It’s like the command center for your HVAC system. If your furnace isn’t kicking on, the thermostat might be the easy fix you need. Just make sure it’s set to “heat” and that the temperature is higher than what’s currently in the room. This gives your heating system a chance to warm things up to your desired level!
Sometimes, your thermostat might act up and not function properly— it happens! First, give the batteries a check and replace them if needed (depending on your thermostat model). If it’s still not responding like it should, it’s probably a good idea to call in an HVAC technician for a proper check-up.
Try Checking the Air Filters If Your Furnace Is Not Turning On
How’s your HVAC system doing? Have you checked the air filters lately? It might seem like a small detail, but a clogged air filter can really mess with your furnace’s performance. When the filter gets all 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 definitely a good idea to take a peek at those air filters!
If your filter is dirty, just swap it out for a new one! Remember, it’s a good idea to change the air filter regularly—aim for every 1 to 3 months. Doing so can really boost your HVAC system’s efficiency and help it last longer!
Try Checking if the Ducts are Blocked If Your Furnace Is Not Turning On
Did you know that blocked ducts can mess with your furnace? When airflow gets blocked, it sends a signal to your furnace that something’s off, and it might just shut down as a safety precaution. For instance, if something falls into the ductwork, some furnaces will go into safety mode and won’t turn on at all.
Some furnaces are set up to respond this way as a safety feature to help prevent carbon monoxide poisoning in your home. While a few things need to happen for this to actually occur, your safety is super important! So, it’s always a good idea to take care of any obstructions as soon as you can.
Try Checking the Drain Pan If Your Furnace Is Not Turning On
Modern furnaces come with a few handy safety features. For example, if the drain pan collects too much moisture, it can trip a safety switch that keeps the furnace from running. If you’re still having issues at this point, it’s a good idea to check the drain pan (it’s usually right under the furnace) and empty it if it’s filled with water.
Also, if you’ve noticed that the drain pan is filling up often, that could mean there’s a problem with your HVAC system’s drainage. If that’s the case, don’t hesitate to give us a call!
In Summary
Dealing with a furnace that won’t turn on can be super frustrating, right? Luckily, you can usually sort out this issue with some simple troubleshooting steps. Just check the circuit breaker, thermostat, air filter, ducts, drain pan, pilot light, and fuel supply. You might be able to pinpoint and fix the problem on your own!
But if that doesn’t do the trick, don’t worry! Your Blacklick Heating & Cooling team is always here to help. With our expertise in furnace repair and maintenance, we’ve got everything we need to get your furnace back up and running in no time!
You can contact Blacklick Heating & Cooling today at (614) 245-2572 or schedule an appointment online now by clicking here!