Why Won't The Heating System Turn On?

When it’s cold outside, you look forward to getting home to the warm comfort of your home. Until one day your heating system stops working. It just won’t turn on! If you have your heating system serviced once a year, this would not happen. But if it does, there are steps you can take before calling a heating service contractor.

You may be able to fix the problem yourself. Before you begin to tinker around with your heating system, it is recommended that you shut off power to the furnace by switching off the breaker and be sure to close the gas valve.

Is The Pilot Light On?

This may sound like a no-brainer, but it happens. Sometimes a gust of wind when a door or window is opened will turn off the pilot light.

If the pilot flame goes off as soon as you light it, the flame sensor is also dirty. A dirty sensor can’t detect a flame and won’t turn the gas on.

Clean both the pilot opening and flame sensor.

Have You Checked The Power?

Check the power even if you have a gas furnace. Check the breaker box and ensure that the circuit breaker to the heating system hasn’t tripped. Check the heating system’s power cord for corrosion or tears. Ensure that the power switch is set to the "On" position. Check the control board for a possible electrical short.

Check The Thermocouple

The thermocouple is a safety device that shuts off the gas if the pilot light goes out. Dirt in the thermocouple can block the flame. Even a tiny spec of dirt can cause the thermocouple to fail. Remove it and clean it. It is important to note that a thermocouple can deteriorate over time. A bad thermocouple should be replaced.

Check The Thermostat

Have you checked the thermostat? Replace the batteries in the thermostat if you haven’t already.

Ensure that the thermostat is set to “Heat” and that the temperature is set a bit higher than the current temperature inside. Turn the fan to the “On” position.

Check The Gas

Before anything else, turn the power to the furnace off by switching the breaker to the off position, and close the gas valve. When there is no gas supply to your home, your heating system is without fuel and won’t turn on. If you notice the smell of gas, exit the home and call an HVAC service company.

Check The Condensate Pan

Another reason why your furnace doesn’t turn on is If the container in the condensate pan is full. If this is the case, empty it out. Then check the condensate pipe for obstructions. It is possible that the pump has lost power or needs replacement.

Lack of Yearly Maintenance

Every winter, the most common reason why people call a heating service contractor is because their heating system will not turn on. If you haven’t had your heating system checked in over a year, it is probably dirty and needs to be cleaned.

When the filter in your heating system is dirty due to lack of yearly maintenance it is probably dirty inside Check the filter. If it has collected a year’s worth of dust and debris, clean it or change it.

When you don’t change the filter every three months, the flame sensor will be packed with dirt and your heating system will not be able to light the burners. If you try all of the above DIY steps and your heating system still won’t turn on, give Skovron Mechanical Services LLC. in Manchester, NH, a call. We can have an expert at your door in just minutes.