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A furnace that won’t turn on is a common problem, although it can be a drag when this occurs on an extremely cold, frosty day. Fortunately, there are simple troubleshooting steps that you can take to try to fire up your furnace. One of the leading  HVAC installation contractors  in Maryland shares four of them here: 

Check the thermostat.  If your furnace isn’t firing, the thermostat may have been reset or lost its programming. To test this, set your thermostat about 10 degrees higher than the current temperature. You should also double-check if the device is set to “AUTO” or “HEAT.” If these simple tips fail to turn on the system, consider trying other troubleshooting techniques.

Check the circuit breaker.  Even if you use a gas-fueled furnace, some of its components run on electricity. If your furnace doesn’t start up after many tries, the circuit breaker may be shut off.  HVAC companies  recommend inspecting the circuit panel and making sure all switches for your HVAC system are set to “ON” and working properly.

Check the pilot light.  If your furnace kicks on but doesn’t fire up, the igniter/sensor may be faulty or dirty. To troubleshoot, turn off the power to the equipment, as well as the gas. Then, locate the igniter. It’s usually found near the area where the flames shoot out of the burner. Your furnace won’t turn on if there’s dirt and dust buildup on the igniter. Give a technician a call to resolve this issue for you safely.

Check the gas or oil supply.  Lack of fuel prevents furnaces from starting up. To check your fuel supply, try operating another gas-fueled appliance in your home, such as the stove. If it fails to start up as well, then you need to contact your gas or propane supplier.

Home Air Services has been providing top-notch residential and commercial HVAC solutions since 1953. From furnace tune-ups and safety checks to  air conditioning repair  and replacement, our skilled technicians have got you covered. Call us today at (301) 585-8100 or fill out our convenient  contact form  to set up an appointment.