One of the most amazing inventions of the 20th century is the home furnace. It provided everyone with the perfect way to stay warm and comfortable on frigid winter nights. The furnace made being toasty in our homes as easy as flipping a switch. But what about when there’s a problem and nothing happens when you flip the switch? Sometimes the problem is easy to identify and repair, but in other situations, the assistance of a professional HVAC technician is required. Some of the most common reasons your furnace won’t come on include:
Why My Furnace Won’t Turn On?
The Pilot Light Has Gone Out
An extinguished pilot light is one of the easiest issues to correct. If this is why your furnace isn’t coming on, then you can fix the problem by re-lighting the pilot flame. Be extremely careful in doing so, as with any procedure involving your furnace and HVAC system. If you can’t get the flame to re-light or if doing so does not fix the issue and your furnace still won’t come on, then the problem is more serious and will require you to call in a licensed HVAC professional for help. The problem could be that your furnace needs its pilot light component replaced. These parts are inexpensive and simple to replace, but this kind of repair work has to be done by a professional. Don’t attempt to undertake this kind of repair on your own.
Your Thermostat Could Be Damaged
If your furnace is repeatedly failing to turn on, then you may be dealing with a damaged thermostat. Older thermostats house several thin wires that are responsible for the functions of your system. They will eventually become old and worn out. This is usually an indication that you need a new thermostat. Since the existing one was likely an older type, now is an excellent time to upgrade your system with a modern and more efficient programmable thermostat. These new models will allow you to change the settings even when you are away from home. Save money while taking the eco-friendly route by lowering the temperature in your home during times when no one will be home and at night when everyone will be snuggled warm in their beds. Turn up the heat by a few degrees when everyone is home. Your programmable thermostat can be remotely controlled with the use of a free app that you can download on to your smartphone, laptop, tablet, etc., for convenience no matter where you are. Programmable thermostats are more precise and effective than older types, which will help to extend the life of your HVAC system.
Gas Flow Needs To Be Increased
It may be tempting to try to save money and make your gas supply last longer by decreasing the amount of fuel you make available for your furnace. It is absolutely not safe to do this. You may shave a few dollars off your gas bill, and your gas supply may last a bit longer, but the insufficient gas flow will cause your furnace to have to work harder and for longer periods of time, and it can result in severe damage to your HVAC system. A furnace with inadequate gas flow is a safety hazard to your home and family. Keep your furnace working safely and efficiently by setting the gas supply controls to fully open or fully closed all the time.
Condensation Issues
Inside your furnace is a feature called a condensation pan. When the furnace’s reservoir that collects the condensation pan becomes full, the excess water drains off into the condensation pan. Once the condensation pan becomes full, your heating system will shut down. When this happens, you will not be able to re-start your furnace. Your system will have to be inspected and repaired by a trained HVAC professional. The HVAC technician will locate the reason for the overflow issue in the condensation pan and fix the issue right away.
Connectivity Issues Can Cause Trouble
Your furnace may not be running because of a bad electrical connection somewhere within the system. An HVAC technician will need to determine the extent of the damage to your system and make the necessary repairs. Don’t ever try to fix this type of issue yourself. It can be extremely dangerous and should only be dealt with by a trained professional.
Still Have Questions About Your Furnace?
At Xenia Heating & Air, our expert HVAC technicians are available round the clock, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year to make sure your HVAC system is in top form and working properly to keep your home warm in cold weather. Give us a call at (937) 708-8451 or visit our web page at www.xeniaheatingandair.com/schedule-now/ and let us schedule an appointment with one of our professionals to have your system inspected and tuned up.