As the leaves turn and a chill fills the Ohio air, the last thing you want is a furnace that won’t heat. Before the first frost settles in, it’s smart to make sure your heating system is ready for the winter ahead. When your furnace stops working, it can be stressful, especially when it’s cold outside. But don’t worry. Many common furnace problems can be fixed without a service call. This guide will walk you through a simple “no heat” checklist to help you solve these issues yourself. We will cover everything from simple thermostat checks to cleaning essential parts. And if you do need help, The Waterworks Plumbing, Drain, Heating & Cooling is here for you. Let’s get your home warm and cozy for the winter.
Check Your Thermostat First
Before you assume the worst, start with the simplest solution, your thermostat. It’s the brain of your heating system, and a small issue here can cause the whole system to stop working. First, make sure the thermostat is set to “heat.” It sounds simple, but it’s a common mistake. Someone in your home might have accidentally switched it to “cool” or “off.”
Next, check the temperature setting. If the set temperature is lower than the current room temperature, your furnace won’t turn on. Try raising the temperature five degrees higher than the room temperature and see if your furnace kicks in. If you have a programmable thermostat, check the batteries. Dead batteries are a frequent cause of thermostat failure. Replacing them is easy and could save you a service call. If these simple checks don’t work, your thermostat might be malfunctioning, and it could be time to call a professional.
The Importance of a Clean Air Filter
A dirty or clogged air filter is one of the most common reasons a furnace stops heating. Your furnace needs a steady flow of air to work correctly. When the filter is clogged with dust, dirt, and other debris, it restricts this airflow. This can cause your furnace’s heat exchanger to overheat and shut down as a safety measure. In some cases, a clogged filter can even lead to a complete system breakdown.
Checking and changing your air filter is a simple task you can do yourself. Most filters are located inside the furnace cabinet or in the return air duct. You should check your filter every month, especially during the winter when your furnace is running frequently. If the filter looks dirty, replace it with a new one. Make sure you use the correct size and type of filter for your furnace. This simple step can improve your furnace’s efficiency, lower your energy bills, and prevent costly repairs.
Pilot Light and Ignition System Problems
If your furnace is older, it might have a pilot light that stays lit all the time. If this pilot light goes out, your furnace won’t produce any heat. You can usually see the pilot light flame through a small window on the front of the furnace. If it’s out, you’ll need to relight it. Your furnace should have instructions on how to do this safely. If you’re not comfortable doing it yourself, it’s best to call a professional.
Newer furnaces have electronic ignition systems instead of pilot lights. These systems can also fail, preventing your furnace from heating. An electronic ignition system might have a hot surface ignitor or an intermittent pilot. If you hear a clicking sound but the furnace doesn’t light, there might be a problem with the ignitor. A dirty flame sensor is another common issue. The flame sensor is a safety device that shuts off the gas if it doesn’t detect a flame. If the sensor is dirty, it can’t detect the flame and will shut the furnace down. You can often clean the flame sensor yourself with a bit of light sandpaper or steel wool, but always turn off the power to the furnace first.
Gas Supply and Electrical Issues
For your furnace to produce heat, it needs a steady supply of fuel. If you have a gas furnace, make sure the gas valve is open. This valve is usually located on the gas line near your furnace. If you have other gas appliances in your home, like a stove or water heater, check to see if they are working. If they aren’t, you may have a problem with your gas supply, and you should contact your gas company.
Your furnace also needs electricity to run. Check your home’s electrical panel to see if the breaker for your furnace has tripped. A tripped breaker will be in the “off” position or in a middle position between “on” and “off.” If it’s tripped, you can try resetting it by flipping it to the “off” position and then back to the “on” position. If the breaker trips again, there may be an electrical problem with your furnace, and you should call a professional for help.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: How often should I change my furnace filter?
A: It’s a good practice to check your furnace filter every month and replace it if it looks dirty. During the winter months, when your furnace is used more frequently, you might need to change it more often. A clean filter helps your furnace run efficiently and prevents many common problems.
Q: What should I do if I smell gas near my furnace?
A: If you smell gas, you should act immediately. Do not try to light any appliances or use any electronics, including your phone. Leave your home right away and call your gas company from a safe distance. A gas leak is a serious safety hazard and should be handled by professionals.
Q: Why is my furnace making strange noises?
A: Strange noises like banging, rattling, or squealing can indicate a variety of problems. A rattling noise could be a loose panel, while a squealing noise might mean a problem with the blower motor or belt. If you hear any unusual noises, it’s best to turn off your furnace and call a professional to diagnose the issue.
Q: Is it safe to relight my own pilot light?
A: If you have an older furnace with a pilot light, you can usually relight it yourself by following the manufacturer’s instructions. These instructions are typically on a label inside the furnace cabinet. However, if you are not comfortable doing this, or if the pilot light keeps going out, you should call a professional for help.
Don’t Get Left in the Cold. Contact The Waterworks Today.
While many furnace issues can be solved with simple troubleshooting, some problems require the expertise of a trained professional. If you’ve gone through this checklist and your furnace still isn’t heating, it’s time to call for help. At The Waterworks Plumbing, Drain, Heating & Cooling, our certified technicians are ready to diagnose and repair any furnace problem, big or small. We’re here to make sure your home stays warm and comfortable all winter long. Call us today to schedule a service appointment.
When to Call a Professional
While this checklist covers many common furnace problems you can solve yourself, some issues require professional help. If you’ve tried all these steps and your furnace still won’t heat, it’s time to call a certified HVAC technician. Complex problems like a cracked heat exchanger, faulty gas valve, or damaged blower motor need expert diagnosis and repair.
You should also call a professional if you notice any of these warning signs. A yellow or orange pilot light flame instead of blue could indicate a carbon monoxide problem. Strange smells like rotten eggs might mean a gas leak. Frequent cycling on and off could signal a serious mechanical issue. These problems are not safe to handle on your own and require immediate professional attention.
Preparing Your Furnace for Ohio Winters
Ohio winters can be harsh, with temperatures often dropping well below freezing. Your furnace works harder during these cold months, so proper preparation is essential. Before the first frost hits, schedule a professional maintenance check. A technician can clean your system, check for worn parts, and make sure everything is working safely and efficiently.
During the winter, keep an eye on your furnace’s performance. If you notice your energy bills going up without explanation, or if some rooms in your house are colder than others, these could be signs of furnace problems. Catching issues early can prevent bigger, more expensive repairs later. Remember, a well-maintained furnace not only keeps you warm but also saves you money on energy costs.
