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Furnace Not Turning On? Here’s What You Should Do First

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If your furnace won’t turn on, it can be a real pain. Not only is it cold in your home, but you have to deal with the hassle of finding a repairman and paying for the repairs.

Before you call a repairman, there are a few things you can check to see if you can fix the problem yourself. This guide will walk you through the most common issues that cause a furnace to stop working and what you can do to fix them,

1. Check Your Thermostat

The first thing you should do when your furnace won’t turn on is to check your thermostat. Make sure that it is set to “heat” and that the temperature is set above the current room temperature.

If the thermostat is set correctly and the furnace still won’t turn on, you may need to replace the batteries in the thermostat.

2. Check Your Circuit Breaker

If your furnace is electric, you will need to check your circuit breaker to make sure that the power is turned on to the furnace. The circuit breaker is usually located in your home’s breaker box, which is usually in the basement or garage.

If the circuit breaker is turned off, simply turn it back on and see if the furnace turns on.

3. Check Your Furnace Filter

If your furnace has been turned off for a while, the filter may be dirty. A dirty furnace filter can cause all sorts of problems, including the furnace not turning on.

To check the filter, simply remove it from the furnace and hold it up to a light. If you can’t see through the filter, it needs to be replaced.

4. Check For Gas Leaks

If your furnace runs on natural gas, you will need to check for gas leaks. Gas leaks can be very dangerous, so it is important to make sure that there are no leaks before you turn on the furnace.

To check for gas leaks, simply turn on the furnace and then go outside to see if you can smell gas. If you can smell gas, you will need to call a professional to fix the leak before you turn on the furnace.

5. Check Your Pilot Light

Many furnaces have a pilot light that needs to be lit before the furnace will turn on. If your furnace has a pilot light, you will need to make sure that it is lit before you turn on the furnace.

To check your pilot light, simply look for a small flame near the bottom of your furnace. If you see a small flame, the pilot light is lit, and you can turn on the furnace. If you do not see a small flame, the pilot light is not lit, and you will need to light it before you turn on the furnace. To light the pilot light, simply follow the instructions in your furnace’s owner’s manual.

Conclusion

There are a few things you can do when your furnace won’t turn on. First, you should check the power source and make sure the furnace is plugged in. Next, you should check the thermostat to see if it is set to “heat” mode. If both of these things are in order, you should then check the furnace filter to see if it needs to be replaced. Finally, if none of these things solve the problem, you should call a professional to come and take a look at your furnace.

If you’re looking for HVAC repair in Pickering, Oshawa, Ajax, and Toronto, or whether you have other home heating systems concerns, we can help. Climate Experts is a Canadian-owned and -operated company serving Durham Region, GTA, and the surrounding area. We install, service, and maintain all major brands of furnaces and air conditioners, available to help you with 24/7 emergency service quickly and promptly. Call us today at 1-855-241-7171 for a free estimate. 

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