The winter months can be brutal with harsh conditions depending on where you live. As a result, you probably rely on your furnace to help maintain comfortable indoor temperatures throughout the winter season. If your furnace isn’t turning on, however, you could be left out in the cold, literally.
If there is a problem, there are a few things you can check to try to get it up and running again. Before you call a technician, you can check out things like your air filter, your breaker box, and your gas line. Let’s take a look at some of the things you can do if your furnace won’t turn on.
Check your furnace switch.
If your furnace isn’t turning on, you should first check your furnace switch to make sure it is in the “on” position. If it is in the “on” position, your furnace may not be turning on because of a lack of power. To check to see if your furnace has power, locate your furnace’s breaker box and check to see if the breaker for your furnace has been tripped. If the breaker is in the “off” position, turn it to the “on” position and see if your furnace turns on. If you can’t discover any power issues, there are a few other things that you check out.
Check the gas line.
If your furnace isn’t turning on, there may be a problem with your gas line. To check to see if your furnace has a gas leak, locate your furnace’s gas valve and smell around the valve for a gas leak. If you smell gas, turn off your furnace’s gas valve and call a technician to fix the gas leak. You can also check the pilot light to ensure that the flame is burning strong. A weak or diminished flame could be a sign that there is an issue with the gas line.
Take a look at the blower.
To check to see if your furnace has a problem with its blower, locate your furnace’s blower motor and see if the fan is spinning. If the fan isn’t spinning, your furnace may have a problem with its blower motor. If your furnace has a problem with its blower motor, you may require replacement equipment.
Check your furnace air filter.
If your furnace isn’t turning on, you should check your furnace filter to make sure it is not clogged or dirty. Your filter is responsible for catching and trapping dirt, dust, pollen, pet dander, and other airborne allergens. If the filter is clogged or dirty, it can’t effectively prevent contaminants from circulating through your system. Additionally, a clogged filter can prevent adequate airflow. If your furnace can’t get enough air, it may impact the normal operation or cause complete malfunction. Experts suggest replacing your filter with a new one at least every three months.
Call a qualified HVAC technician.
If you have tried to troubleshoot the issue using the discussed tips without success, you might have a larger problem. If you can’t get your furnace to turn on, your best option is to call a professional for help. A qualified HVAC technician will be able to diagnose the issue and offer solutions as soon as possible. A professional has the knowledge, skills, and expertise to correct the issue with efficiency.
Your furnace is the workhorse of your home during the winter months, and the last thing you want is to have it go out on a cold winter night. If your furnace does encounter an issue, there are things that you can do to try and solve the problem quickly.
