When the temperature plummets, there’s nothing like the warmth of your furnace to keep your home comfortable. While a cozy blanket or a hot drink can help, nothing compares to the consistent comfort of a properly working heating system. But what happens when your furnace won’t kick on? It’s frustrating and inconvenient, especially during the chilliest months of the year.
Many furnace problems have simple explanations and straightforward fixes. Below, we’ll walk you through what can cause a furnace to stop working and how you can get back to enjoying a warm home once again.
1. A Dirty or Clogged Air Filter
One of the most frequent reasons for furnace problems is a dirty air filter. This filter is designed to catch dust, dirt, and other particles, but it can become clogged over time. When this happens, air can’t flow freely through the system, which forces the furnace to work harder. This added strain can lead to overheating or even cause the furnace to stop functioning.
If your furnace isn’t producing heat or the airflow feels weak, the air filter could be the culprit. Checking the filter regularly, especially during the heating season, is an easy way to prevent this issue. Replace it as soon as it looks dirty. Not only will this help your furnace function properly, but it will also improve your home’s air quality.
2. Thermostat Issues
If your furnace won’t kick on, it might not be the furnace at all — the thermostat could be to blame. Sometimes, the thermostat isn’t set correctly, or the batteries are dead. In other cases, the thermostat itself might be broken, preventing it from communicating with the furnace.
Since a thermostat issue can sometimes cause a furnace to stop working, you’ll want to see if this is the case before assuming something major is wrong. Start by checking the thermostat settings. Make sure the temperature is set a few degrees higher than the current room temperature, and confirm that the system is set to “heat.”
If your thermostat uses batteries, replace them to rule out a simple power issue. When these adjustments don’t resolve the problem, it may be time to call a professional technician to inspect or replace the thermostat.
3. Ignition or Pilot Light Problems
Natural gas furnaces rely on an ignition system or pilot light to function. If the pilot light is out or the ignition system isn’t working, the furnace won’t produce heat. This issue can be caused by a dirty flame sensor, problems with the gas valve, or a disruption in the gas supply.
If you feel comfortable doing so, follow the furnace’s manual to check and relight the pilot light. However, if you notice a gas smell or aren’t sure how to proceed, it’s important to call a professional right away. Safety is the top priority when working with gas appliances, and a trained technician can make sure everything is handled correctly.
4. Problems With the Blower Motor
The blower motor is the part of your furnace that pushes warm air through the ducts and into your home. When this component fails, you may find that your furnace is running, but there’s little to no airflow.
This problem can arise from several causes, including a lack of lubrication, a tripped circuit breaker, or a malfunctioning blower motor. If you suspect the furnace blower motor is the issue, start by checking your home’s circuit breaker panel to confirm that nothing has tripped. If that doesn’t solve the problem, a professional technician can inspect the motor and determine whether it needs repairs or replacement.
5. Electrical Issues
Sometimes, the issue isn’t with the furnace itself but with the power supply. A furnace power switch might have been turned off by accident, or a circuit breaker may have tripped. Without power, the furnace can’t do its job.
Check to see if the furnace switch is turned on. It’s usually located near the furnace and looks like a regular light switch. If the switch is in the correct position but the furnace still isn’t working, inspect the circuit breaker. A tripped breaker is a common reason for a furnace not working and can often be resolved by flipping it back on. For more complicated electrical issues, contact a professional who can safely diagnose and fix the problem.
When Should You Call A1 Plus Electrical, Heating, and Air?
Sometimes, a furnace issue is more complicated than a quick DIY fix. Here are some signs it’s time to call in the experts:
- You smell gas or suspect a gas leak.
- The furnace door won’t close properly, or it triggers the safety switch.
- The heat exchanger is cracked or damaged, which can be a fire hazard.
- You notice water pooling near the furnace, indicating potential issues with condensation exhaust vents or air ducts.
- Error codes or flashing lights are displayed on the unit.
A1 Plus Electrical, Heating, and Air offers fast and reliable furnace repair in Houston. If your furnace won’t kick on and you need professional assistance, don’t hesitate to give us a call.
Preventative Tips to Avoid Furnace Problems
While it’s useful to know what can cause a furnace to stop working, preventing these problems in the future is just as, if not more, important. Here are a few simple steps to help keep your furnace in good shape:
- Schedule Regular Furnace Maintenance: Having a professional perform furnace maintenance before the heating season starts can catch potential issues early.
- Check Your Thermostat Often: Verify that it’s functioning properly and set to the right temperature.
- Replace the Furnace Filter: Clean or replace your filter every one to three months, depending on your usage and household conditions.
- Keep the Area Around the Furnace Clear: Make sure nothing is blocking the exhaust vents or access panel.
Stay Warm All Winter With A1 Plus Electrical, Heating, and Air
Understanding what can cause a furnace to stop working is key to keeping your home warm during the colder months. While some problems can be resolved with simple checks, more complex issues often need professional attention.
If your furnace won’t kick on, don’t let the cold take over your home. The experienced team at A1 Plus Electrical, Heating, and Air is here to help. We offer a wide range of services to meet your needs, including furnace replacement in Houston, TX, and the surrounding areas.
Contact us today to schedule your service call. Our experienced technicians in Houston are ready to make your home warm and comfortable again!
