Simple Fixes If Your Furnace Is Running But Not Heating
As the chill of winter sets in, your home's furnace becomes the primary source of heating and indoor comfort. However, like any appliance, your furnace requires regular maintenance to perform uninterruptedly during the cold season. Nevertheless, some heating issues could be minor inconveniences you can quickly address on your own. Below, we'll explore simple fixes you can do when your furnace is running but not heating.
Troubleshooting Steps
Before calling the experts, there are several steps you can take to troubleshoot your furnace. Each is easy and safe for any homeowner or property manager to perform, often resolving the most common furnace issues. Let's walk through these simple fixes together to restore your furnace.
Examine the Thermostat Settings
Your thermostat is a crucial first step in troubleshooting to determine whether it was correctly set. It's common for thermostats to inadvertently get set to Cool or Off, preventing the furnace from heating even though it's running. For example, if you set your thermostat to 68 degrees, but the room temperature never reaches that point, the furnace is not igniting properly. Alternatively, if the thermostat is programmed for cooling or turned off, it won't signal the furnace to start the heating process.
Change the Air Filter
A clogged or dirty air filter is typical with furnace issues. Due to restricted airflow, your furnace can only heat your home partially. Let’s look at how to check your air filter and when to replace it to keep your furnace running smoothly. Let’s assume you noticed that your home is taking longer than usual to warm up or if there's a noticeable decrease in airflow from the vents. These could easily be signs of a clogged air filter. Regularly replacing a dirty filter, which might look visibly gray and clogged with dust, can significantly improve your furnace's heating efficiency and indoor air quality.
Check the Circuit Breakers
Issues like tripped circuit breakers can interfere with your furnace's functionality. For example, if your furnace suddenly stops working after a large appliance is turned on, it could be due to a tripped breaker. When inspecting the panel, look for a switch that has moved to the 'Off' position or is in between 'On' and 'Off,' carefully push it to ‘Off’ and then to ‘On” to restore power. A tripped breaker might be a simple fix, yet it can signal deeper electrical issues if it occurs frequently. Should you find yourself regularly resetting the breaker for your furnace, then it’s time to contact a professional electrician or HVAC technician to rule out severe electrical problems.
Check The ON/OFF Switch
Often overlooked, your furnace's ON/OFF switch is a simple yet crucial component. Sometimes, this switch gets accidentally turned off, leading to the furnace blower running without producing heat. For instance, if you're doing house cleaning and accidentally flip this switch, it might appear that the furnace has stopped working. It's not uncommon for this switch to be mistaken for a light switch and turned off during routine activities or cleaning. A quick check of this switch, often located on the side of the furnace or a nearby wall, can save you the hassle and expense of an unnecessary service call.
Check The Gas Valve By Your Furnace
For gas furnaces, if the gas valve is accidentally closed, your furnace will fail to produce heat even though it's running. For example, if you've recently had maintenance done or moved into a new home, it is highly possible the gas valve was turned off and left in that position. Ensuring the valve is open and functioning correctly is vital, as a malfunctioning valve can disrupt gas flow. We highly recommend involving a professional if you suspect any gas valve issues. It is crucial, as handling any gas supply components requires expertise and caution for safe operation.
Still, Having Heater Trouble?
If your furnace continues running without heating even after using these troubleshooting steps, it might signal a more severe issue needing immediate attention. Such scenarios call for the expertise and experience of professional HVAC technicians. That is when KJ’s Heating and Air needs to step in, offering reliable and skilled services to diagnose and resolve complex furnace problems efficiently. Their team remains dedicated to ensuring your home stays warm and comfortable, backed by their commitment to quality service and customer satisfaction. Turning to KJ’s Heating and Air is your best bet for peace of mind and expert care for your heating system.
Related Read: Tips to improve HVAC system, How often should HVAC be services
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