
The coldest months in Macon are January and February, when temperatures can dip into the 30s or lower. If your furnace won’t turn on, you don’t want to be left out in the cold. Fortunately, the experienced team at Ricky Heath Plumbing, Heating, and Cooling is available to help you address your furnace woes. Find out some of the most common reasons why your furnace stopped working, get troubleshooting tips, and learn when it might be time to consider a full furnace replacement.
Common Reasons Your Furnace Isn’t Turning On
If your home’s heater is not working, it’s an extremely frustrating and concerning experience. There are a few reasons why this could occur, depending on the type of furnace you have and other key factors. Here are some of the most common reasons that your furnace won’t turn on:
- Thermostat issues: Make sure your thermostat is set to heat and that the temperature is set low enough to trigger the furnace. If it’s still not turning on, the batteries may be dead, or your thermostat may need to be calibrated or replaced.
- Power supply problems: A tripped circuit breaker could cause your furnace not to turn on.
- Dirty air filters: If your furnace’s air filter is clogged, it can cause the furnace to overheat, or prevent it from turning on altogether. Dust, pet dander, and other airborne debris can block airflow and cause the furnace to shut off and stay off until the filter is replaced.
- Gas supply problems: Homeowners with a gas furnace may have issues with the gas line being blocked or may have a gas line leak, both of which can cause the furnace not to turn on.
- Issues with the flame sensor: If your gas furnace has a faulty flame sensor, it can prevent the furnace from igniting and turning on.
- A tripped safety switch: Your furnace should have several safety mechanisms including a safety switch. If this switch (including the high limit switch) is tripped, the furnace won’t turn on.
- Pilot light problems: Gas furnaces with a pilot light must be lit for the furnace to turn on. If the pilot light is flickering or not lit at all, the furnace will not be able to function.
Troubleshooting Tips for a Furnace That Won’t Turn On
If your furnace won’t turn on, or if the thermostat clicks but the furnace doesn’t turn on, try these helpful troubleshooting tips to see if they rectify the issue.
- Check that your thermostat is set to the “heat” setting and that the temperature is set lower than the current indoor temperature. Replace the batteries in your thermostat if necessary.
- Inspect your furnace air filter to ensure that it’s clean and free of obstructions. If it’s dirty, replace it per the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Find the circuit breaker dedicated to your furnace in your home’s electrical panel and make sure it hasn’t tripped. Flip the circuit breaker back to the “on” position to see if that helps turn the furnace on.
- Make sure your gas furnace’s pilot light is lit and produces a steady flame in a bright blue color. If it’s not lit, the flame is flickering, or yellow, try to relight it. If the flame is still having issues, turn off the furnace and contact Ricky Heath for professional service right away.
- Inspect your flame sensor and look for signs of dirt or damage. If the flame sensor is dirty or broken, it should be repaired or replaced.
- Ensure that your home’s gas supply line is properly connected and that it isn’t clogged.
- Certain furnace makes and models have a separate power switch. If it does, verify that it’s turned on.
- Make sure your furnace drain pan is clean and empty. If it’s full, it could trigger the safety switch and turn the system off.
- If possible, check your furnace condensate line to confirm that it’s clean, clear, and free of blockages.
Safety Precautions When Your Heater is Not Working
It’s important to follow some crucial safety precautions if your heater isn’t working or it won’t turn on to keep you and your family safe until you can get the issue resolved.
- Check your carbon monoxide detector: Make sure the batteries are good and run a quick test to confirm that the detector or detectors are working correctly.
- Avoid making DIY repairs: Unless it’s something simple like changing the air filter or re-lighting the pilot light, avoid attempting to repair it on your own. Major issues should always be handled by experienced, licensed professionals.
- Use caution around gas: Never, ever attempt to fix gas issues yourself. Instead, turn off your furnace and call us right away so we can help.
- Schedule regular service: Regular furnace repairs, inspections, and system tune-ups keep the heating system in your Macon-area home in good working condition before winter arrives.
When to Consider Furnace Replacement
Some issues with your furnace are easy to repair, while others may be so extreme or costly that a full furnace replacement is recommended. Consider these things when deciding whether a furnace replacement is right for you:
- Furnace age: The average lifespan of a furnace is between 15 and 20 years. If your furnace is 15 years old or older, it could be time to consider a replacement.
- High energy bills: If your monthly heating bill suddenly skyrockets, it could indicate there is a significant underlying issue with your furnace. Furnaces that lose efficiency cost more to operate and cause increased wear and tear.
- You need more frequent repairs: If you’re making repeated service calls to Ricky Heath for issues like a malfunctioning furnace or broken parts, a replacement is likely the better and more affordable option.
- Uneven heating: A furnace that doesn’t heat your home evenly may have a serious issue related to airflow or major components that require repair or replacement.
- Signs of damage: Visible signs of rust, corrosion, or cracks on the furnace body or on parts of the furnace likely mean that it’s time to consider a replacement.
- Loud noises: Strange, loud sounds like banging, grinding, or rattling when the furnace is running indicates there is at least one failing component.
- Unusual odors: If you notice a strong burning smell coming from your furnace or air ducts, there could be a problem with the combustion chamber.
- Yellow flames: If you own a gas furnace and the pilot light is yellow instead of blue, it may indicate improper combustion or a gas leak.
- High humidity levels: Older furnaces have a difficult time controlling indoor humidity levels.
Contact Ricky Heath Today!
Ricky Heath Plumbing, Heating, and Cooling is proud to provide our range of services to our customers here in The Peach State. Whether your furnace won’t turn on or it’s malfunctioning, our team of experienced professionals is ready and able to help. If you’re experiencing issues with your furnace or you need assistance with other heating, plumbing, or cooling concerns, contact us today!
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I tell if my furnace fuse is blown?
If you suspect that your furnace fuse is blown, look for discoloration or broken wires on the fuse and pay attention to burning odors. Check your electrical panel to make sure the circuit breaker isn’t tripped, and examine the fuse for damage. If the fuse is broken or damaged, replace it and see if the furnace turns on.
How often should I replace my furnace filter?
Most furnace filters should be replaced every 30 to 90 days, but it usually depends on the size, make, and model of your furnace. Read your furnace owner’s manual to find out what the manufacturer recommends for a filter replacement schedule.