Why Is My Furnace Not Turning On?
When your Lubbock home’s furnace fails to start, On the Double! Heating & Cooling can help. Contact our technicians for furnace servicing today!
When outdoor temperatures drop, the last thing you want to deal with is a furnace that doesn’t provide enough heat. Heating systems can stop working correctly for many reasons, but what happens if the system refuses to turn on? If you’re asking, “Why is my furnace not turning on?” furnace troubleshooting can help you find the answer.
If you’re in Lubbock, Texas, or the surrounding communities and search for “heater repair near me,” you’ll find On the Double! Heating & Cooling. As one of the community’s top-rated HVAC companies, our licensed and experienced technicians prioritize meeting each customer’s needs. Here, we explain some common heating appliance issues that might cause your furnace to stop working.
5 Reasons Your Furnace Isn't Working
When a furnace won’t start, the problem could be a simple fix that doesn’t require professional help. However, some problems do require a visit from a heating and cooling specialist. These are some of the most common furnace problems that can prevent the system from working.
1. Dirty Air Filter
The air filter might not seem like an important part of your heating system, but it can cause major complications if you don’t change it regularly. When you have a dirty air filter, the air quality inside your home will decline, causing more dust and debris to settle inside registers and air vents. The clog will eventually restrict airflow to and from the furnace, which forces the equipment to overwork itself.
If your heating unit doesn’t turn on, check the air filter. If it’s dirty and disposable, replace it with a new one. Next, check your vents and registers to ensure nothing blocks them.
2. No Furnace Ignition
If you’re wondering, “Why is my furnace not turning on?” and you have a gas unit, the problem could be a dirty ignition sensor. Your heating system won’t trigger the heat exchanger if the sensor is too dirty to detect ignition. You’ll need an HVAC professional to clean or replace this component if it’s the reason the system won’t work correctly.
You should also check the pilot light for your gas furnace. If the light is off or won’t stay lit after switching the furnace off and on to reset the pilot light, the element could have excessive wear or damage. This is another situation requiring professional repairs.
3. Furnace Switch Is Off
Sometimes a furnace won’t work because its power is off. It’s possible to accidentally hit the furnace switch if you’re working around the equipment. Make sure the switch is on, especially if you have a gas system. The equipment will still need electricity to function.
Check your home’s electrical panel if the switch is on but you suspect the furnace isn’t receiving power. A tripped circuit breaker can cut power to whatever appliance the breaker connects to, including HVAC systems.
4. Thermostat Problems
The thermostat is the heart of your HVAC system because it controls it. However, if the batteries are running low, the device won’t have enough power to trigger the furnace to kick on. Consider changing the batteries and using lithium instead of alkaline batteries to maintain a longer thermostat lifespan.
5. Dirty Blower Motor
Your furnace uses a blower motor to draw inside air into the furnace and back into the ductwork to warm your home. If the blower motor is filthy, the heat exchanger won’t have enough airflow to work correctly without overheating and shutting down.
How to Keep Your Furnace in Great Condition This Winter
Routine furnace maintenance is the best way to avoid heating system problems when your household needs warmth the most. Annual furnace tune-ups from a qualified HVAC professional will ensure your system maintains the cleanliness it needs to prevent restricted airflow or premature wear.
The contractor will also inspect the system system thoroughly, check its wiring, replace the air filter, and test all safety features. The service will give you peace of mind knowing your heating system is ready and capable of handling the winter cold.
Turn to On the Double! Heating & Cooling for Your Furnace Needs
If you’re still wondering, “Why is my furnace not turning on?” there’s no need to fret with On the Double! Heating & Cooling on your side. Our Lubbock, Texas technicians have years of experience diagnosing and treating common HVAC problems. From reliable HVAC repairs to expert furnace installations, our team can do it all. Request your appointment with On the Double! Heating & Cooling today at (806) 203-6528.
