The coldest season has settled in. And with the drop in temperature comes the firing up of heating systems. But what do you do when your furnace refuses to cooperate?
If your furnace won’t turn on, here are a few things you need to check.
5 Things to Check When Furnace Won’t Turn On
1. The Thermostat
Your heating system relies heavily on the thermostat. It determines when the furnace should release heat, and the temperature of the heat. If it doesn’t function well, then your furnace won’t turn on.
Settings
To check if the thermostat is working properly, review the settings. They might have been changed or erased since the last time you used your furnace. It could also be set on a schedule, which prevents it from responding the way you want it to.
Address the issue by resetting your thermostat completely. Then, fix the settings according to your preference.
Batteries
When was the last time you changed your batteries? Most thermostats use batteries. You should replace them once in a while to keep everything running smoothly.
If you can’t remember when exactly, then now is the perfect time to replace them.
Wiring
Check for any dirty wiring. Debris and dust can prevent your thermostat from working, so make sure it’s clean. It could also be loose, so tighten as needed before switching the furnace on.
If it still won’t turn on, and you’ve had your furnace for a long time, then your wiring probably needs replacing.
2. The Fuel
Some furnaces are electric. Others need gas or oil to work. If your unit relies on fuel, then check if there’s enough supply left.
To do this, look for another appliance that relies on gas, such as your stove. Fuel it with your gas supply. If it doesn’t turn on like your furnace, then you need to replace your fuel.
3. The Circuit Breaker
A circuit breaker has control over the electrical flow in your house. It’s an electrical switch that interrupts the flow when a problem arises due to short circuit or overcurrent.
If your furnace won’t turn on, then check the circuit. It doesn’t matter if it uses gas or propane. Parts of it still rely on electricity for power.
Once you have turned on the circuit, and your device remains unresponsive, try resetting the circuit once. If that doesn’t work, do not reset it again. You probably have an electrical issue.
4. The Filter
The filter accumulates dust particles. It protects your furnace and the air you breathe from getting dirty. It must also be cleaned regularly to avoid dirt from bypassing the filter.
How does your filter look? If it’s dirty enough, it might be keeping your furnace from switching on. Give it a good cleaning, and then power it up again.
5. The Pilot Light
The pilot light or ignition sensor is a tiny flame inside gas furnaces. When you switch on your furnace, the pilot light turns on as well. Then, gas starts to release, and this device ignites the gas to provide heat.
Your pilot light must stay lit to keep your furnace from pumping excessive propane or natural gas, which can cause a fire. If your pilot light is off, then your furnace will stay off for safety purposes.
When this happens, do not try to light it up yourself. Call an expert for furnace repair.
If you are still having problems with your unit, contact us today!