Last updated on September 28th, 2021
One phrase every home owner dreads saying is, “Why is my furnace not turning on?” A non-functional furnace is incredibly inconvenient, and for most of us, brings to mind thoughts of costly repair bills and expensive furnace replacements. On top of this, your home is getting colder by the minute, and all you want is for your furnace to start working again to warm you up.
When your furnace isn’t working, it’s important to stay calm and start troubleshooting potential problems. Here, we’ve gathered some of the most common reasons that a residential furnace may not be working properly or turning on:
- Dirty Furnace Filter
A furnace filter that is full of dust and debris can block air flow throughout your home, preventing it from heating. Buy the correct filter for your furnace model and replace the dirty one with a fresh, clean one to ensure proper air flow. - Thermostat Settings
Likely one of the easiest troubleshooting steps, checking your thermostat settings is essential. Make sure that your thermostat is set to “heat”, not “cool”. - Furnace Power is Off
If you haven’t used your furnace in a while, the power may still be shut off. Check that the power switch is on. - A Tripped Breaker
A tripped circuit breaker could prevent your furnace from turning on. Look at your electrical panel and see if the breaker may have been tripped. Flip it back to the “on” position if it is set to “off”. - Gas Supply Issue
Check to see if the gas supply valve is turned to the full “on” position so that your furnace has sufficient fuel to turn the system on and operate correctly. Your gas valve should always be turned fully on or fully off, never in an in-between position. - Complete Breakdown
In some cases, your furnace may not work or turn on because of a complete breakdown. If your furnace has not been maintained properly, an unexpected failure can occur as a result of a damaged or improperly functioning component.
Should these troubleshooting tips leave you still wondering, “Why is my furnace not working?” you’ll need to call a trained professional to inspect your furnace and diagnose the issue. Attempting to repair your furnace on your own is not recommended.
To book a repair or service call today, contact Evam Canada at 1-905-624-5544 or contact us online. We would be pleased to help figure out why your furnace is not turning on and recommend the appropriate repairs or a new furnace installation.
