You feel cold and head to the thermostat, wanting your house to warm up, only to find that your settings are the same as always. Yet your furnace doesn’t turn on, and you have no clue what may have led to the problem. Don’t worry; there are common issues that you can inspect at home to figure out why your furnace isn’t working. In some cases, you can fix the issue yourself, but if not, you can use the information you gather troubleshooting to contact a professional and find a fast solution.
1. Your Thermostat Is Not Calibrated Properly
One of the most common reasons furnaces stop turning on lies with the thermostat. Your thermostat senses the temperature in the room and sends a message to your furnace that it’s time to warm up whenever the indoor air drops below your heat settings.
Of course, be sure to check for the most obvious problems, like your thermostat not being set to “heat.” If everything seems okay on the interface, then check the user manual for a guide on how to reset the device.
Many electronic and smart thermostats will display an error code if there’s an issue. You can check the manual to figure out what the problem is. If it turns out you need a repair, you can pass this info along to your technician, and they will be able to fix the problem faster.
2. Vents Are Blocked
If there is heavy furniture on top of vents, they can’t accurately distribute heat into your home. Restricted air flow in any part of the house will affect your furnace. Furthermore, a blocked furnace intake vent could stop the furnace from working entirely.
The furnace intake vent is usually on the side of the house. If it has become obstructed somehow, the furnace isn’t likely to turn on.
3. The Pilot Light or Ignition Sensor Is Damaged or Broken
In general, furnaces built before 2010 have a pilot light, and those built thereafter have an ignition sensor. In either case, a damaged or broken ignitor will prevent your furnace from turning on. You might also have a dirty ignitor on your hands. In that case, remove the front panel on your furnace to find the pilot light or ignition sensor. Then, check if the pilot light or ignition sensor is off or dirty.
You should contact a technician to clean or replace a damaged ignition sensor or pilot light in your furnace. It’s best to trust a professional with the job rather than attempting to do it yourself.
4. There Is a Tripped Circuit Breaker
A tripped circuit breaker means that your furnace is not receiving the electrical input it needs to function. The easiest way to find out if this is your issue is to check your circuit panel.
If the breaker for your furnace is switched to the “off” setting, then turn it back to on. This should resolve the issue. If your furnace breaker is repeatedly tripping and shutting off, you should consult with a professional who can help figure out why.
Homeowners in Newnan, GA who need help with furnace issues are encouraged to reach out to the experienced team at E Dennis AC Inc. for expert assistance.
