If your furnace won’t turn on, no need to stress; we’ve got some simple troubleshooting steps for you to try. With winter here, it’s time for your furnace to shine this season and the next. As a homeowner, you know there’s nothing worse than expecting a warm and cozy home, only to discover your furnace isn’t working.
Now, before you start to panic and call your Dayton Premier Heating & Cooling pros, remember that there are a few common issues that might be messing with your heating system. So, let’s take a moment to go through a quick and easy troubleshooting list to help you figure out what’s going on and get it sorted out.
Inspect the Power Source If Your Furnace Won’t Turn On
When you’re troubleshooting a problem, the first thing to check is the power source. As they say, “With great power, comes great responsibility.”
But joking aside, you’ll want to look at two main power sources based on your furnace type: the circuit breaker or the gas or oil supply.
The Circuit Breaker: If your furnace runs on electricity, the first thing you should do is 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 somewhere in between “on” and “off.” More often than you think, a breaker switch can look like it’s in the “on” position but be positioned in the middle, making it seem like it’s powered on when it’s actually 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 might 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’s a good idea to chat with a professional about whether you should repair or replace your circuit breaker.
Natural Gas or Oil Supply: If you’ve got a furnace that runs on fuel, remember it needs a steady fuel supply to work. Any problems with the fuel, 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 might be an issue with the gas pressure, it’s best to leave that to the pros.
Inspect the Thermostat If Your Furnace Won’t Turn On
Next up, let’s take a look at the thermostat. It’s basically the command center for your HVAC system. If your furnace isn’t kicking on, the fix could be something simple with the thermostat. Check to make sure it’s set to “heat” and that the temperature is set higher than what it is in the room. This way, your heating system gets a chance to warm things up to your desired level.
Sometimes, your thermostat might not be working quite right—that happens! Start by checking the batteries and swapping them out if needed. If your thermostat is still unresponsive after that, it’s a good idea to call in an HVAC technician for a proper diagnosis.
Inspect the Air Filters If Your Furnace Is Not Powering On
How’s your HVAC system’s air filter looking? Have you taken a peek at it? It might seem small, but a clogged air filter can really mess with your furnace’s performance. When it’s dirty and packed with dust and other particles, it restricts airflow, which can cause the furnace to overheat and shut down for safety. So, if you haven’t sorted out the issue yet, checking your air filters is definitely a smart move!
If the filter’s dirty, just swap it out for a new one. Remember, it’s a good idea to change the air filter regularly—ideally every 1-3 months—since it can help your HVAC system run better and last longer.
Inspect the Ducts are Blocked If Your Furnace Is Not Powering On
Did you know that blocked or obstructed ducts can mess with your furnace’s performance? When airflow gets blocked, it sends a signal to your furnace that something’s off, causing it to shut down. For instance, if something falls into the ductwork, some furnaces might go into safety mode and just won’t turn on.
Some furnaces are set up to respond this way as a safety measure to help prevent carbon monoxide poisoning in your home. While a few specific things need to happen for this to be an issue, your safety comes first. So, it’s always a good idea to take care of any obstructions as soon as you can.
Inspect the Drain Pan
Modern furnaces come with some handy safety features. For example, if the drain pan collects too much moisture, it can 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 (usually located under the furnace) and gently empty it if it’s full of water.
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, feel free to give us a call!
Let’s Wrap It Up!
Dealing with a furnace that won’t turn on can be super frustrating, but you can usually fix this issue by following the troubleshooting steps mentioned above. By checking things like 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 problems, remember that your Dayton Premier Heating & Cooling team has your back! With our know-how in furnace repair and maintenance, we’re all set to get your furnace back up and running in no time.
Your comfort and safety are super important, and sometimes getting expert help is the way to go. Don’t hesitate to reach out to us. You can contact Dayton Premier Heating & Cooling today at (937) 412-2899 or schedule an appointment online now by Clicking here!
