A furnace in a home provides warmth during cold winter by generating heated air and circulating it throughout the house. It works by burning fuel to generate hot air and then using a fan or blower to push the hot air out through ductwork in your home. Different furnaces are powered using diverse fuels, such as natural gas, electricity, or propane. If your furnace won’t turn on, the first step is to identify the cause of the problem. Then, you can decide your best course of action.
Reasons Your Furnace Won’t Turn On and Solutions
Tripped Circuit Breaker
Check the circuit breakers at the main electrical panel if your furnace doesn’t respond when you turn it on. This check will determine whether circuits have overloaded and tripped the breaker. If one of the breakers has tripped, try resetting it. Use a circuit tester to verify that power flows through the breaker before turning your furnace back on. If the breaker trips again, there may be an electrical issue that needs to be addressed by an electrician.
Issue With the Gas Line
If you suspect an issue with the gas line, take some safety precautions before contacting your technician. First, turn off the furnace by pressing the switch or turning the thermostat to “off.” This will reduce the risk of fire or injury should a spark present itself. Next, shut off the gas supply valve attached to the furnace. It will stop gas from entering the system and will reduce the risk of a fire or explosion. Finally, contact your local HVAC specialist for help inspecting and repairing your gas line. They will ascertain whether the gas line is secure before refueling and restoring power to your furnace.
Your Thermostat Settings
If your furnace doesn’t turn on, inspect your thermostat, and ensure that it is set correctly. Start by checking the top switch, and make sure that it’s set to heating mode. Even if there’s plenty of warmth inside your house (for example, from sunlight), leaving it on “cooling” or “off” prevents the system from turning on until you reset it to heating mode. Double-check that you have not put the thermostat into vacation mode since this will keep it from activating. If these settings are correct, check the temperature setting so that it’s above room temperature if the system still hasn’t fired up. Call a specialist to diagnose and repair the issue if these selections seem normal.
Restricted Air Flow
If your furnace doesn’t turn on, it could be due to restricted airflow. This happens when insufficient air passes through the furnace’s filter and vents. It may result from a blockage or seeping air ducts. If your system has blocked or reduced airflow, call a professional to clear the obstruction so your furnace can start working again.
Blocked Ignition
Ignition exhaust is critical for a furnace operation and prevents back drafting of combustible gases. If buildup accumulates inside the exhaust chamber, it cuts off the normal flow of air and prevents ignition. Addressing a blocked ignition exhaust improves energy efficiency and reduces utility bills. Sometimes a simple cleaning or repair job can resolve the issue.
Blower Motor Malfunction
If your furnace’s blower motor malfunctions, your furnace won’t turn on. The blower motor handles circulating air through the furnace. Without it, the furnace can’t circulate air and will shut down. If this is the problem, you’ll need to call a heating and cooling technician to have it repaired or replaced.
Faulty Control Board
The furnace runs using a control board to monitor and adjust the temperature. If the control board isn’t working as intended, it can mean that the furnace won’t turn on or will shut off after running for a short period. This problem should be at the top of your home maintenance schedule, especially during the colder months.
Contact Us Today
If you’re getting no heat in your home, one of the most common causes is your furnace not turning on. Perhaps the power has gone out, or a system component needs repair, like your ignition, blower motor, thermostat, or pilot light. Contact us today so our professional team can assess your furnace. It is best to let trained and certified HVAC professionals handle repair and maintenance services. They have the necessary experience and expertise to diagnose the issue and provide a reliable solution. If you reside around Sioux falls, SD, contact Waterbury Heating & Cooling, Inc. today for more information about our furnace repair services.
