What Should You Do First When Your Furnace Won’t Turn On?
A furnace malfunction is inconvenient and frustrating, especially if it’s cold outside. Even so, there is no need to panic. Be prepared by learning what steps to take when your furnace wont turn on, and remember that professional help in the Miami area is just a phone call away.
Check Your Thermostat
When your home heating system wont turn on, check your thermostat first. If the screen is blank or flashing, install new batteries, if applicable.
If the device seems to be working, double-check the settings to confirm that:
- It is set to “heat” and not “cool.”
- The heat setting is warmer than the temperature in the room.
- The screen on a programmable thermostat is not displaying an error code. If there is an error code, consult your user’s manual to troubleshoot the issue.
Inspect the Heating Unit Itself
Go to the source. Check the system itself for error codes. Some furnaces have LED lights that blink in specific patterns to indicate a problem. Again, check your manual to decode any flashing lights you see.
If you have an older gas furnace, you should also take a look at the standing pilot light. Older units have a safety feature called a thermocouple. If the pilot light goes out, it turns off the gas feed. This prevents gas from leaking into your home. The furnace won’t turn on if the pilot light is out. Your thermocouple can stop working, too. If that is the issue, you need to have it replaced.
Newer HVAC units have electronic pilots that don’t require manual lighting. However, they have a flame sensor that monitors the burner. If it is not burning the fuel as designed, the flame sensor shuts off the gas line. If the sensor has shut off the fuel supply, there is likely a need to call an HVAC specialist. For safety’s sake, do not try to diagnose the problem on your own.
Another potential reason your furnace wont turn on is a worn-out blower motor. The blower distributes the heated air throughout your home. If you suspect blower motor failure, give us a call.
Check the Filters
A clogged air filter prevents air exchange, which is a critical part of the heating process. If you have a disposable filter that’s dirty, replace it with a new one. If you have washable filters, clean them thoroughly before putting them back in place. This could solve your heating problem.
Look at Your Breaker Box
If none of the above steps have worked, and your thermostat is hard-wired, your next stop is your home’s circuit breaker box. Check to see if the circuit that powers the thermostat has flipped. If not, consult the panel to find the circuit that powers your furnace. Toggle it off and back on. If your furnace comes on, you have found the issue. Be sure to have an electrician check the circuit to rule out overload.
Confirm Your Fuel Source
If electricity is not the reason your system won’t turn on, fuel supply could be an issue. You might have a blockage in your gas line that prevents fuel from reaching the furnace. Our HVAC techs are your best resource in this situation, since you should not attempt to clear it yourself.
If your furnace uses heating oil, make sure you have a sufficient supply. If the tank is getting low, call your supplier for a refill.
Evaluate Drainage Issues
Heating cool air creates condensation. High-efficiency furnaces like heat pumps require drainage to work properly. Look at the condensation drain lines to ensure they are not clogged with dirt or debris. Check the floor around your furnace too. Standing water may indicate a stopped-up drain. Clean out the drain, if possible, or call us for professional help.
Check for Ventilation Problems
Your heating ducts must be clear for your furnace to work efficiently. Blockages make your equipment work harder to push air through the system. Eventually, this overwork leads to system failure. Call us to diagnose hidden ductwork issues and get your furnace safely back on line.
Your Go-To HVAC Resource in the Miami Area
When you need a fast response when your furnace wont turn on, get in touch with us at One Hour Heating and Cooling Miami FL today. We make it our business to provide quick, effective HVAC service in the Miami region. We offer preventive maintenance, too, so you can avoid the above issues. Call us to make an appointment. We’re on time, or you don’t pay a dime.
