4 Things to Check When Your Furnace Won’t Turn On

It’s cold outside and your furnace won’t turn on… now what? It’s easy to panic when your furnace isn’t turning on and the temperature in your home starts to drop. Before you run and call for an emergency furnace repair, there are a few things you can check yourself to rule out the possibility of a quick fix.

Check your Thermostat Settings

Your thermostat could have lost power, be on a schedule, been reset from a power outage, or even accidently bumped. Always start with checking the thermostat to make sure your furnace is simply being told to not turn on in the first place.

Check your Circuit Breaker

If there is nothing wrong with the thermostat, make sure your furnace is getting power. A tripped circuit breaker can be an easy fix if your furnace won’t turn on. Check the breaker in your electrical panel that is associated with your furnace. If it’s in-between on and off, that means the breaker was tripped. Flip it to the off position and then flip it to the on position. If it continues to trip, you’ll need to replace the circuit breaker.

Check the Furnace Filter

If all things thermostat and electricity look good, it’s time to look at the furnace itself. A very common reason for a furnace to malfunction, have low airflow or not turn on at all is a dirty filter. A dirty filter inhibits proper airflow through the furnace, preventing the furnace from producing enough warm air to heat your home to your set temperature. Sometimes the filter is so dirty the furnace won’t even start up.

Check the Pilot Light

If you have a gas furnace, always check the pilot light. If the gas supply to your furnace has halted, the pilot light will go out and your furnace will not turn on. If the pilot light is discolored, we recommend calling an HVAC specialist immediately.

When in doubt, it’s always a good idea to call a professional. Not having a furnace during cold temperatures in Denver is uncomfortable and can become unsafe. Whether you have questions about troubleshooting your furnace or need a repair, Grand Home Services is here to help. Contact us online or call us to get help now anywhere in the Denver Metro Area.