Why is my furnace not heating my house properly?
Why is My Furnace Running But Not Heating?
- Thermostat Issues. As we saw earlier, heating officially commences when the thermostat calls for heat. ...
- Ignitor/Pilot Light Issues. Next, check the ignitor and pilot light. ...
- Issues with the Gas Valve. ...
- The burner is Clogged. ...
- A bad Flame Sensor. ...
- A bad Blower Fan. ...
- Blocked or Missing Filter. ...
- Condensate Line/Pan Issues. ...
- Leaky/Blocked Ducts. ...
- Limit Switch and Lockout. ...
Why does my furnace have no power?
The switch inside the furnace could have accidentally been switched to off, so be sure the power is turned on. Even if you have a gas system, it uses electricity and must be turned on. There is a power disconnect switch by the furnace. You can also check the breaker to make sure power to the furnace has not been tripped.
Why is my thermostat not turning the heat on?
- Set your voltmeter to AC and measure the voltage between available wire terminals.
- Place one test probe on the exposed copper wire of RH (or RC), which is the power wire, and G (fan). ...
- Record the voltage readings. If you have less than 20VAC, the thermostat will not be able to turn on your system.
How to troubleshoot your furnace?
How to Troubleshoot your Furnace
- Is your heat on? To troubleshoot a furnace, start with the obvious. ...
- Are your batteries low? A low thermostat can easily make your system act strangely. ...
- Is your furnace switch working? ...
- Do you have a tripped breaker? ...
- Is your front panel door secure? ...
- Is your pilot light on? ...
- Are your filters clogged? ...
- Are your vents and registers closed or blocked? ...
Why is my furnace running but not kicking on?
If your furnace is not kicking on, it can be an issue with the thermostat. You should first make sure that the thermostat is switched to the heating function. Next, make sure that the temperature that you have the thermostat set on is lower than the temperature in the home.
How do you reset a furnace?
How to Reset an Electric FurnaceFirst, turn off the power supply to the furnace by turning off the breaker in the circuit box.Locate the reset button on the furnace and press it to reset the furnace. ... If the button is popped up, press it down.Return the cover to the blower compartment and turn the power on.
Why is my furnace not responding to thermostat?
When a furnace is not responding to a thermostat, there is either a problem with the heating unit or the actual thermostat. Lack of power to the thermostat, wrong settings, and outdated software might be to blame, as well as faulty wiring, a tripped breaker, and a dirty furnace filter.
What would cause a furnace to not ignite?
Your furnace won't ignite due to one or more of the following reasons:Gas Line Issues. ... Defective Thermostat. ... Dirty Furnace Filter. ... Malfunctioning Igniter or Pilot Light. ... Broken Flame Sensor. ... Dirty Gas Burners. ... Standing Pilot Light. ... Intermittent Pilot Igniter.More items...•
Should I hit the reset button on my furnace?
If your furnace doesn't have any air coming out at all and the pilot light is out, it's worth it to try resetting the furnace. If this doesn't work, there may be a problem with the thermostat setting, the power, or the gas line.
How do I know if my furnace fuse is blown?
All you have to do is look at the metal bar. If the bar is broken, then the furnace fuse has been blown. If you need to know where to buy a new fuse for the furnace, you need to make sure to get the same wattage ratings as before.
How do I fix an unresponsive thermostat?
If your thermostat is not working, change the batteries, make sure it is turned on, the thermostat is set to the correct mode, check the power supply and airflow. If your thermostat is still not working, the best thing to do is call an HVAC professional! They will be able to help you diagnose and repair the issue.
How do you know a thermostat is bad?
7 Ways to Tell Your Thermostat Is BrokenThermostat Has No Power. ... AC or Furnace Won't Turn On. ... Heater or AC Won't Turn Off. ... Thermostat Doesn't Match Room Temperature. ... Thermostat Doesn't Respond. ... Short Cycling. ... Thermostat Forgets Programmed Settings.
Why is my Honeywell thermostat not turning my heat on?
A Honeywell thermostat won't turn on the heat because of faulty sensors, improper installation, tripped circuit breakers, etc. The heat not turning on issue on your Honeywell thermostat may be fixed by resetting the Thermostat.
How do I reset my furnace ignitor?
Resetting The Ignitor Once the power is off you can remove the burner door to reveal the ignitor. Turn this to “off” and leave it off for at least 5 minutes. After this time, turn the ignitor back to the “on” position and replace the burner door. You can then turn the power source back on and restart the furnace.
Can hear your furnace click on but it does not fire up?
Ongoing clicking when the furnace isn't working may be a sign that gas isn't reaching the pilot light. The ignitor will keep clicking as it tries to spark a flame. This could indicate a dangerous gas leak or clogged gas valve.
How do you know if furnace ignitor is bad?
Here are a few indications that you have a faulty ignitor.No Cold Air. ... The Furnace Won't Come On. ... The Furnace Suddenly Stops Blowing. ... Starts, Then Stops, Then Starts Again. ... Tripping the Breaker More Than Once. ... I Hear the Click, But Nothing Happens. ... Flame Sensor Problems. ... Short Circuit.More items...•
Where is the reset button on my furnace blower?
All furnaces are equipped with a reset button. They are generally red or yellow and are located inside the blower compartment. The reset button is a safety feature that will shut down the furnace when a problem is detected, often a hot or overheating furnace, before it trips the circuit breaker.
How long does it take for a furnace to reset?
Leave the breaker(s) off for at least 10 minutes while the system is off and “rebooting.” After 10 minutes have elapsed, go back to the breaker box and flip the HVAC breaker(s) back on.
Where is the reset button?
Alternatively referred to as the reset switch, the reset button allows devices that utilize it, such as a computer or peripheral to be rebooted. Usually, the button is on the front of the device, next to or near the power button.
How do you reset the pilot light on a furnace?
How Can I Restart My Pilot Light?Step 1: Turn off your furnace. ... Step 2: Locate your gas valve. ... Step 3: Hold down the red button. ... Step 4: Light the pilot light. ... Step 5: Let go of the button. ... Step 6: Turn your gas back on. ... Step 7: Turn your furnace back on.
Why won't my furnace kick on?
If you do this and still the furnace won’t kick on, chances are there is dirt built up in the thermostat sensors. To access the sensors, you have to remove the thermostat’s cover. Dust the thermostat with a soft brush and remove any dust that might be there.
Why does my furnace shut off when the filter is clogged?
When the filter is clogged, it can cause the furnace to overheat, which triggers a safety feature that can shut off the furnace to prevent fire or carbon monoxide poisoning danger.
What is the thermostat in a furnace?
The thermostat is responsible for telling the furnace when to turn on and off, so if your furnace isn’t coming on when it should, the first place to check is the thermostat. Ensure that the thermostat is in the “heat” mode and the temperature setting is lower than the actual temperature in the house.
What happens when your furnace filters are too dirty?
When the air filter is too dirty or covered in a lot of debris, the airflow might be seriously reduced , and this can prevent the furnace from coming on.
What to do if your furnace is not coming on?
If the circuit breaker is on, but the furnace isn’t coming on, chances are you have an electrical problem that you should have checked by an authorized electrician.
Can a furnace come on when the water is full?
It’s normal for furnaces to have a condensation pan that collects water. When the reservoir is full, the furnace won’t come on. You can get the furnace going by draining the water, but this isn’t a viable long-term solution.
Should a valve be in the middle?
For proper working, the valve should be either all the way on or all the way off. It should never be in the middle.
Why won't my furnace start?
If your furnace clicks on or initiates the start cycle, but does not fire up, you likely have a faulty or dirty igniter/sensor. This is one of the most common furnace problems. Under normal conditions, the furnace is notified by the thermostat to click on, the igniter gets red hot and then initiates the entire process of igniting the gas and blowing the hot air. If you feel comfortable enough, check the error codes in your furnace user manual to make sure you do not have a more serious problem. To fix the furnace that won’t start, turn off the power to the furnace-and turn off the gas. Remove the front panel and look for the igniter/sensor. Refer to your user manual to locate the igniter. It is usually located near where the flames shoot out of the burners. Basically, the furnace will not continue in the starting sequence because the sensor/igniter is dirty and needs to be cleaned. It is very easy to remove the sensor with a screwdriver. Clean the probe on the sensor by rubbing it with some medium grain sandpaper. Do a thorough job, but be careful not to break anything. Replace the sensor exactly the way you found it. Put the front panel back on, turn on the gas, and then turn on the power. Turn up the temperature on your thermostat to see if your furnace will fire up. If this doesn’t solve the problem, time to give a technician a call.
How to fix a furnace that won't start?
To fix the furnace that won’t start, turn off the power to the furnace-and turn off the gas. Remove the front panel and look for the igniter/sensor. Refer to your user manual to locate the igniter. It is usually located near where the flames shoot out of the burners.
How to turn on a furnace?
Also, make sure it is on the HEAT or AUTO setting. You can try to get the furnace to turn on by setting the thermostat to as high as it will go.
What kind of furnace is used in Southern Illinois?
Make sure you know what kind of furnace you have before you start making repairs. The most common furnace in Southern Illinois is a forced air, gas fur nace. Here are some troubleshooting tips for fixing your broken furnace: Check the furnace filter.
What company to go to if furnace won't turn on?
If you try these tips and still have a furnace that won’t turn on, then give us a call or find us on Facebook. RSP Heating and Cooling is the best company to go to for furnace repair and maintenance.
What to do if gas is not open in furnace?
Is the gas supply to the furnace open? Check to make sure the gas control valve to the furnace is open. If it is not open then your furnace could have no fuel. Or, if you smell gas, leave immediately and call a repair company.
How to remove a gas sensor?
It is very easy to remove the sensor with a screwdriver. Clean the probe on the sensor by rubbing it with some medium grain sandpaper. Do a thorough job, but be careful not to break anything. Replace the sensor exactly the way you found it. Put the front panel back on, turn on the gas, and then turn on the power.
How to reset a furnace that won't turn on?
Solution: Typically, there’s a “reset” button near the motor housing. Turn the appliance off, wait 30 minutes for it to cool down, then press “reset.” If the furnace doesn’t reset immediately, repeat the procedure twice more.
What happens if your heating system is too advanced?
Solution: The more advanced the heating system is, the more susceptible the system is to power outages.
What happens if you smell gas in your home?
Solution: A disruption of the gas supply to the heating system in your home could leave the HVAC without fuel. If you smell gas, leave your home immediately, and call a local expert for emergency repair.
How to check if a pan is up or down?
If not, drain the fluid, and check for normal operation. OR. If the pan has a pump, check that the float switch is in the “down” position. If it’s “up,” clean it , and check for proper movement. If it’s “up” with water in the pan, push down on the float and hold it.
Where to check the state of a natural gas furnace?
Check the state of your natural gas furnace’s circuits at the entrance of the unit.
Does a furnace have a float switch?
Solution: Although drainage pans are associated more with air conditioners, furnaces still produce acidic condensation, so it likely has a float switch and a condensation pump as well. If the condensate pan has standing water, follow these instructions: If the pan has a drain, check that it’s clear.
Why won't my furnace kick on?
If there is a problem with the furnace's blower component, your furnace will not kick on. Most models have an inspection window. If you look through the window and the light is green, then your blower is functioning properly. If the light is not lit up or it is red, there is a problem which you should contact a professional to have repaired.
What happens if the pilot light is out on my furnace?
Pilot Light. If the pilot light on your furnace is out, the furnace will not turn on. You can try lighting the pilot. If it stays lit, your furnace will kick on. If it does not, there could be a problem with the assembly or the sensor, and a professional would need to come in and fix it.
What happens if the condensate pan is full?
If the reservoir in the condensate pan is full, the heating system will not kick on. You should contact a professional to come look at your unit. They would need to check for pipe blockages. If the pump has lost all power, it may need to be replaced.
Do you need electricity to run a furnace?
Regardless of the type of fuel that you use to power your furnace, it needs electricity. You should make sure that the fuse which powers your furnace has not tripped. Next, make sure that the power cord has not been damaged, and that the power switch is in the “on” position.
Why won't my furnace kick on?
The furnace may also refuse to kick on when temperatures drop due to electrical issues. You’re probably wondering why. The reason is that, although gas furnaces run on gas, they need electricity to keep some of the parts operational.
Why is my furnace not responding to temperature?
Why? Because the furnace only takes temperature directions from the thermostat.
Why does my furnace go off?
Without it, the furnace cannot work. The flame can go off for many reasons, including dirt buildup, windy conditions, and gas supply issues.
What to do if thermostat is damaged?
If the thermostat is damaged, you may attempt to repair it or call an HVAC pro to take a look. However, you may need to replace it in the end.
What is a limit switch on a furnace?
Is the limit switch triggered? Gas furnace limit switches are safety mechanisms designed to protect you and the furnace from fire risk and gas poisoning. For instance, it will cut off the gas supply if leaks or overheating is detected. The switch usually remains off until you fix it, which means that the furnace wouldn’t come ON even if temperatures drop.
What to do if your furnace is blacked out?
If you have a blackout, you’ll need to wait for the power to return. However, if the switch is OFF, turn it back ON and turn on the furnace to see if the issue goes away. If it doesn’t, then you may have a blown a fuse. You may need to involve a professional electrician at this point.
Why won't my furnace come on in the winter?
Blower fan issues and airflow are other issues that can cause the furnace to refuse to come on even in the middle of a cold winter night.
