If your furnace isn’t turning on, don’t stress; we’ve got some simple troubleshooting tips for you to try. With winter almost here, it’s time for your furnace to shine this season and the next. As a homeowner, you know there’s nothing worse than hoping for a warm and cozy home only to discover your furnace isn’t turning on.
Before you start panicking and calling your Lebanon Heating & Cooling pros, remember that there are a few common issues that might be behind your heating system acting up. So, first things first… here’s a quick and simple troubleshooting list to help you figure out what’s going on and get it sorted!
Check the Power Source If Your Furnace Is Not Powering On
The first thing you should do when troubleshooting a problem is to check the power source. After all, “With great power comes great responsibility,” or so they say!
But jokes aside, there are two main power sources you’ll want to check based 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, 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.” You’d be surprised how often a breaker switch can look like it’s on when it’s actually in the middle, meaning it’s really 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, though, there might be an underlying electrical issue that needs a pro’s attention. Also, keep in mind that it’s normal for circuit breakers to wear out over time, so if this keeps happening, you might want to chat with a professional about whether to repair or replace the circuit breaker.
The Fuel Supply: If your furnace runs on fuel, remember it needs a steady supply to work properly. Any hiccups with the fuel, like a closed valve or an empty oil tank, could stop your furnace from turning on. 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 call in the pros.
Check the Thermostat If Your 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 the thermostat. Take a look at it and make sure it’s set to “heat” and that the temperature is higher than what it is right now. This will give your heating system a shot at warming things up to your desired temperature.
Sometimes, the thermostat itself may just not be functioning properly. It happens. Try checking the batteries and replacing them (if this applies to your thermostat model). In the case that your thermostat is still not responding as it should, this is a good indication that an HVAC technician may need to assess it for a proper diagnosis.
Check the Air Filters If Your Furnace Is Not Powering On
Have you checked your HVAC system’s air filters lately? It might seem like a small thing, but a clogged filter can really mess with your furnace’s performance. When the filter gets dirty and packed with dust and other stuff, it restricts airflow, which can make your furnace overheat and shut down to keep you safe. So, if you’re still having issues, giving those air filters a quick check is definitely a smart move!
If the filter is dirty, simply replace it with a new one. Bear in mind that regularly changing the air filters is highly recommended—ideally this task should be completed every 1-3 months as it can improve your HVAC system’s efficiency and prolong its lifespan.
Check if the Ducts are Blocked If Your Furnace Is Not Powering On
Did you know that blocked ducts can mess with your furnace? When airflow gets blocked, it signals to your furnace that something’s off, and it’ll just shut down. For instance, if something falls into the ductwork, some furnaces go into safety mode and won’t turn on at all!
Some furnaces are set up to respond this way as a safety measure against carbon monoxide poisoning in your home. While a few things need to happen for this to become a real issue, your safety is the top priority. As such, it’s always a good idea to deal with any obstructions ASAP!
Check the Drain Pan If Your Furnace Is Not Turning On
Modern furnaces come with several safety features. For example, if the drain pan collects too much moisture, it can trigger a safety switch that stops the furnace from working. If you’re still having issues at this point, it’s a good idea to check the drain pan (it’s usually located under the furnace) and empty it if it’s full of water.
Also, if you’ve noticed that the drain pan fills 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 Conclusion
Dealing with a furnace that won’t turn on can be super frustrating! But don’t worry; you can usually tackle this issue with some simple troubleshooting steps. Just check the circuit breaker, thermostat, air filter, ducts, drain pan, pilot light, and fuel supply. Often, you can figure out what’s wrong and fix it yourself!
If that doesn’t solve your furnace issues, remember that your Lebanon Heating & Cooling team is always here to help! With our expertise in furnace repair and maintenance, we’ve got what it takes to get your furnace up and running again in no time. Just give us a shout!
Your comfort and safety come first, and sometimes getting expert help is the way to go. Call Lebanon Heating & Cooling today at (513) 540-1773, or schedule an appointment online now by clicking here!
