If your furnace isn’t turning on, don’t worry; there are some basic troubleshooting steps you can try. With winter here, your furnace is key for staying warm this season. As a homeowner, you know how frustrating it is to expect a cozy home only to discover that your furnace isn’t working. 

Before you panic and contact your Five Star Heating & Cooling Group professionals, remember that there are several common reasons your heating system might be acting up. To help you out, here’s a simple troubleshooting list with basic steps to identify the issue and get it fixed.  

The Power Source Should Be Checked If Your Furnace Is Not Powering On  

When troubleshooting a problem, the first step is to check the power source.

After all, as the saying goes, “With great power, comes great responsibility.” Jokes aside, there are two main power sources to check based on your furnace type: the circuit breaker or the gas or oil supply. 

Circuit Breaker: If your furnace runs on electricity, check the circuit breaker. It might have tripped, cutting off power to your heating system. Look at your electrical panel for any switches that are “off” or in a position between “on” and “off.” Sometimes, a breaker switch can appear to be “on” when it’s actually in the middle and turned “off.” 

To fix this, reset any tripped breaker switches by flipping them to “off” and then back to “on.” If the breaker trips again, there might be an underlying electrical issue that needs a professional’s attention. Keep in mind that circuit breakers can wear out over time, so if this keeps happening, it’s a good idea to consult a professional about whether to repair or replace the circuit breaker. 

Natural Gas or Oil Supply: If your furnace runs on fuel, it requires a steady fuel supply to work. Problems like a closed valve or an empty oil tank can stop your furnace 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 a professional. 

The Thermostat Should Be Checked If Your Furnace Is Not Powering On 

Next, let’s check the thermostat since it’s the control center for your HVAC system. If your furnace isn’t turning on, the issue might be a simple fix with the thermostat. Make sure your thermostat is set to “heat” and that the temperature is higher than the current room temperature. This will give your heating system the opportunity to warm up to the setting you’ve chosen. 

Sometimes, the thermostat may not be working correctly. It happens. Start by checking the batteries and replacing them if your model requires it. If your thermostat still isn’t responding properly, it’s a good idea to have an HVAC technician evaluate it for a proper diagnosis. 

The Air Filters Should Be Checked If Your Furnace Is Not Powering On 

Have you checked your HVAC system’s air filters? It might seem minor, but a clogged air filter can seriously impact your furnace’s performance. When the filter is dirty and filled with dust and other particles, it restricts airflow, making the furnace overheat and shut down for safety. So, if the issue isn’t resolved yet, it’s a good idea to check your air filters. 

If the filter is dirty, just replace it with a new one. It’s important to change the air filter regularly—ideally every 1 to 3 months. This can help improve your HVAC system’s efficiency and extend its lifespan. 

The Ducts Should Be Checked If Your Furnace Is Not Powering On 

Did you know that blocked ducts can stop your furnace from working properly? When airflow is blocked, it signals to your furnace that there’s a problem, prompting it to shut down. For instance, if something has fallen into the ductwork, it can cause some furnaces to go into safety mode and not turn on. 

Some furnaces are designed to respond this way as a safety measure against carbon monoxide poisoning in the home. While specific factors need to align for this to happen, your safety is the top priority, so it’s best to address any obstructions as soon as possible. 

The Drain Pan Should Be Checked If Your Furnace Is Not Powering On 

Modern furnaces have several safety features. For example, if the drain pan collects too much moisture, it can activate a safety switch that stops the furnace from running. If this hasn’t resolved your issue, it’s a good idea to check the drain pan (usually located beneath the furnace) and empty it if it’s full of water. Additionally, if you notice that the drain pan fills up often, it could signal a drainage problem with your HVAC system. In that case, it’s best to give us a call. 

To Sum It All Up:  

By checking the circuit breaker, thermostat, air filter, ducts, drain pan, pilot light, and fuel supply, you can often identify and resolve the problem yourself. However, if that doesn’t solve your furnace issues, remember that the Five Star Heating & Cooling Group team is here to help! With our experience in furnace repair and maintenance, we can quickly get your furnace running smoothly again. 

Your comfort and safety are important, and often, getting expert help is the best way to find a solution. Don’t hesitate to reach out to us. You can contact Five Star Heating & Cooling Group today at (614) 490-7550 or schedule an appointment online now by clicking here!