When your furnace won’t turn on, it can cause problems, especially when the weather is cold. But don’t worry. Lots of furnace starter issues are small and are easy to fix. With a few quick steps, you can get your heating system working again without calling a technician.
Here are seven things to check before you call for furnace repair Ontario provided by our professionals at Don’s. We also help you learn helpful furnace DIY tips and answer your questions about air filters, and provide advice for furnace maintenance. Let’s start!
1. Check the Thermostat
When your furnace won’t start, always try to start with the thermostat check. Make sure it’s set to “heat” and the temperature is higher than the current room temperature.
If your thermostat uses batteries, replace them. Dead batteries can stop it from sending a signal to the furnace.
If you have a programmable thermostat, check the schedule. Power cuts or incorrect settings can cause problems. Sometimes, pressing the reset button or restarting it helps fix your furnace turning on issues.
2. Inspect the Furnace Filter
A dirty air filter is one of the most common HVAC problems. When your filter is full of dust, air cannot move freely. This makes the furnace overheat and shut down for safety.
Take the filter out and look at it. If it looks gray or full of dirt, it’s time for a new one. Replacing the filter can quickly fix a furnace that won’t heat problem.
Clean filters help your system run better and last longer. This is one of the easiest furnace tips DIY you can follow.
3. Check Power Switches and Circuit Breaker
Sometimes, when your furnace is not turning on it is because there is no power. Look for a switch near the furnace that looks like a light switch. You may turn it off by mistake. Turn it back on if needed.
If that’s not the issue, go to your home’s electrical panel. Look for the breaker labeled “furnace” or “HVAC.” If it has tripped, flip it back on.
If it goes off again, do not keep resetting it. You might have an electrical problem that needs a professional to fix. It’s always better to stay safe and call for furnace repair in Ontario if this happens.
4. Look at the Pilot Light or Ignition System
If your furnace won’t start, check the pilot light or ignition.
Old gas furnaces have a small flame called a pilot light. If it’s out, make sure to follow the manufacturer’s steps to fix it safely. If it goes off again, you might have a dirty thermocouple or a gas problem.
New furnaces have an electric igniter instead of a pilot light. If you hear a click but it doesn’t turn on, the igniter might be broken. This is not something to fix yourself. Make sure to call a professional technician for help with these furnace starter problems.
5. Make Sure the Gas Valve Is On
Your furnace needs gas to work. Check the gas valve near the unit. The handle should be parallel to the gas pipe. If it’s turned sideways, the gas goes off. Ensure to turn it back carefully.
If you smell gas, leave your home immediately. Do not touch switches or try to restart the furnace. Call your gas company or emergency services!
6. Inspect Air Vents and Outside Pipes
Your furnace always needs good airflow to work properly. Walk around your house and check if air vents are open and not blocked by anything like furniture, rugs, or curtains.
Also, check the intake and exhaust pipes outside your house. In winter, snow, ice, or leaves can block these pipes. Clear anything that might block the airflow. A blocked vent can cause your heating system to stop working.
7. Review Your HVAC Maintenance
If it’s been more than a year since your last furnace maintenance, it might be time for a tune-up. Over time, dust builds up, parts wear out, and wires can become loose.
During maintenance, a technician cleans the burners, checks airflow, and makes sure all safety parts work correctly. They can also replace filters and give you HVAC filter tips for your system.
Keeping up with regular maintenance helps prevent furnaces from developing problems and keeps your heating system running safely.
Mark on your calendar when you replace the filter and schedule maintenance. A simple reminder helps you avoid problems before they start.
When is The Best Time to Change Furnace Filters?
The best time to change your furnace filter is before the season changes, especially before winter. This can help keep your furnace in good shape before the cold months.
If you live in Ontario, remember that long heating seasons can make your furnace run more often. So, check your filters more regularly to avoid no heat Ontario issues.
How Often Should I Change the Filter?
In most scenarios, you should change the furnace filter every 90 days. But if you have pets, smoke indoors, or have someone with allergies, we recommend you change it every 30 to 60 days.
It’s good to know that clean filters help air flow smoothly, reduce energy use, and extend the life of your system. Lots of homeowners try to make a simple schedule to stay on track with furnace maintenance tasks.
Signs of a Dirty Furnace Filter!
You can often understand if your filter is dirty just by how your home feels. Watch for these signs:
- Dust near air vents
- Weak airflow
- The furnace is turning off and on often
- Higher heating bills
- Smell of dust
If you notice any of these, check your filter right away. A quick filter change can fix many furnaces and heating problems fast.
HVAC Filter Guide!
Here’s a short guide to help you know when to replace your furnace filters:
- Fiberglass filters: Every 30 days
- Pleated filters: Every 60–90 days
- High-efficiency filters: Every 3–6 months
- Washable filters: Clean once a month
Tip: Write the installation date on your filter. That way, you always know how long it has been in use. Keeping clean filters is one of the cheapest ways to prevent furnace turning on problems.
When to Call a Professional?
If you tried all of these seven steps above and your furnace is still not working, it’s time to call an expert. You could have a broken motor, a bad control board, a dirty flame sensor, or damaged wiring. These are not safe to fix yourself and need to be handled by professionals.
A professional can find the problem quickly and safely. For furnace repair Ontario, contact Don’s Heating and Cooling.
Call Don’s Heating and Cooling When Your Furnace Starts to Bother!
Don’t stay in the cold waiting for your furnace to work again. Call Don’s Heating and Cooling!
Our HVAC company handles all kinds of HVAC problems, including furnace not turning on, heating system won’t work, and furnace starter issues. We can check your system, repair broken parts, and help you learn helpful furnace DIY tips to keep your furnace in good condition
We also provide expert advice on air filters, maintenance schedules, and the best times to change them.
If you need help replacing a filter, scheduling a tune-up, or fixing a furnace that won’t start, Don’s Heating and Cooling can help!