HELP, MY HEATER ISN'T WORKING! (POSSIBLE CAUSES) (2024)

FAQs

HELP, MY HEATER ISN'T WORKING! (POSSIBLE CAUSES)? ›

If your furnace is not turning on you should first check if the filter is clean. Dirty filters cause insufficient airflow and can prevent the furnace from starting. Other reasons it won't start can stem from improper thermostat settings, forgetting to turn on the gas line, or faulty pilot light.

If your furnace is not turning on you should first check if the filter is clean. Dirty filters cause insufficient airflow and can prevent the furnace from starting. Other reasons it won't start can stem from improper thermostat settings, forgetting to turn on the gas line, or faulty pilot light.

Clogged Air Filter. Clogged air filters are one of the most common problems for heaters. If your heater cannot blow anything or at least fails to let out hot air, the chances are that your filter is clogged. Filters naturally become clogged as debris builds up in them.

Change the Furnace Filter

Dirty filters are the most common cause of furnace problems. Dust and dirt restrict airflow—and if the filter gets too clogged, the heat exchanger will overheat and shut off too quickly, and your house won't warm up. If the blower is running but no heat is coming out, replace the filter.

The cause of your furnace not blowing hot air could be the thermostat configuration, a dirty air filter, the high limit switch, a clogged condensate line, insufficient fuel, leaky ducts, ignition problems, a blocked burner, flame sensor issues, gas valve malfunctions, a cracked heat exchanger, or a clogged coil.

A clogged filter can prevent air from flowing into your heating system and cause it to stop working. Oftentimes, switching out your dirty air filter with a clean one can restore heat to your home.

Clogged Air Filter

This is one of the most frequent causes of trouble in an HVAC system. If the filter is heavily clogged with dust and debris, it may cause the furnace to shut off as a safety precaution. Fortunately, this is a basic problem to solve—just put in a clean filter.

Check your thermostat's batteries and replace any that are exhausted or defective. Clean all of the parts of your furnace, especially the ones that are susceptible to dust and dirt. You could also hire HVAC technicians to clean the system thoroughly. Ensure that the gas valve is open and not obstructed by any debris.

A malfunctioning thermostat can make your heater or air conditioner unable to turn on. In most cases, this indicates the wiring has failed. Normally, electrical wires transmit messages from the thermostat to the HVAC unit, such as telling it when to turn on and what temperature to make your house feel.

How do I get my heater to kick on? ›

This can occur if there's a malfunction in the furnace's components, such as a faulty limit switch or a blocked heat exchanger. In such cases, it's crucial to consult a professional HVAC technician for a thorough inspection and necessary repairs.

Clogged or dirty filters can wear out the electrical components that keep the warm air blowing through your home's air vents. They can also “choke out” your system and make it stop working. If your heater isn't able to take in enough air, it causes problems and may cause it to overheat and shutdown.

The thermostat may have a dead battery, so replace them with fresh ones and try again. Your furnace may turn on right away after this. If it doesn't, you may have a faulty power circuit. Have an HVAC professional diagnose this issue, and provide you with professional recommendations.

Check your Thermostats!

Sometimes the problem can be related to your thermostat, which may not be set to the ideal temperature settings. If the thermostat is set too low, the heating will not come on until the room temperature is lower than the temperature you set.

The problem may be because of power, more specifically, the lack of it. The thermostat may have a dead battery, so replace them with fresh ones and try again. Your furnace may turn on right away after this. If it doesn't, you may have a faulty power circuit.

A boiler may fail to fire up when there isn't enough gas or a problem with the ignition system. Electrical faults or a broken thermostat could also prevent your boiler from firing up. Regular maintenance and checking for visible issues can help diagnose the problem early on.

Clogged or Dirty Air Filters

A dirty or clogged air filter can restrict airflow, causing your furnace to overheat and shut off the burners. In such cases, the blower fan will continue running, but no warm air will be distributed throughout your home.

Check your thermostat's batteries and replace any that are exhausted or defective. Clean all of the parts of your furnace, especially the ones that are susceptible to dust and dirt. You could also hire HVAC technicians to clean the system thoroughly. Ensure that the gas valve is open and not obstructed by any debris.