Why Won’t The Heating System Turn On?

Heating service contractors receive dozens of calls every winter from panicky customers whose heating system will not turn on. This is the last thing you need, right? The most common reason why your heating system won’t turn on is not attending to the system with annual maintenance inspections.

But don’t panic, yet. It might be a simple fix. Sometimes there is a perfectly good reason why your furnace will not turn on and you might even be able to fix it on your own. Before you begin to troubleshoot the system, be sure to close the gas valve and switch off the breaker to your furnace.

Check The Pilot Light

Sometimes the slightest draft in your home will blow out the pilot light in your furnace. If it is off, light it up and check the flame.

It should be a strong blue color, not yellow. A yellow flame means the pilot orifice is dirty. To clean it, disassemble the pilot and clean it out.

If you don’t feel comfortable doing this yourself, call a heating service company.

Check The Power

You should do this even if you have a gas furnace. Make sure that the circuit breaker to the furnace hasn’t tripped, and check the power cord for cracks or tears. Is the power switch set to “On”? Check for a possible electrical short in the control board.

Check The Thermocouple

The thermocouple is a safety device. It shuts off the gas if the pilot light should go out. Debris can collect in the thermocouple which can block the flame. Remove the thermocouple and clean it out. Thermocouples can wear out over time, so check to see if perhaps it’s time to get a new one.

Thermostat Needs New Batteries

If your heating system won’t turn on, check the thermostat. When was the last time you replaced the batteries? Replace them now.

Make sure that the thermostat is set to “Heat” and the temperature is set higher than the current ambient temperature.

Make sure that the thermostat is set to “On.”

Check Your Gas Supply

Turn off the power to the furnace and open the gas valve. If there is no gas supply coming into your home, your heating system doesn’t have fuel to turn on. If you smell, exit the structure immediately and call an HVAC expert or your utility company.

ChecK The Condensate Pan

The container in the condensate pan might be full. Clean it out and check the condensate pipe for any blockages. Check to see if the pump has lost power or needs replacement.

Yearly Maintenance

If you have your heating system serviced by a licensed expert once a year, this probably would not be happening. If not, your furnace might just be dirty.

The warm air that is dispersed throughout your house is probably blocked by a dirty and dusty filter. The flame sensor will be packed with dirt and your heating system will not be able to light the burners.

You should always clean or replace the filter in your heating system regularly. If your heating system still won’t turn on, call the experts at Superior Heating, Air Conditioning & Electrical, Inc. in Anoka, MN for immediate service. A specially trained expert will be at your door in minutes.