If your furnace isn’t turning on, no need to stress! We’ve got some simple troubleshooting steps you can try. With winter here, it’s time for your furnace to shine this season and beyond. As a homeowner, you know there’s nothing quite like the comfort of a warm and cozy home, so it can be really disappointing when your furnace doesn’t cooperate. Let’s see if we can get it up and running!
Before you start to panic and reach out to your Fairborn Heating & Cooling pros, remember that there are several common issues that might be causing your heating system to act up. So, let’s take a breath. Here’s a quick and easy troubleshooting list to help guide you through some basic furnace steps so you can identify the problem and hopefully fix it yourself!
If Your Furnace Is Not Turning On, Check the Power Source
When troubleshooting a problem, the first thing to check is the power source. After all, “With great power comes great responsibility,” or so the saying goes!
But seriously, there are two main power sources you might need to look at, depending on your furnace type: 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 the circuit breaker. Sometimes, the breaker for your furnace might trip and cut 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 in between “on” and “off.” You’d be surprised how often a breaker switch can look like it’s in the “on” position but is actually sitting in the middle, meaning it’s 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 an underlying electrical issue that needs a pro’s help. Also, keep in mind that it’s totally normal for circuit breakers to wear out over time. If this keeps happening, it might be a good idea to chat with a professional about whether circuit breaker repair or replacement is the way to go!
The Natural Gas or Oil Supply: If your furnace runs on fuel, it’s important to ensure it has a steady supply to operate smoothly. Issues like a closed valve or an empty oil tank can stop your furnace from turning on. Feel free to check that the gas valve is in the right position, but if you think there might be a problem with the gas pressure, it’s best to leave that to the pros!
If Your Furnace Is Not Turning On, Check the Thermostat
Next, let’s take a look at the thermostat! It’s like the command center for your HVAC system. If your furnace isn’t turning on, the fix could be as simple as adjusting the thermostat. Just check that it’s set to “heat” and that the temperature setting is higher than the current room temperature. This way, your heating system gets a chance to warm things up to the level you’ve set.
Sometimes, your thermostat might not be working as it should, and that’s totally normal! Try checking and replacing the batteries if your model requires it. If your thermostat still isn’t responding, it might be a good idea to call in an HVAC technician for a proper diagnosis.
If Your Furnace Is Not Turning On, Check the Air Filters
How’s your HVAC system doing? Have you taken a look at the air filters? It might seem like a small detail, but a clogged air filter can really impact your furnace’s performance. When filters get dirty and stuffed with dust and other allergens, they can restrict airflow, leading your furnace to overheat and shut down for safety. So, if you’re still having issues, checking those air filters is a smart move!
Remember, changing the air filter regularly is a great idea—aim for every 1-3 months. It can really boost your HVAC system’s efficiency and help it last longer!
If Your Furnace Is Not Turning On, Check the Ducts
Did you know that blocked or obstructed ducts can keep your furnace from working properly? When airflow is hindered, it sends a signal to your furnace that something’s not quite right, which could cause it to shut down. For instance, if something has fallen into the ductwork, some furnaces might go into safety mode and refuse to turn on.
Some furnaces are designed with this response as a safety feature to help prevent carbon monoxide poisoning in your home. While specific factors need to align for this situation to arise, your safety is our top priority! So, it’s always a good idea to address any obstructions as soon as possible.
If Your Furnace Is Not Turning On, Check the Drain Pan
Modern furnaces come with some 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, it might be a good idea to check the drain pan (usually found beneath the furnace) and gently empty it if it’s full of water.
On a similar note, if you’ve noticed that the drain pan fills up often and it’s becoming a recurring issue, it might be a sign that there’s a problem with your HVAC system’s drainage. If that’s the case, don’t hesitate to give us a call! We’re here to help.
Next Steps:
By checking the circuit breaker, thermostat, air filter, ducts, drain pan, pilot light, and fuel supply, you can often pinpoint and solve the problem on your own. If that doesn’t solve your furnace issues, remember that your Fairborn Heating & Cooling team is here to help! With our expertise in furnace repair and maintenance, we’re ready to get your furnace back up and running in no time.
Your comfort and safety really matter, and sometimes getting expert help is the best way to go! You can contact Fairborn Heating & Cooling today at (937) 404-2632 or schedule an appointment online now by clicking here!
