Furnaces are, without a doubt, one of the greatest inventions of the 20th century. Staying warm on even the coldest nights with the simple flip of a switch is fantastic. However, when your furnace stops working, things can get serious fast. Sometimes the problem is an easy fix, sometimes not so easy. Here are some of the most common reasons why your furnace might not be coming on.
Why Your Furnace Isn’t Coming On
The Circuit Breaker Has Been Tripped
When a component of your home’s electrical system becomes overloaded with electricity, it will trip, or shut off, the circuit breaker that controls that particular component. It automatically shuts off to prevent your HVAC unit from overheating and causing more damage. If this is an extremely rare occurrence (one or two instances during the entire season), there should be no serious problems. Just flip the breaker switch to reset your furnace. If this does not correct the problem or if your furnace continues to trip the circuit breaker, contact an HVAC specialist right away.
The Pilot Light Has Gone Out
If the problem is that your furnace’s pilot light has been extinguished, you can fix this issue on your own. A pilot light can be re-lit easily enough, with caution. If this does not correct the problem or if the pilot light fails to ignite, then there is a more serious issue that will need to be addressed by an HVAC professional. Your furnace may need a new pilot light. Fortunately, this is a relatively easy and inexpensive fix.
There May Be A Problem With Your Thermostat
A defective thermostat is one of the most common reasons a furnace stops working. Thermostats, especially older model ones, contain delicate wiring that can, over time, become worn out or damaged. This will usually require the replacement of your thermostat. When this occurs, or even before a problem arises, you may want to consider upgrading to a more modern and efficient programmable thermostat. You will be able to control the settings of your HVAC system even when you are away from home. You can set the temperature lower during times when no one is home and at night when everyone is in bed and set a warmer temperature for times when everyone will be home. This will not only keep your home comfortable at all times, it will save you money on your energy bills.
Your Gas Supply May Be Too Low
Although you may be tempted to limit the gas supply to your furnace to conserve gas and save money, doing this not a good idea. While it may cause your system to use less gas, it will also put undue strain on it and cause it to have to work harder, which can result in damage to your HVAC system. It is also a safety hazard. Your gas supply setting should be set to fully open or completely closed at all times.
Issues With Condensation In Your Furnace
Your furnace has a feature called a condensation pan. When the reservoir in your system becomes full of water, the condensation pan collects the excess. If the condensation pan becomes full, your unit will be automatically shut off. Once the system has shut down, the water will be drained away. After this happens, your furnace will not start again. You will need to contact a professional HVAC technician to determine the reason the condensation pan is filling and refilling so rapidly.
Connectivity Issues
There is always the possibility that your system has a bad power connection, or some part of the wiring is no longer working correctly. This will be an issue for an HVAC professional to deal with. The problem may be something that can be repaired easily or, worst-case scenario, you may have to replace part or all of your HVAC system. You never want to attempt repair or replacement of electrical wiring yourself or trust it to anyone other than a fully trained and licensed professional technician who can identify these specific types of problems and repair them so that your HVAC equipment is safe and functional once more.
Need Help With Your Furnace?
If you are experiencing issues with your furnace’s performance, don’t hesitate – call Pickerington Heating & Cooling at (614) 837-4026 right away or visit our website at https://www.pickheat.com/appointments/ to schedule an appointment with one of our fully trained and licensed HVAC technicians for a complete inspection of your furnace and HVAC system. Our technician will find the problem, explain the situation, go over all of your options with you, and advise you regarding the best way to handle the situation at hand. If it can be repaired, the technician will begin work right away and have your system up and running again as quickly as possible. We are here to serve you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.
