Troubleshooting A Furnace That Won’t Start

There are enough things to worry about on a daily basis — home comfort shouldn’t be one of them. After all, you work hard and pay your bills so you should never have to deal with a house that feels more like a frozen tundra. Unfortunately, home heating equipment can malfunction at what may seem like the most inopportune time. See below to find out why your furnace won’t kick on:

The Thermostat Isn’t Set To “Heat”

This is one of the most common reasons a home heating system won’t start up. After all, it’s an honest mistake and luckily, it’s quite easy to fix. Simply make sure your thermostat is set to “heat” rather than “cool” or “off.”

The Temperature Is Set Too Low

If the temperature in the room is already higher than the setting on the thermostat, the heat won’t kick on. It’s the thermostat’s job to detect the temperature of the living areas of your house and only alert the system to kick on when the temperature drops below the set temperature on the thermostat.

The Pilot Light Went Out

Hear the furnace clicking on, but it doesn’t seem to fire up? This is a clear indication the pilot light blew out or that there is a faulty ignition sensor. Because this component deals with gas and fire, it’s always best to have a professional diagnose and fix the problem.

The Circuit Breaker Tripped

Check the main electrical panel to make sure the circuit has not tripped. Flipped the breaker all the way to the off position and then back to the on position. If this happens frequently, you may need to get an electrician in to take a look at the issue.

The Filter Is Clogged

Regular filter maintenance is a vital step in making sure your furnace works properly. If the filter is dirty or the vents and the register are completely clogged, the system may not fire up due to restricted airflow. Be sure to check the filter and remember to clean or replace it every 1-2 months.

Virginia Beach Furnace Installation & Repair

American Mechanical provides 24-hour emergency services to solve your most urgent HVAC problems, including any challenges with your furnace. We serve residents and commercial sites throughout Virginia Beach. Call us today at (757) 703-1529 .