Why Is My Furnace Not Turning On?
As we're getting into the colder months, many people are turning on their furnaces for the first time only to discover that they're not working. The air conditioning unit and furnace are two completely different systems, so it's entirely possible for your AC unit to function perfectly well, while your residential heating system is in a state of disrepair.
Fortunately, there are a few very simple reasons for why your furnace may not be firing as it should. Read through the list below, and be sure to contact your local HVAC company if you need assistance.
The Thermostat Isn't On
It sounds silly, but more than one person has called an HVAC company to report that their furnaces aren't working when the fix is something as simple as turning on your thermostat. It may also be malfunctioning, so it's a good idea to have it inspected by a professional and replaced if necessary in order to better maintain your home's energy.
The Power Supply Is Disconnected
Check the breaker that goes to the furnace and see if it's off. If it's flipped off for whatever reason, switch it back on and see if it fires (if it keeps shutting off though, contact a furnace repair technician to have it looked at to ensure there's not a bigger power issue). Alternatively, your power supply could have become disconnected from your furnace, which means it needs to be reconnected by a professional, especially if you're working with the gas line. In most municipalities, it's actually illegal to work on gas without permits, so this is not something you want to try to do yourself.
The Air Filter Is Clogged
Ideally, you should change your air filters every 3 to 6 months to ensure that your HVAC system isn't clogged. If your furnace is loaded up with dirt and grime, you won't be able to switch on and heat up your home. You'll need to replace the furnace filter, and then schedule a residential heating repair service to have it cleaned before it will work again.
The Pilot Light Is Out
If you can hear your furnace try to click on, but it's simply not firing, one of the main culprits is usually the pilot light. This little blue flame keeps a constant source of ignition for gas lines in order to start the furnace when the thermostat clicks on. If it's out, it'll need to be relit by professional. Check to make sure that it's also not a different color besides blue, as that could indicate other problems as well.
For more information about residential heating, contact a local HVAC company, like Central York Corp.
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