If your furnace isn’t kicking on, don’t stress! We’ve got some simple troubleshooting steps you can try. With winter upon us, it’s time for your furnace to step up its game for this season and the next. As a homeowner, nothing’s worse than looking forward to a warm and cozy home only to discover your furnace isn’t working.
Before you start to panic and call your Mason Heating & Air pros, remember that there are a few common issues that might be making your heating system act up. So, let’s take a breath! Here’s a quick and easy troubleshooting list to help you figure out what’s going on with your furnace and get it sorted out.
If You Have a Furnace That Won’t Turn On, Inspect the Power Source
When you’re troubleshooting a problem, the first thing to check is the power source. I mean, “With great power comes great responsibility,” right?
But seriously, you’ll want to look at two main power sources depending on your furnace: the circuit breaker or the gas or oil supply.
Circuit Breaker: If your furnace runs on electricity, take a moment to check the circuit breaker. Sometimes, it can trip and cut power to your heating system. So, head over to 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 just in the middle and 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 it trips again, though, there might be an underlying electrical issue that needs a pro’s help. 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 your circuit breaker.
Fuel Supply: If your furnace runs on fuel, it needs a steady supply to work properly. Things like a closed valve or an empty oil tank can keep it from turning on. You can easily check if the gas valve is in the right position, but if you think there’s an issue with the gas pressure, it’s best to leave that to the pros.
If You Have a Furnace That Won’t Turn On, Inspect the Thermostat
Alright, let’s take a look at the thermostat next! Think of it as the command center for your HVAC system. If your furnace isn’t kicking on, the thermostat might just be the easy fix you need. Check to make sure it’s set to “heat” and that the temperature is higher than what’s currently in the room. This way, you give your heating system a chance to warm things up to your desired temperature!
Sometimes, your thermostat just isn’t working right, and that’s totally normal! First, try checking the batteries and swapping them out if your model uses them. If it’s still acting up after that, it might be a sign that it’s time to call in an HVAC technician for a proper check-up.
If You Have a Furnace That Won’t Turn On, Inspect the Air Filters
How about your HVAC system’s air filters? Have you taken a look at those? It might seem like a small thing, but a clogged air filter can really mess with your furnace’s performance. When the filter gets dirty and packed with dust and other particles, it restricts airflow, which can make the furnace overheat and shut down for safety. So, if you’re still having issues, checking those air filters is definitely a smart move!
If your filter is dirty, just swap it out for a new one! It’s a good idea to change your air filter regularly—aim for every 1-3 months. This little task can really boost your HVAC system’s efficiency and help it last longer!
If You Have a Furnace That Won’t Turn On, Inspect the Ducts
Did you know that blocked ducts can mess with your furnace’s performance? When airflow gets restricted, your furnace might think something’s off 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.
Some furnaces are actually set up to respond this way as a safety feature to help prevent carbon monoxide poisoning at home. While there are certain things that need to happen for this to kick in, your safety is the top priority. So, it’s always a good idea to deal with any obstructions as soon as you can!
If You Have a Furnace That Won’t Turn On, Inspect the Drain Pan
Modern furnaces come with some pretty handy safety features. For example, if the drain pan collects too much moisture, it can trip a safety switch that stops the furnace from running. If you’re still having issues at this point, it might be a good idea to check the drain pan—it’s usually located right beneath the furnace. If it’s full of water, just carefully empty it out!
If you’ve noticed that the drain pan keeps filling up, that could be a sign of an issue 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! But don’t worry; you can usually fix this issue by following 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 figure it out yourself!
If that doesn’t solve your furnace issues, remember your Mason Heating & Air team is just a call away! We’re experts in furnace repair and maintenance, and we’ll have your furnace up and running again in no time.
Your comfort and safety are super important, and sometimes, getting expert help is just the way to go! Don’t hesitate to reach out to us. You can contact Mason Heating & Air today at (513) 496-2477 or schedule an appointment online now by clicking here!
