When outside temperatures plummet, you rely on your furnace to keep you warm and cozy. Imagine turning on your heat only to find that your furnace won’t produce warm air. What would cause a furnace not to kick on?
The experts at Airsmiths Cooling & Heating, Mandeville’s trusted HVAC company, are here to answer that question. This guide reveals some of the top reasons homeowners need furnace repair. Be on the lookout for these issues with your furnace and call a professional for repairs.
Common Causes of Furnace Failure
If you find yourself without heat, don’t panic. Your residential furnace could face a minor issue that has a simple solution. In some cases, your system could be nearing the end of its lifespan and start to malfunction.
Here’s a breakdown of what would cause a furnace not to kick on.
Blown Fuse
Just because you have a gas furnace doesn’t mean you can ignore electrical issues. Your heat may not work because of a blown electrical fuse preventing the system from turning on. Head to your circuit breaker and ensure the breaker controlling the furnace is in the “on” position.
If the problem persists, you may need to replace the fuse. Consult with an HVAC professional for advice.
Clogged Air Filter
The air filter is one of the most important parts of any HVAC system. It helps you breathe cleaner, safer air by trapping the following allergens:
- Dust
- Smoke particles
- Pet hair and dander
- Pollen
- And more
Leaving a filter for too long will eventually clog and restrict airflow to your vents. The furnace will need to work harder to distribute heat and may start to overheat as a result. Change your air filter regularly to prevent this from happening.
Faulty Thermostat
What would cause a furnace not to kick on if the circuit breaker and air filter are fine? A common culprit of heating troubles is the thermostat. After all, it signals when your furnace should turn on and off.
Troubleshoot the issue by checking the thermostat settings. You should make it a habit of setting the heat to “on” and at a comfortable temperature. You can also remove the cover and clean any dust or grime covering the thermostat sensors.
If these steps don’t resolve the problem, be sure to have an HVAC technician inspect the equipment. It’s possible that some of the wiring is defective and keeping the thermostat from controlling the furnace.
Shut Gas Valve
Shutting the furnace’s gas valve is a smart way to avoid dangerous gas leaks when the system is not in use. It’s also what would cause a furnace not to kick on in some cases.
The furnace can’t function unless it receives a steady supply of gas from the valve. Open the valve if it appears shut, and the heat should start to fill your home.
Lack of Maintenance
A mechanical issue could be responsible for your lack of heating. For example, the furnace flame sensor could have a build-up of grime, or the pilot light could fail to stay lit. During an annual furnace tune-up, a technician will check for these and other issues.
Schedule furnace maintenance before the start of the heating season to avoid common mechanical problems like these. Maintenance also saves you money on future repair costs, helps the system run more efficiently, and even extends the lifespan of your furnace.
Contact the HVAC Experts at Airsmiths Cooling & Heating
Now that you know what would cause a furnace not to kick on, you can pinpoint common problems with your furnace. Reach out to the licensed technicians at Airsmiths Cooling & Heating for top-notch furnace repair in Mandeville, LA, and the surrounding areas. We install and repair different types of residential heating systems so you can stay comfortable when the temperatures dip. Call (985) 400-5093 to request immediate service.
