If your furnace isn’t turning on, don’t 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. As a homeowner, you know how disappointing it can be to look forward to a warm and cozy home only to discover your furnace isn’t working. Let’s get it sorted!
Before you start panicking and dialing your Gahanna Furnace & Air Conditioning pros, remember that there are a few common issues that might be messing with your heating system. So, let’s take a breath and check out this quick and easy troubleshooting list. It’ll help you figure out what’s going on and how to fix it!
Check the Power Source If Your Furnace Is Not Powering On
When you’re troubleshooting a problem, the first thing you should check is the power source. I mean, “With great power, comes great responsibility,” right? In all seriousness, there are two main power sources to consider based on your furnace type: the circuit breaker or the gas or oil supply.
Check on the Circuit Breaker: If your furnace runs off of electricity, you’ll need to check the circuit breaker. It’s possible that the circuit breaker for your furnace has tripped, which would have cut off the power to your heating system. So, be sure to check out your electrical panel and look for any switches that are in the “off” position or somewhere between “on” and “off.” More often than you think, a breaker switch could look like it’s in the “on” position, but it is positioned in the middle and, therefore, looks like it is turned on but is actually turned “off.”
If you’re having issues, try resetting any tripped breaker switches by flipping them all the way to “off” and then back to “on.” If it trips again, though, you might have a deeper electrical problem 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.
Check on the natural gas or oil supply: If your furnace runs on fuel, it needs a steady supply to work properly. Issues like a closed valve or an empty oil tank can keep it from turning on. You can easily check if the gas valve is in the right position, but if you suspect there’s a problem with the gas pressure, it’s best to call in the pros.
Check the Thermostat If Your Furnace Is Not Powering On
Next up, let’s check the thermostat! It’s basically the command center for your HVAC system. If your furnace isn’t firing up, the issue could be something simple with the thermostat. Just take a look and 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 temperature!
Sometimes, your thermostat just might not be working right, and that’s totally normal! First, try checking the batteries and replacing them if your model uses them. If it’s still not responding as it should, it might be a good idea to call in an HVAC technician for a proper check-up.
Check the Air Filters If Your Furnace Is Not Powering On
How’s your HVAC system doing? Have you taken a look at the air filters lately? It might seem small, but a clogged filter can really mess with your furnace’s performance. When those filters get dirty and packed with dust and other particles, they block airflow, which can cause your furnace to overheat and shut down as a safety precaution. So, if you’re still having issues, checking those air filters is definitely a smart move!
If your filter is dirty, just swap it out for a new one! Remember, it’s a good idea to change your air filters regularly—aim for every 1-3 months. Doing this can really boost your HVAC system’s efficiency and help it last longer!
Check if the Ducts are Blocked If Your Furnace Is Not Powering On
Did you know that blocked ducts can mess with your furnace’s performance? When airflow gets restricted, your furnace might think there’s a problem and shut down. For instance, if something falls into the ductwork, it could trigger some furnaces to go into safety mode and not turn on at all.
Some furnaces are set up to respond this way as a safety feature to help prevent carbon monoxide poisoning at home. While a few things need to happen for this to actually occur, your safety is super important. So, it’s always a good idea to take care of any obstructions as soon as you can!
Check the Drain Pan
{Insert Picture of a Full Drain Pan or Just a Drain Pain}
Modern furnaces come with a few extra safety features. For example, if the drain pan collects too much moisture, it can trip a safety switch and stop the furnace from running. If you’re still having issues at this point, it might be a good idea to check the drain pan—it’s usually located right beneath the furnace. If it’s full of water, just carefully empty it out! With this in mind, if you’ve noticed that the drain pan keeps filling up, it might be a sign of an issue with your HVAC system’s drainage. If that’s the case, don’t hesitate to give us a call!
Let’s Wrap It Up
If after you’ve checked the circuit breaker, thermostat, air filter, ducts, drain pan, pilot light, and fuel supply, if that doesn’t solve your furnace troubles, remember that your Gahanna Furnace & Air Conditioning team has your back! We’re here to help with our expertise in furnace repair and maintenance, making sure your furnace is up and running again in no time. Just reach out!
You can contact Gahanna Furnace & Air Conditioning today at (614) 379-3602 or schedule an appointment online now by clicking here!