It is every homeowner’s worst fear, when the temperatures drop and your home feels cold, you go to turn on your heater and nothing happens! Before you reach for the phone to call your HVAC repair team, there are five things to check which could be preventing your heater from switching on.
Test the power:
Even if your heater is gas fueled, it still requires an electricity supply for the ignition and other features such as fans. Additionally, some safety mechanisms require a power supply and the system will not operate if there is no electricity flowing through the unit. You should check for any blown fuses or tripped circuit breakers which could be preventing power from reaching your furnace. You should also check your heater’s power cord for any signs of damage and ensure that the power switch is on.
Check the Thermostat:
What appears to be a heater problem could actually be a thermostat issue. Before taking any drastic steps when your heater won’t turn on, try checking the thermostat. You should double check your settings and try changing the console batteries. Ensure that your thermostat is set to heat and that the temperature is not set below the ambient home temperature, as this will prevent the system from turning on.
Look for Condensation:
Most heaters are designed to remove humidity from your indoor air and pump it or drain it out of your home. Most models are equipped with a reservoir to collect the condensation water. If this reservoir becomes full, the heating system will shut down to prevent a possible overflow, which could cause damage to your home. Check the collection pan and drain it if needed. You should also ensure that the pump has not been blocked by any debris.
Check Your Fuel Source:
Without fuel your heating system will not run, so before making a potentially embarrassing call to your HVAC technician, you need to ensure that you have fuel. If your system uses an oil heater, check that the tank contains sufficient oil. Don’t rely on the gauge as it could be damaged and giving you a faulty reading. If your heating system is gas powered, check your other gas appliances such as a stove to ensure that the supply for the entire house is not turned off.
Look at the Pilot Light:
Finally, you need to look at the pilot light. Although many furnace models use an electric ignition, some models still have a pilot light. Therefore, it is possible that your pilot light may have gone out, preventing your system from turning on. If your pilot light is out, ensure that the sensor is free of debris and consult your manufacturer’s manual to follow the correct procedure to relight it. If the pilot light keeps going out, it is possible that the sensor is broken or there is some underlying issue which requires attention.
If you have checked these five things and your heater still won’t turn on, it is time to call in professional assistance. An experienced heating technician can assess your system to check for underlying issues and get your system up and running again.