Most people do not give their furnace a second thought until it is no longer working. There is nothing worse than having your furnace break down on a cold day. If you turn your heat on, and your furnace does not start, there are a few reasons that this could be happening.

man adjusting thermostat

Thermostat

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. You may also have an internal problem with your thermostat, which needs to be repaired by a professional.

Check the Power

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. If you notice any burn marks on the control board of the heating system, there may have been an electrical short. You would need to contact a professional to repair the problem.

The Blower Component

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.

Full Condensate Pan

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.

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.

Having your furnace stop working can be very stressful, especially when it is cold outside. Calling up a professional to inspect your unit and provide furnace repairs is the best way to quickly diagnose the cause and get your home warm and cozy again!