Finding out that your furnace has shut down and refused to turn on as a homeowner in Central Kootenay H, AB, is the stuff of nightmares. Imagine not having efficient heating in the strongly subzero temperatures we get here!
Unfortunately, it’s a problem that many homeowners are likely to face at some point. As one of the leading providers of heating services in Central Kootenay H, AB, we receive calls from many clients asking, “Why isn’t my furnace turning on?” during the winter.
We’ll cover some of the top reasons in this post and what you can do about them.
You Have a Tripped Circuit Breaker
Circuit breakers are there to protect your equipment during a power outage or a power surge. If your furnace won’t turn on after a recent power outage, you might have a tripped circuit breaker. Go to the circuit breaker labeled “HVAC” or “Furnace” to see if it’s flipped. If it is, reset it and try turning on your furnace.
If the furnace runs briefly and trips the breaker again, don’t reset it a second time. You’ll need to call in an expert technician for a thorough inspection.
Repeated circuit breaker tripping always points to a more serious underlying issue with the furnace’s electrical system or problems elsewhere in the circuitry. Either way, it’s an issue you should leave to the experts.
You May Have a Thermostat Problem
The thermostat controls the function of your HVAC system. Any problems with it can keep your furnace from working normally. Here are two thermostat troubleshooting tips for you.
- Confirm that the thermostat has power. If the screen display is off or unresponsive, you should consider changing the batteries to see if that fixes the problems.
- Confirm the thermostat settings. Some people asking, “Why isn’t my furnace turning on?” often find out that their thermostat is not set to “Heat.” Others find out their unit is set to “Hold” or “Standby” instead of “Run.” Correcting these mistakes should get your unit running again.
Swap Out the Furnace Filter for a New One if It’s Dirty
Modern furnace systems are designed to shut down when they overheat. A dirty furnace filter can cause a furnace to overheat and this could be the reason why your unit is suddenly unresponsive.
Many homeowners tend to ignore their filters for too long. That approach can open up a world of problems. Generally, you should replace your furnace filter at least once every 90 days. Ideally, you should go into every winter season with a fresh filter.
If you’re still asking, “Why isn’t my furnace turning on?” after going through the steps above, then you’re no longer within the DIY territory–it’s time to call in a technician. You should call a technician if you notice any of the following problems:
You Have an Overflow of Condensate
Modern high-efficiency furnace systems produce condensate while running, and the water flows out into your drainage system. However, any clogs in the condensate pump can cause the condensate to overflow, triggering the float switch.
The float switch is a safety component that will shut down your furnace once it detects excessive liquid flowing into the drain pan. A professional furnace technician can clear any clogs in the condensate removal system and ensure the pump is working perfectly.
You Have a Fuel Leak or a Fuel Line Problem
Your furnace system won’t run if it’s not receiving enough gas to support combustion. Also, many modern furnace systems are designed to shut down if they detect a leak in the line to prevent fire accidents.
An experienced technician can check the fuel line for problems. If the flue gas spill switch was triggered, they can trace the source of the leak and fix it before resetting your unit again.
You Have a Problem with the Pilot Light System
The pilot light in your furnace should stay lit while the unit is working. If it keeps going off, you will need to call a technician to check the thermocouple and the rest of the ignitor system.
You Have a Malfunctioning Blower System
The blower system circulates the warm air from your furnace. If there’s an issue with it, the unit will likely overheat and shut down. Common problems include electrical issues with the motor, a bent fan, and more.
Get Expert Help for Your Furnace Problems in Central Kootenay H, AB
If you’ve found yourself wondering, “Why isn’t my furnace turning on?” and your DIY troubleshooting hasn’t worked, reach out to the crew at High Point Plumbing to schedule an appointment or read more in our guide to boiler installation.