If your furnace isn’t firing up, no need to stress; we’ve got some simple troubleshooting steps you can try. With winter upon us, it’s time for your furnace to step up for the season ahead. As a homeowner, you know there’s nothing worse than looking forward to a warm and cozy home only to find your furnace isn’t kicking on.
Before you start to panic and call your LRF Maintenance, Heating & Cooling pros, remember there are a few common issues that might be messing with your heating system. So, first things first… here’s a simple troubleshooting list to help you figure out what’s going on with your furnace and how to fix it.
Furnace Will Not Power On? Try Checking the Power Source!
When you’re 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.
Jokes aside, there are two main power sources 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, 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 peek at your electrical panel and look for any switches that are in the “off” position or somewhere between “on” and “off.” More often than you’d think, a breaker switch might look like it’s “on,” but if it’s slightly off, it could actually be 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 a deeper 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 the circuit breaker.
The Fuel Supply: If you’ve got a furnace that runs on fuel, remember it needs a steady fuel supply to work. Any hiccups with the fuel supply, like a closed valve or an empty oil tank, can stop your furnace 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 let the pros handle it.
Furnace Will Not Power On? Try Checking the Thermostat!
Next up, let’s check the thermostat. It’s basically the command center for your HVAC system. If your furnace isn’t turning on, the fix might be a simple tweak with the thermostat. Just make sure it’s set to “heat” and that the temperature is higher than what it currently 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 right, and well, it happens on occasion. Give the batteries a check and swap them out if your model needs it. If it’s still not responding the way it should, it might be time to have an HVAC technician take a look for a proper diagnosis.
Furnace Will Not Power On? Try Checking the Air Filters!
What about your HVAC system’s air filters? Have you taken a look at those? It might seem small, but a clogged air filter can really mess with your furnace’s performance. When the filter gets dirty and packed with dust and other stuff, it limits airflow, which can cause the furnace to overheat and shut down for safety. So, if your issue hasn’t been fixed 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—aim to do this every 1-3 months. It can really boost your HVAC system’s efficiency and help it last longer!
Furnace Will Not Power On? Try Checking the Ducts!
Did you know that blocked or obstructed ducts can mess with your furnace’s performance? When airflow is blocked, it can send a signal to your furnace that something’s off, causing it to shut down. For instance, if anything has fallen into the ductwork, some furnaces might go into safety mode and won’t turn on.
Some furnaces are set up to respond this way as a safety feature to help preventcarbon monoxide poisoning in your home. While specific conditions need to be met for this to happen, your safety is the top priority. So, it’s always a good idea to address any obstructions as soon as you can.
Furnace Will Not Power On? Try Checking the Drain Pan!
Modern furnaces come with a few extra safety features. For example, if the drain pan collects too much moisture, it can trigger a safety switch that stops the furnace from running. If your issue is still not fixed at this point, it’s a good idea to check the drain pan (usually located under the furnace) and carefully empty it if it’s full of water.
On that 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 so, it’s time to give us a shout!
In Conclusion!
Dealing with a furnace that won’t turn on can be super frustrating, but usually, you can fix this issue 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.
But if that doesn’t solve your furnace problems, remember that your LRF Maintenance, Heating & Cooling team has got your back! With our know-how in furnace repair and maintenance, we can get your furnace up and running 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 LRF Maintenance, Heating & Cooling today at (614) 837-4822 or schedule an appointment online now by clicking here!