If your furnace isn’t kicking on, don’t stress; we’ve got some simple troubleshooting steps for you to try. With winter upon us, it’s time for your furnace to do its thing for this season and the next. As a homeowner, you know there’s nothing worse than looking forward to a warm and cozy home only to discover that your furnace isn’t working.
Before you start to panic and call your Bexley Heating & Cooling pros, remember there are a few common issues that might be causing your heating system to act up. So, let’s take a look at a quick and easy troubleshooting list to help you pinpoint the problem and get things sorted!
Go Ahead and Check the Power Source If the Furnace Is Not Powering 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,” or so the saying goes.
But jokes aside, there are two main power sources you might need to check, depending on your furnace type: the circuit breaker or the gas or oil supply.
Check your circuit breaker: If your furnace runs on electricity, you’ll want to check the circuit breaker. It’s possible that the breaker for your furnace has tripped, cutting off power to your heating system. So, take a look at your electrical panel and see if any switches are in the “off” position or stuck somewhere between “on” and “off.” More often than you might think, a breaker switch can appear to be “on,” but if it’s sitting 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, there could be an underlying 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 to repair or replace your circuit breaker.
Check your natural gas or oil supply: If you’ve got a fuel-burning furnace, remember it needs a steady fuel supply to work properly. Any hiccups with the fuel supply—like a closed valve or an empty oil tank—can stop your furnace from firing up. You can safely 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.
Go Ahead and Check the Thermostat If the Furnace Is Not Powering On
Next up, let’s check the thermostat. It’s basically the command center for your HVAC system! If your furnace isn’t kicking on, the fix might be as simple as adjusting the thermostat. Make sure it’s set to “heat” and that the temperature is set higher than the current room temp. This will give your heating system a chance to warm things up to where you want it!
Sometimes, your thermostat might just be acting up, and that’s totally normal. Give the batteries a check and replace them if needed (depending on your thermostat model). If your thermostat still isn’t responding the way it should, it’s probably a good idea to call in an HVAC tech for a proper diagnosis.
Go Ahead and Check the Air Filters If the Furnace Is Not Powering On
How’s your HVAC system’s air filter doing? Have you checked on it lately? It might seem small, but a clogged air filter can really mess with your furnace’s performance. When it gets dirty and filled with dust and other stuff, it restricts airflow, which can cause the furnace to overheat and shut down for safety. So, if you haven’t fixed the problem yet, taking a look at those air filters is a smart move!
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 1-3 months. Doing this can boost your HVAC system’s efficiency and help it last longer!
Go Ahead and Check if the Ducts are Blocked If the Furnace Is Not Powering On
Did you know that blocked or obstructed ducts can mess with how well your furnace works? When airflow is 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, it might put some furnaces into safety mode, and they won’t turn on.
Some furnaces are set up to respond this way as a safety measure to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning in your home. While there are certain conditions that need to be met for this to happen, your safety is the most important thing. So, it’s always best to take care of any obstructions as soon as you can!
Go Ahead and Check the Drain Pan If the Furnace Is Not Powering On
Modern furnaces come with some handy safety features. For example, if the drain pan collects too much moisture, it might activate a safety switch that stops 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 under the furnace) and empty it if it’s full of water.
On that note, if you’ve seen the drain pan 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!
What’s Next?
Dealing with a furnace that won’t turn on can be super frustrating, but usually, you can fix it by following the troubleshooting steps mentioned above. By checking the circuit breaker, thermostat, air filter, ducts, drain pan, pilot light, and fuel supply, you can often figure out and solve the problem on your own.
If that doesn’t solve your furnace issues, remember that your Bexley Heating & Cooling team is always here to help! With our know-how in furnace repair and maintenance, we’ll get your furnace up and running again in no time.
Your comfort and safety are super important, and sometimes, getting expert help is the way to go. Feel free to reach out to us anytime! You can contact Bexley Heating & Cooling today at (614) 924-7856, or schedule an appointment online now by clicking here!