As the temperatures drop, the last thing you want is for your furnace to fail to kick on. A functional heating system is crucial for keeping you and your family cozy during the winter months. Fortunately, there are some easy fixes and tips that can help you resolve this common issue and get your furnace running smoothly once again.
Key Takeaways:
- Incorrect thermostat settings could prevent the furnace from turning on when the temperature drops.
- Check the power supply for tripped circuit breakers or blown fuses.
- A malfunctioning pilot light or ignition system could prevent the furnace from starting.
- Make sure to check and replace the air filter to prevent restrictions in airflow.
- A dirty or malfunctioning flame sensor could be preventing the furnace from starting.
- Proper ventilation is crucial for overall system performance.
- When in doubt, seek the help of a professional HVAC technician.
Check Your Thermostat Settings
If your furnace is not turning on when the temperature drops, the first thing you should check is your thermostat settings. Incorrect settings can prevent the furnace from starting when it needs to.
To verify your settings, start by checking that the thermostat is on and set to “heat.” Make sure the temperature is set higher than the current room temperature. If your thermostat has a programmed schedule, ensure that it corresponds with your preferred heating needs.
If you have an older thermostat, consider upgrading to a programmable one that can be customized to your schedule and adjusts the temperature accordingly. This can help you save on energy bills and ensure that your furnace is working efficiently.
How to Check and Adjust Your Thermostat Settings
To check and adjust your thermostat settings:
- Remove the thermostat cover and check that all the wires are properly connected.
- If you have a digital thermostat, make sure the batteries are fresh and properly installed.
- Check that the anticipator, a small metal tab that controls the temperature change in your thermostat, is set correctly. Refer to your thermostat manual or contact the manufacturer for guidance.
- If you have a smart thermostat, make sure it is connected to your home Wi-Fi network and that you have downloaded the relevant app to your smartphone or tablet to control it remotely.
By verifying your thermostat settings and making any necessary adjustments, you may be able to solve the problem of your furnace not turning on when the temperature drops.
Verify Power Supply
If your furnace is not kicking on when the temperature drops, checking the power supply is a crucial step. Before attempting any maintenance, you must turn off the power to the furnace to ensure your safety.
Begin by checking for tripped circuit breakers or blown fuses. If you find any, reset the circuit breakers or replace the fuses as needed. Also, verify that the furnace’s power switch is turned on.
If none of these steps resolve the issue, it is possible that the problem lies with the furnace’s wiring or electrical system. Contacting a professional HVAC technician is the best course of action to address these more complex issues.
Inspect the Pilot Light or Ignition System
If your furnace still doesn’t turn on, the pilot light or ignition system may be malfunctioning. The pilot light is a small flame that ignites the gas burners in your furnace. If the pilot light is out, your furnace won’t operate. Similarly, if you have an electronic ignition system, a malfunction can also prevent the furnace from starting.
To inspect the pilot light, first, locate it. It’s typically located near the gas burners and is a small flame that remains lit as long as the furnace is operating. If the pilot light has gone out, you can relight it by following the manufacturer’s instructions (usually found on a label on the furnace). If it stays lit, but the furnace still isn’t turning on, the ignition system may be faulty.
If you have an electronic ignition system, try troubleshooting by checking the control module, flame sensor, or pressure switch. Specific troubleshooting steps will vary based on the manufacturer and model of your furnace, so consult the owner’s manual or contact a professional HVAC technician for assistance.
Check the Air Filter
If your furnace doesn’t appear to be turning on when the temperature drops, one of the easiest fixes is to check and replace your air filter. A dirty or clogged air filter can restrict airflow, which can cause your furnace to malfunction.
To check your air filter, locate it in your furnace. It’s typically found in the return air duct or near the blower motor. Once you locate it, remove the filter and check its condition. If it’s dirty, it’s time to replace it.
You can purchase a new filter at your local hardware store or online. Make sure to buy the correct size and type for your furnace. Once you have your new filter, insert it into the filter slot, making sure it’s snugly in place. Turn on your furnace and check that it’s running smoothly.
Checking and changing your air filter is an easy maintenance task that should be done regularly to ensure your furnace is running efficiently and effectively. Make it a part of your seasonal home maintenance routine to prevent future issues.
Clean the Flame Sensor
If you’ve checked and adjusted the thermostat settings, verified the power supply, and inspected the pilot light or ignition system, but your furnace still won’t kick on when the temperature drops, it’s time to clean the flame sensor.
A dirty or malfunctioning flame sensor can prevent the furnace from starting and cause it to shut off shortly after turning on. The flame sensor is responsible for detecting the presence of a flame in the burner assembly and sending a signal to the control board to keep the burners running.
Here’s how to clean the flame sensor:
- Turn off the power to the furnace at the circuit breaker.
- Locate the flame sensor, which is a small metal rod located near the burners.
- Remove the sensor from the furnace by loosening the screws that hold it in place.
- Use fine-grit sandpaper or steel wool to gently clean the sensor, making sure to remove any buildup or debris.
- Reinstall the sensor and tighten the screws.
- Turn the power back on to the furnace at the circuit breaker.
With a clean flame sensor, your furnace should start up and run smoothly. If you’re still experiencing issues, it’s best to contact a professional HVAC technician for further diagnosis and repair.
Check the Gas Supply
If your furnace still isn’t turning on when the temperature drops, it’s possible that there’s a problem with your gas supply. Without a sufficient supply of gas, your furnace won’t be able to generate heat. Start by checking the shut-off valve that’s located near your furnace. Make sure that it’s in the open position and hasn’t accidentally been turned off. If the valve is closed, turn it back on and wait a few minutes for the gas to reach your furnace. If the valve was already open or turning it on doesn’t solve the problem, it’s possible that there’s an issue with your gas supply. Contact your gas company to investigate further.
Inspect the Blower Motor
If your furnace is not kicking on when the temperature drops, a faulty blower motor may be the issue. The blower motor is responsible for circulating warm air throughout your home, and a malfunction can prevent the furnace from starting.
To check the blower motor, turn off the power to the furnace and remove the access panel. Look for any debris or damage around the motor and fan blades. If everything looks clear, you may need to lubricate the motor to ensure smooth operation.
If you are unsure about how to do this, it is best to contact a professional HVAC technician. They have the expertise to diagnose and repair any issues with the blower motor, and can ensure that your heating system is running smoothly again.
Check for Blocked Vents or Ducts
If your furnace is not kicking on when the temperature drops, one potential cause could be blocked vents or ducts. These blockages can restrict airflow and prevent your heating system from functioning properly. Here’s how to check for and fix this issue:
- Inspect all of your vents and ducts to ensure they are not blocked by furniture, curtains, or other household items.
- Use a flashlight to look inside the vents and ducts for any debris or obstructions.
- If you find any blockages, remove them carefully to avoid damaging the system.
- Repeat this process for each vent and duct in your home.
- Check that the vents and ducts are open and not closed or partially closed.
Proper ventilation is essential for the efficient operation of your heating system, so it’s important to keep your vents and ducts clear and unobstructed. If you’re unsure how to check your vents and ducts yourself, consider contacting a professional HVAC technician.
Test the Limit Switch
If you have checked all of the above components and your furnace still isn’t kicking on when the temperature drops, it’s time to test the limit switch. This switch is responsible for turning off the furnace if it gets too hot, and it can sometimes malfunction, causing the furnace to not turn on at all.
The first step in testing the limit switch is to turn off the power to your furnace. Once you have done this, locate the limit switch, which is usually located near the burner chamber. Use a multimeter to test the continuity of the switch. If the multimeter shows that there is no continuity, the switch may be faulty and will need to be replaced.
Remember:
- Always turn off power to your furnace before performing any maintenance.
- If you are not comfortable testing the limit switch yourself, contact a professional HVAC technician for assistance.
- A faulty limit switch can cause your furnace to not turn on, so it’s important to address this issue as soon as possible.
Call a Professional HVAC Technician
After trying the easy fixes and tips outlined above, if your furnace still isn’t kicking on when the temperature drops, it’s time to call in a professional HVAC technician. Although you may be tempted to try to diagnose and repair complex furnace problems yourself, it’s important to remember that a functional heating system is crucial during the cold winter months.
A professional technician has the expertise and specialized tools necessary to diagnose and repair complex furnace issues. They can ensure that your heating system is running smoothly and efficiently again, giving you peace of mind and a warm, cozy home. Don’t hesitate to give them a call and schedule a service appointment today.
Conclusion
Now that you’ve gone through the easy fixes and tips, you should be able to get your furnace up and running when the temperature drops. Remember to check your thermostat settings, verify the power supply, inspect the pilot light or ignition system, check the air filter, clean the flame sensor, inspect the blower motor, check for blocked vents or ducts, and test the limit switch.
If none of these fixes work, don’t worry! Contacting a professional HVAC technician is always an option. They have the expertise and specialized tools required to diagnose and repair complex furnace problems. A professional can ensure that your heating system is running smoothly again, keeping you warm and cozy during the winter.
Don’t let a malfunctioning furnace ruin your winter. Try the easy fixes and tips first, and if all else fails, give a professional a call. Stay warm!
