If your furnace isn’t turning on, don’t worry; as your local Washington Court House Heating & Cooling professionals, we have some simple troubleshooting steps you can try. With almost winter here, it’s time for your furnace to take center stage. As a homeowner, there’s nothing worse than wanting a warm and cozy home only to discover that your furnace isn’t working. Here’s a quick and easy troubleshooting list to help you identify and fix the problem.
Check the Power Source If Your Furnace Is Not Powering On
Start by checking the power source. There are two main power sources to check, depending on your furnace type: the circuit breaker or the gas/oil supply.
The Circuit Breaker: If your furnace runs on electricity, check the circuit breaker. It’s possible that the breaker has tripped, cutting off power to your heating system. Look at your electrical panel for any switches that are in the “off” position or somewhere between “on” and “off.” Sometimes, a breaker switch may appear to be “on” but is actually in a middle position, meaning it’s turned “off.”
To fix this, reset any tripped breaker switches by flipping them fully to “off” and then back to “on.” If the breaker trips again, there might be an underlying electrical issue that needs a professional’s attention. It’s also normal for circuit breakers to wear out, so if this keeps happening, you may want to consult a professional about repair or replacement options.
Check the Natural Gas or Oil Supply: If your furnace uses fuel, ensure it has a steady supply. Issues like a closed valve or an empty oil tank can prevent your furnace from turning on. You can check if the gas valve is set correctly, but if you think there’s a problem with the gas pressure, it’s best to leave that to the professionals.
Check the Thermostat: Next, let’s check the thermostat. It’s the command center for your HVAC system, so if your furnace isn’t turning on, the issue might be an easy fix here. Make sure your thermostat is set to “heat” and that the temperature is set higher than the current room temperature. This gives your heating system a chance to warm up to your desired level.
Sometimes, the thermostat itself may not work properly. It happens! Check the batteries and replace them if needed for your model. If the thermostat still isn’t responding, it might be time to call an HVAC technician for a proper diagnosis.
Check the Air Filters if Your Furnace Isn’t Turning On
Have you looked at your HVAC system’s air filters? A clogged air filter can significantly impact your furnace’s performance. When the filter is dirty and full of dust and other contaminants, it restricts airflow, causing the furnace to overheat and shut down as a safety measure. So, checking your air filters is a smart step if the problem persists.
If the filter is dirty, just replace it with a new one. Remember, changing the air filter regularly—ideally every 1-3 months—is recommended. This helps improve your HVAC system’s efficiency and prolongs its lifespan.
Check for Blocked Ducts if Your Furnace Isn’t Turning On
Blocked ducts can also stop your furnace from working properly. If airflow is blocked, it can signal to the furnace that something is wrong, prompting it to shut down. For instance, if objects have fallen into the ductwork, some furnaces will enter safety mode and not turn on.
This is a safety feature to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning. Although certain conditions need to occur for this to happen, your safety is the priority, so clear any obstructions as soon as possible.
Check the Drain Pan if Your Furnace Isn’t Turning On
Modern furnaces have safety features, like a drain pan that collects moisture. If it gets too full, it can trigger a safety switch and stop the furnace from operating. If you’re still having issues, locate the drain pan (usually under the furnace) and empty it if it’s full.
If you notice the drain pan fills up often, that could indicate a drainage problem with your HVAC system. In that 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 frustrating, but the troubleshooting steps mentioned above can help you solve the issue. By checking the circuit breaker, thermostat, air filter, ducts, drain pan, pilot light, and fuel supply, you can often find and fix the problem yourself.
If that doesn’t work, don’t forget that your Washington Court House Heating & Cooling team is here for you! With our expertise in furnace repair and maintenance, we can get your furnace running smoothly again in no time. Your comfort and safety are important, and sometimes, expert help is the best solution.
Don’t hesitate to reach out to us. You can contact Washington Court House Heating & Cooling today at (740) 281-5312, or schedule an appointment online now by clicking here!
