A furnace that won’t turn on can quickly turn from an inconvenience to a real problem, especially when the temperatures drop in Lakeland. It often seems to happen at the worst possible time—early in the morning, late at night, or during those slightly colder days that make working or relaxing at home uncomfortable. While it’s natural to worry when the heat stops working, several common issues may be preventing your furnace from turning on, and some of them are simple to identify.
Homeowners often ask whether there’s something they can check before calling for service. The answer is yes, but only up to a point. There are a handful of things you can safely look at yourself, with caution. This article covers some frequent causes and a few tips you can use to check the basics. If these steps don’t get your heat going again, that’s when bringing in one of our professionals becomes the next right move. Here’s a good place to start.
Check the Thermostat First
Surprising as it may be, the thermostat is one of the first things that should be checked. A simple setting error or battery issue can be the reason your furnace isn’t turning on. Before jumping to conclusions, look at the screen and make sure the thermostat is powered on and functioning.
Here’s what homeowners in Lakeland can do:
– Make sure it’s set to “heat” mode. This basic setting might have been switched to “cool” or “off” by mistake.
– Raise the temperature to a few degrees higher than the current room temperature. This forces the system to engage.
– If the display is blank or dim, replace the batteries. Many thermostats rely on battery power to function correctly.
– Confirm the fan setting isn’t locked in “on” or “off.” Set it to “auto” for troubleshooting.
– Check your home’s Wi-Fi if using a smart thermostat. A disconnected Wi-Fi signal can interrupt communication between the thermostat and furnace.
Thermostats can be misleading even when they seem to be functional. If it remains unresponsive after these checks, it’s a good idea to have it inspected or replaced by one of our technicians.
Inspect Furnace Power Sources
If the thermostat looks fine but your furnace is still not starting, the next place to check is the power supply. Even gas furnaces require electricity for the ignition system and fan motor. If power is cut off, the system won’t start.
Start with these basic checks:
– Look for a wall switch that controls power to the furnace. It’s usually located nearby or just outside the furnace room. Make sure it hasn’t been turned off by accident.
– Go to your home’s breaker box and check for a tripped breaker labeled “furnace” or “HVAC.” If it’s off, flip it back on. If it trips again right away, do not repeat the reset. This could indicate a deeper electrical issue.
– For older systems with fuses, inspect the fuse to see if it has blown. Replacing a fuse requires one of the same rating and is best done by one of our professionals.
Sometimes, nearby storage items, pets, or kids might accidentally bump something around the power switch or wiring. Make sure nothing has been moved or damaged in the area. If everything looks correct but there’s still no power, the issue may be inside the unit itself and will need a technician to diagnose it.
Examine the Furnace Filter
A clogged furnace filter can stop the entire system from running. Poor airflow can cause the furnace to shut down to avoid overheating. This built-in protection keeps the system safe but leaves your home without heat.
Here’s how to check the filter:
– First, turn off the power to the furnace.
– Locate the filter, which is typically found inside the return air vent or just inside the unit.
– Remove the filter and hold it up to the light. If you can’t see through it, the filter is too dirty and needs replacement.
– Use the correct size and type of filter recommended by the furnace manufacturer.
– Insert the new filter with the arrow pointing toward the furnace to match airflow direction.
Filters should be checked every couple of months, especially during colder periods when usage increases. Keeping a clean filter in place not only helps airflow but also reduces strain on your system. If the furnace still won’t turn on after changing the filter, it may be another airflow issue or internal component failure that needs a technician’s attention.
Assess the Ignition System or Pilot Light
Depending on the model of your furnace, you may have either a standing pilot light or an electronic ignition system. Both are vital for the furnace to turn on.
For units with a traditional pilot light:
– Open the access panel and see if the flame is visible. It should burn steady and blue.
– If the flame is out, follow the lighting instructions attached to your furnace, usually found on a service label.
– If you smell gas, do not attempt to relight it. Leave the area immediately and call for professional help.
For furnaces with electronic ignition:
– These use either a hot surface igniter or a spark igniter to light the burner.
– If you hear clicking but the burners don’t engage, the igniter might be damaged or dirty.
– A faulty flame sensor can also prevent the burners from staying on for more than a few seconds.
These components are sensitive and can fail without many visual signs. If relighting doesn’t work, or if you’re not sure what kind of system you have, it’s time to call our technicians for a proper inspection.
Calling In Support When Home Fixes Don’t Work
If you’ve confirmed the thermostat is working, power is active, filters are clean, and ignition is still an issue, that usually means there’s a more serious internal problem. These can range from failed internal sensors and safety switches to malfunctioning blower motors, cracked heat exchangers, or damaged control boards.
Some common triggers include:
– Limit switches reacting to overheating
– Sensors detecting blocked vent flow
– Control boards affected by voltage surges
These internal parts require testing equipment and advanced tools to inspect safely. Continuing to test these parts on your own could pose safety risks or cause more damage. That’s why at this stage, the next sensible step is to bring in one of our professionals. They can safely troubleshoot each component, find the root of the issue, and get your furnace back on without added risk or delay.
Stay Ready for Heating Issues in Lakeland Homes
Furnaces are built for reliability, but when they fail to turn on, it can be a major headache. Whether due to simple issues like a wrong thermostat setting or more complex problems deep inside the system, heat loss in your Lakeland home is always unwelcome.
Fortunately, by checking your thermostat, verifying power, replacing a clogged filter, and reviewing the ignition system, you can catch some of the most common causes safely. These steps won’t solve everything, but they can help you identify when to bring in help. Getting proactive with signs of trouble reduces the risk of a full breakdown.
For residents in Lakeland, knowing when to reach out for help makes all the difference when temperatures drop. A dependable heating system is key to staying comfortable, and our team is here to make sure your furnace stays ready when you need it most.
If your furnace still isn’t turning on and you’re looking for dependable support, turn to the experienced team at First Response Heating & Cooling. Our professionals are ready to deliver trusted solutions with safe, efficient results. For lasting comfort and peace of mind, learn more about heating service in Lakeland. For a quick estimate or to book a service visit, please contact us today.