Homeowners everywhere know the feeling of dread that comes when they turn on their furnaces and nothing happens. In cold winter months, it’s important to have a functioning heating system so your family can stay warm and comfortable.
If your furnace won’t turn on, don’t panic! Here are some helpful tips to get you back up and running in no time. But before we dive into solutions, let’s explore why this is happening: what underlying problems could be causing your furnace to malfunction?
If today’s guide doesn’t help you find the solution to your furnace problems, you can always count on the team at IMS for furnace repairs.
Why Isn’t Your Furnace Turning On?
Furnaces may appear to be relatively straightforward pieces of machinery, but after taking a closer look, you’ll quickly find out that they’re quite complicated! Modern furnaces are made up of several different parts, all of which have a unique role to play in warming your home.
If your furnace isn’t turning on, you may be dealing with one of the following furnace issues:
- Faulty Pilot Light – Homeowners may discover that the pilot light on their furnace is out or malfunctioning, preventing it from turning on.
- Blocked Air Filter – A blocked air filter can stop the flow of air in your system and prevent it from operating properly.
- Faulty Thermostat – The thermostat is responsible for controlling and regulating the temperature of a home’s heating system, so if there’s an issue with it, then your furnace won’t turn on correctly.
- Clogged Flame Sensor – The flame sensor monitors to make sure that your furnace has proper ignition, but if this part becomes clogged with dirt or dust particles, it won’t work properly and will cause your furnace not to turn on at all.
- Malfunctioning Ignition Switch – Homeowners may find that their ignition switch isn’t working correctly due to worn-out wiring or faulty contacts inside the switch itself; which can cause the entire unit not to kick on as normal when requested by its user.
- Power Issues – If you are experiencing power issues either due to a tripped breaker/fuse or a lost power connection this could be the cause of your furnace not turning on.
Solutions to Consider If Your Furnace Isn’t Turning On
Are you dealing with one of the issues mentioned above? Try one of the following solutions:
- Check Your Pilot Light – Homeowners can take a look at their pilot light and make sure that it is lit correctly. If the pilot light doesn’t appear to be lit, then you may need to relight it or call a professional for assistance.
- Replace Air Filter – Homeowners should check the air filter in their system and replace it if necessary. A clogged filter can prevent air from flowing freely, so replacing it regularly will ensure the peak performance of your furnace and help keep your home comfortable throughout the winter months.
- Check Thermostat Settings – Homeowners should also check their thermostat settings and make sure they are set correctly. If the settings are incorrect, then your furnace may not turn on as expected.
- Clean Flame Sensor – Homeowners should check the flame sensor and make sure that it is clean of any dirt or dust particles that could be preventing proper ignition. If necessary, you can use compressed air to blow away any debris and ensure the sensor is clear of buildup.
- Replace Ignition Switch – Homeowners may need to replace their ignition switch if it’s worn out or has faulty contacts – a professional will be able to diagnose this issue and provide an accurate solution for your needs.
- Check Power Source – Homeowners should check all breakers/fuses in their home as well as any power connections to ensure that no power issues are preventing the furnace from turning on.
By going through these steps, homeowners should be able to determine what is causing their furnace to not turn on and find an appropriate solution for getting it back up and running in no time. If you’re unable to diagnose or repair the issue yourself, it’s best to call a professional for help to ensure your heater is functioning correctly and your family can stay warm throughout the winter months.
What to Do if Your Furnace Won’t Turn On — Conclusion
Homeowners who are dealing with a furnace that won’t turn on should consider the potential causes and solutions discussed in this article. From checking for a faulty pilot light to replacing an old air filter, these simple steps can help you diagnose and repair your heating system quickly so you can stay warm during the winter months.
If you’re still unable to get your furnace working properly, it’s best to call a professional for assistance as they will be able to accurately assess the issue and provide reliable solutions. With these tips in mind, homeowners should have no problem tackling any of their furnace issues!