Reasons Your Furnace Will Not Turn On Only and Moments To Call A Professional

Awake and surprised in the coldest morning in Salem, NH, that the furnace has failed. You check the thermostat and press a few buttons, but absolutely nothing happens. What's your next step? Furnaces are very complicated machines; although a few issues could be solved, others require professionals. At Cornerstone Services, we have seen everything from malfunctioning thermostats to system failures. Now, let's explore some common reasons why your furnace might refuse to turn on and when to call us.

Reasons Why Your Furnace Will Not Turn On

1. Thermostat Problems

Thermostats are the brains of a heating system; failure to properly function will result before the furnace ignites. Dead batteries, wrong settings, or issues in calibration may also lead to troubleshooting. If replacing batteries, resetting up, or calibrating does not engage the device any further, an expert highly recommends replacement.

2. Problems with Power Supply and Electricity

Your furnace stove would be non-responsive if it weren't receiving power: a liable tripped circuit breaker, broken power switch, or faulty wiring. Patterns like the frequent tripping of the breaker should ring bells to alert you that an electrical problem requires expert attention.

3. Gas Supply Problems

Gas furnaces work with the gas supply running without any hitch. Thus, turning off the gas valve or a malfunction in the gas line could be why your furnace isn't lighting. If you smell gas, that's dangerous, so evacuate the area and call the gas company; otherwise, leave gas-related issues to an HVAC technician.

4. Restricted Airflow & Filters That Are Clogged

A very dirty air filter may appear innocuous but can actually cause significant problems with the furnace. Forced reduced airflow causes the appliance to overheat and, thus, shut off as a safety precaution. Regularly changing the air filter keeps the furnace running efficiently and for longer.

5. Failures of Blower Motors

The blower motor pushes heated air throughout the house: If broken, the furnace will switch on but won't release warm air. You will also want to listen closely for unusual sounds the blower makes--a squeal or rattle probably indicates the motor is failing. A technician can diagnose and repair any blower problems before they get worse.

6. Failures of the Pilot Light and Ignition System

Old furnaces have a standing pilot. Newer furnaces have an electronic ignition. If the pilot light goes out or the igniter doesn't work, your furnace will not heat your house. These things should be part of the expert service for safe and sound operation.

7. Inactive Safety Switch and Sensor

Furnaces have built-in safety measures against overheating, gas escape, and bad ventilation. If a pressure switch, high-limit switch, or flame sensor recognizes a problem, the unit will die. Such safe-keeping mechanisms should not be circumvented but rather looked at and repaired by your technician.

Reasons to Call an HVAC Technician for Professional Help

If, after checking the basics, your furnace still refuses to turn on, you should call in the professionals. Here are some examples of when to call Cornerstone Services:

• You hear strange noises like banging, squealing, or rattling.

• It cycles on and off frequently by itself and doesn't run consistently.

• You smell gas or notice signs of a gas leak.

• The breaker keeps tripping when you try to turn on the furnace.

• Your furnace won't ignite even though the thermostat is set correctly.

• No warm air would come in from the vents even while the system runs.

• Preventive Maintenance for Air-furnace Efficiency

• The best prevention for gas furnaces is strict maintenance—a check at least once a year should catch minor inconveniences before they lead to costly repairs. Change the air filter, clean the vents, and have your system tuned periodically, and you will ensure that it functions perfectly all winter long. 

Safety Tips for Using a Furnace

Never compromise the safety of home heating systems. For homes that use gas as fuel for heating, carbon monoxide detectors should be installed. Gas leaks and carbon monoxide buildup can cause fatalities, so annual checking of the system by a qualified technician is mandatory.

Final Thought

A furnace that won't turn on is not only frustrating but can also leave a home freezing during the New Hampshire winter. Some issues are minor and correctable with simple troubleshooting, but most problems with these units require professional repairs. Cornerstone Services is here to help keep you warm and cozy throughout the season. If your furnace isn't working, don't hesitate to call us today, and we will get your heat back on in no time!