5 Reasons Your Heating System Won’t Turn On

Explanations & Troubleshooting Tips

When temperatures drop in Middle Georgia, a heating issue can be a major inconvenience. Fortunately, not all furnace issues require professional repairs. In some instances, homeowners can troubleshoot the issue themselves to restore their heat without calling an HVAC company.

In this article, the NATE-certified technicians at Conditioned Air cover five reasons why your heating system won’t turn on and offer tips on how to fix the issue yourself to restore your heating quickly and prevent discomfort.

Unit Accidentally Switched Off

Most furnaces have a power switch on the unit itself that will shut off the power. If you have been working around the system or have a child that could have bumped the switch, restoring your heat could be as simple as switching the system back on. We always recommend that this is the first thing that homeowners check, as it’s an easy first step to rule out.

Tripped Circuit Breaker

Another reason that your heat may lose power is a tripped circuit breaker. This often happens due to electrical overload, a short circuit, or a power surge. To restore power, go to your home’s electrical panel and look for a breaker set in the “off” or halfway position. Reset the breaker by flipping the switch fully off and then back on again. This should fix the issue. If you find your breaker tripping frequently, you may need an electrician to fix an underlying electrical issue.

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Clogged Air Filter

Air filters should be changed every one to three months to ensure proper airflow to your heating system. If it’s been at least a month or more since your filter was last changed, install a new one to see if this fixes the issue. A dirty air filter will restrict airflow to your furnace and can cause it to overheat. This will trigger a safety switch that prevents the system from turning on.

Thermostat Malfunction

If your thermostat cannot properly communicate with your furnace, it may prevent the system from turning on. Issues like dead batteries, incorrect settings, and internal wiring issues can all limit your thermostat’s ability to tell your furnace to provide heat. To troubleshoot thermostat issues, homeowners should replace the batteries and double-check settings. If the issue persists, a professional may need to determine if you need a thermostat replacement.

Faulty Pilot Light

Homeowners who rely on a gas furnace should check their pilot light if they are having heat issues. If the light is out, it could be due to a draft, dirt buildup, or a malfunctioning thermocouple. Check your pilot light to see if it has a strong, blue flame. If it doesn’t, follow the manufacturer’s instructions to relight it. If it won’t stay on, you may need professional attention.

Get Your Furnace Repaired by Conditioned Air in Macon

If after these troubleshooting steps you still don’t have the heat you need, call Conditioned Air for expert heat repairs. Our expert technicians offer emergency service for all brands of systems and can provide you with an accurate diagnosis and lasting repairs. Plus, with over 80 years in business, you can trust that you’ll get superior service with our team.

Call Conditioned Air today to schedule heating repairs with our team in Macon, Warner Robins, or Milledgeville.