If your furnace isn’t turning on, 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 to the plate for the season ahead. As a homeowner, you know there’s nothing worse than looking forward to a warm, cozy home only to discover your furnace isn’t working.
Before you start panicking and reach out to your Greater Columbus Furnace & Air Conditioning pros, remember that there are a few common issues that might be behind your heating system acting up. So, here’s a simple troubleshooting list to help you through some basic furnace checks. This way, you can identify the problem and get it sorted!
If Your Furnace Won’t Power On, Try Checking the Power Source
When you’re troubleshooting a problem, the first thing to do is check the power source. After all, “With great power, comes great responsibility,” or so they say!
Jokes aside, there are two main power sources you might need to look into based 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. Sometimes, the breaker for your furnace might trip, cutting power to your heating system. So, take a look at your electrical panel and see if any switches are in the “off” position or hanging out 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 and turned “off.”
To fix this, try resetting 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 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 your circuit breaker.
The Natural Gas or Oil Supply: If your furnace runs on fuel, remember it needs a steady supply to work. Problems like a closed valve or an empty oil tank can stop it 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.
If Your Furnace Won’t 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 as simple as adjusting the thermostat. Take a look and make sure it’s set to “heat” and that the temperature is higher than the current room temp. This will give your heating system a chance to kick in and reach the temperature you set.
Sometimes, your thermostat might not be working right, and that’s totally normal. Start by checking the batteries and swapping them out if your model requires it. If your thermostat still isn’t responding as it should, it’s a good sign that an HVAC technician should take a look for a proper diagnosis.
If Your Furnace Won’t Power On, Try Checking Check 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 seriously impact your furnace’s performance. When the filter gets dirty and packed with dust and other stuff in the air, it restricts airflow, which can lead to your furnace overheating and shutting down for safety. So, if you haven’t checked your air filters yet and the issue still isn’t fixed, it’s a good idea to do so!
If your filter is 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. Doing so can boost your HVAC system’s efficiency and help it last longer!
If Your Furnace Won’t Power On, Try Checking the Ducts
Did you know that blocked ducts can mess with your furnace’s performance? When airflow gets restricted, it signals to your furnace that something’s off, and it might shut down as a precaution. For instance, if something falls into the ductwork, some furnaces will go into safety mode and won’t turn on.
Some furnaces are set up to respond this way as a safety feature to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning at home. While certain things need to happen for this to occur, your safety is super important, so it’s always best to deal with any blockages as soon as you can.
If Your Furnace Won’t Power On, Try Checking the Drain Pan
Modern furnaces have a few other safety features, too. For example, if the drain pan collects too much moisture, it can trigger a safety switch that stops the furnace from running. If you’re still having issues, it’s a good idea to check the drain pan (usually found under the furnace) and carefully 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 mean there’s a problem with your HVAC system’s drainage. If that’s the case, feel free to give us a call!
In Summary
Dealing with a furnace that won’t start can be pretty frustrating, but usually, you can sort out this issue with some simple troubleshooting steps. By checking the circuit breaker, thermostat, air filter, ducts, drain pan, pilot light, and fuel supply, you can often pinpoint and fix the problem on your own.
If that doesn’t solve your furnace issues, remember that your Greater Columbus Furnace & Air Conditioning team has your back! With our know-how in furnace repair and maintenance, we’re ready to 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 Greater Columbus Furnace & Air Conditioning today at (614) 245-3025 or schedule an appointment online now by clicking here!
