Furnace Not Working? 7 Things to Check Before You Call
A furnace that won’t heat is stressful, but the fix is often simpler than you’d think. Run through these seven safe checks first, and if it’s something bigger, we’re on it.
1. Check your thermostat
Set it to “heat” and a few degrees above the current room temperature. If the display is blank, the batteries may be dead, so that’s check number two done early.
2. Replace your air filter
A clogged filter restricts airflow, and some furnaces will shut down as a safety response. If yours is gray and packed, a fresh filter may be all it takes.
3. Check the breaker
Look for a tripped breaker for the furnace at your electrical panel. Flip it fully off, then on. If it trips again immediately, stop and call us, because that’s a sign of something that needs a professional.
4. Find the furnace power switch
Many furnaces have a switch nearby that looks just like a light switch, and it sometimes gets flipped off by accident. Make sure it’s on.
5. Replace thermostat batteries
If your thermostat takes batteries, weak ones can cause it to lose connection with the furnace. Fresh batteries are a cheap and easy fix worth trying.
6. Make sure vents are open
Walk the house and confirm supply vents aren’t closed or blocked by furniture. Too many closed vents can throw off the whole system.
7. Try a full reset
Turn the system off at the thermostat, wait a minute, and turn it back on. A simple reset clears some minor glitches.
Did one of these fix it?!
Look at you, saving yourself a service call. Snaps for you, babe!
If that didn’t fix it, we’re on it
Furnace issues beyond these basics, like a failed igniter, a bad flame sensor, or a blower problem, need a licensed technician. And because heating equipment involves combustion, every one of our heating visits includes a carbon monoxide safety check for your peace of mind. And if what you’re smelling is a rotten egg or sulfur odor rather than a mechanical problem, leave the house first and call from outside.
Worked through the list and still no heat? That’s completely normal, and it’s exactly what we’re here for. Call or text and we’ll warm things back up, safely.
Good questions
Why is my furnace not working?
What should I check before calling for furnace repair?
Do you check for carbon monoxide?
Let’s get you warm again.
Checked the basics? We’ll take it from here.