At Aire Texas Heating & Air Conditioning, we understand the importance of keeping your home warm. Unfortunately, a malfunctioning furnace can turn a cozy home into a cold house overnight.
Furnace issues arise unexpectedly. One moment, they’re working fine, and the next, they won’t turn on. This can be stressful, but timely troubleshooting or professional repair can solve the problem.
Don’t wait in the cold—call Aire Texas at (972) 424-2473 for fast and reliable furnace repair services in Plano, TX. Our professional HVAC technicians are standing by to get your heating system back up and running.
Why is My Furnace Not Turning On?
There are many reasons why your heating system might not turn on, such as a tripped circuit breaker, a dirty air filter, or issues with the gas supply. Understanding common furnace issues can help you identify the problem and decide on the next steps.
Furnace Not Turning on With Thermostat
The control station of all HVAC systems is the thermostat. Understanding some of the more common issues with your furnace’s thermostat can help you pinpoint why your furnace isn’t responding and guide you toward a solution.
Thermostat Not Set Correctly
First, check if the thermostat is set to “heat” instead of “cool.” This might seem simple, but it’s a common oversight. Make sure the temperature setting is higher than the current room temperature. If you have a programmable thermostat, make sure it’s programmed correctly to reach your desired temperature. Not only does a programmable thermostat help regulate temperature throughout your home, it can also save you up to 10% each year on utility bills.
Thermostat Battery is Dead
Low or dead thermostat batteries can prevent the furnace from turning on. Many thermostats use AA lithium batteries or alkaline batteries. Replace the batteries and see if that resolves the issue. Don’t forget to check any backup batteries if your thermostat has them.
Thermostat Malfunction
Issues with thermostat wires or internal components might prevent communication with the furnace. If the thermostat is malfunctioning, try resetting it according to the manufacturer’s instructions. If problems persist, it might be time to call a professional for repair or replacement.
Furnace Not Igniting
When your furnace won’t ignite, it could be due to a variety of issues that disrupt the heating process. Identifying the root cause can help you get your HVAC system back up and running efficiently.
Pilot Light is Out (For Gas Furnaces)
Gas furnaces rely on a lit furnace pilot light to ignite. The pilot light can go out due to a draft, a dirty thermocouple, or issues with the gas supply. Natural gas furnaces require a consistent fuel supply to function correctly. Locate the furnace door and open the front panel to access the pilot light. You can try to safely relight it following the manufacturer’s instructions. Call a professional immediately if you’re unsure or smell gas, which could indicate a gas leak.
Faulty Ignition System
Modern furnaces use electronic ignition systems instead of pilot lights. Common problems include a malfunctioning ignitor or a dirty flame sensor. The flame sensor is a metal rod that detects if the gas flame is present. A dirty sensor can prevent the furnace from igniting. Cleaning or replacing the ignition sensor may resolve the issue. In some cases, a furnace flame sensor replacement is necessary to fix the problem.
Also, issues with the heat exchanger can prevent the furnace from igniting. The heat exchanger warms the air that circulates throughout your home. Cracks or damage to the heat exchanger can trigger safety features that prevent the furnace from turning on to avoid potential carbon monoxide leaks.
Furnace Running But Not Heating
If your furnace turns on but isn’t heating your home, there could be an underlying issue preventing it from functioning properly, from a dirty furnace filter to issues with the blower motor and more. We explore some of these reasons below.
Clogged Air Filters
Dirty or clogged air filters restrict airflow, causing the furnace to run without properly heating the home. A dirty air filter can also lead to overheating and shut down the furnace as a safety feature. Regularly changing furnace filters maintains furnace efficiency and indoor air quality. It also helps the heating system regulate temperature properly.
Gas Supply Issues (For Gas Furnaces)
Problems with the gas supply or gas valve can prevent heating. The gas valve controls the flow of natural gas to the furnace. Check if the gas valve is open. Contact a professional immediately if you suspect an issue with the gas line or smell gas. Gas leaks are dangerous and require expert handling.
Blower Motor Issues
Your furnace’s blower motor circulates warm air through the air ducts. A malfunctioning blower motor can cause the furnace to run without delivering heat. Signs of a malfunctioning or dirty blower motor include strange noises or weak airflow. As such, maintaining a functioning blower motor is necessary for moving air effectively throughout your home. A professional HVAC technician at Aire Texas can diagnose and fix blower motor problems to verify they function properly.
Furnace Not Responding
If your furnace isn’t responding, it might be time to check for issues like a tripped breaker or blown fuse that require you to restore power to the system.
Tripped Circuit Breaker
A tripped circuit breaker or blown fuse can prevent the furnace from receiving power. Check your circuit breaker panel for tripped breakers and reset them if necessary. The furnace switch, which looks like a regular light switch near the unit, should also be on. If the breaker trips again, an electrical issue may need professional attention. Restoring power may be necessary to get your furnace to turn on again.
Furnace Safety Switch or Limit Switch
Safety switches, such as the limit switch, can shut down the furnace to prevent overheating. Common triggers include blocked air vents or a dirty air filter. Addressing these issues can help reset the safety switch. The furnace door must be closed properly for the safety device to allow operation.
How To Tell if a Furnace Fuse is Blown
If your furnace still won’t turn on, the fuse might be blown. Check the fuse box or breaker box for any blown fuses and replace them if needed. Restoring power may require expert assistance to verify that your HVAC system can function properly.
Other Common Causes for Furnace Failure
Blocked Vents or Ducts
Blocked or closed air vents can cause airflow problems. This makes it seem like the furnace isn’t heating. Keep vents clear to provide proper airflow circulation. Check the duct system for obstructions that might impede moving air.
Dirty or Malfunctioning Flame Sensor
A dirty flame sensor can prevent the furnace from staying on. If it fails to detect the flame properly, the furnace will shut off as a safety measure. Cleaning the flame sensor can fix the issue. If you’re unsure how to do this, call for professional cleaning or replacement.
Malfunctioning Control Board
The furnace control board acts as the brain of the system. Malfunctions can prevent the furnace from operating. Symptoms include the furnace turning on and off rapidly or not turning on at all. A faulty furnace unit might need professional diagnostics to determine if the control board or another component is the issue.
Issues Specific to Furnace Types: Gas, Electric, and Oil Furnaces
Different types of furnaces can produce different types of problems. Below, we cover some furnace-specific issues.
- Electronic Ignition Furnace Won’t Light: Electric furnaces can have issues like electrical problems, tripped breakers, or heating element failure. Check the power supply and reset any tripped breakers. If the furnace still won’t light, it may have a faulty heating element that needs replacement. Issues with the drain pan can also cause moisture buildup, affecting the furnace’s performance.
- Gas Furnace Not Lighting: Gas furnaces can have problems like gas line issues, faulty pilot lights, or malfunctioning gas valves. If your natural gas furnace isn’t lighting, check the gas valve and pilot light. If you smell gas, evacuate the home and contact a professional immediately to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.
- Oil Furnace Not Turning On: Oil furnaces can have issues like low oil levels, clogged nozzles, or burner problems. Regular oil deliveries and maintenance keep the system running smoothly. If your oil furnace won’t turn on, check the oil supply and contact your propane company or oil supplier if needed.
How To Fix a Furnace
Some furnace issues can be troubleshooted by homeowners. Checking thermostat settings, replacing batteries, and changing air filters are simple tasks. For complex issues like electrical problems, gas supply issues, or significant system malfunctions, it’s best to call a professional HVAC technician. Attempting DIY repairs on these problems can be dangerous and may affect your utility bills due to inefficient operation.
Furnace problems can turn hazardous quickly. Handling components like the heat exchanger or addressing a gas leak requires specialized knowledge to guarantee professional furnace safety. Professionals have the expertise to properly regulate your furnace and heating system properly, ensuring all safety features are functioning correctly.
Aire Texas’s 24/7 Emergency Furnace Repair Services in Plano
At Aire Texas Heating & Air Conditioning, we offer prompt and reliable repair services around the clock. Our Plano heating repair team provides emergency assistance when your furnace won’t turn on, with 24/7 support to ensure your home stays warm. Whether it’s a malfunctioning gas appliance, issues with your HVAC system, or problems with the drain pan causing moisture buildup, we have the expertise to handle it.
Contact Aire Texas Heating & Air Conditioning for Top Quality Plano Furnace Repair
If your furnace won’t turn on or you’re facing other furnace issues, don’t wait to become miserable in a cold house. At Aire Texas, we offer top-quality furnace repair services in Plano, TX. Our professional HVAC technicians can diagnose and fix problems with your heating system, whether it’s a gas furnace, electric furnace, or oil furnace.
We handle everything from malfunctioning blower motors and heat exchangers to issues with pilot lights, gas valves, and gas lines. We can replace dirty air filters, address gas leaks, and get your HVAC system working properly. Regular maintenance, like changing furnace filters and cleaning flame sensors, helps your heating system function well and can lower utility bills.
And, if your furnace is past repair, we are always here to help with your new furnace installation in Dallas, Plano, and all the nearby areas. Don’t wait—schedule an appointment for troubleshooting, repair, installation, or maintenance today. We’ll help restore your furnace’s heat and get your HVAC system back on track.
Let Aire Texas be your trusted partner for all your heating needs – simply give us a call at (972) 424-2473 or complete our online contact form today!
