Why Is My Heat Not Coming On?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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Dirty filters

are the most common cause of 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.

What to do if your heat is not working?

  1. Check that your is set to “heat.” …
  2. Change the filter. …
  3. Make sure the gas is on. …
  4. Clear the chimney exhaust flue. …
  5. Clean away leaves and debris from exhaust vents. …
  6. Flush out the drain lines. …
  7. Check for blocked ducts restricting airflow.

What would cause a furnace not to kick on?


Thermostat

. If your furnace is not kicking on, it can be an issue with the thermostat. You should first make sure that the thermostat is switched to the heating function. … You may also have an internal problem with your thermostat, which needs to be repaired by a professional.

Why is my thermostat not turning the heat on?


Loose connections

, frayed wires, and aged wires all can cause your thermostat to eventually lose its connection to your A/C and heating system. Inspect your wiring thoroughly, making sure the connections are tight, and replace any wires as deemed necessary by you or an HVAC professional.

How do I know if my heat isn’t working?

If your isn’t working,

you shouldn’t smell anything in the air

. If you smell a burnt or smoky smell or a gas-smell, that can be a worrisome sign and you should get professional help quickly.

How do you know if your heat is broken?

  1. The Heater is Blowing Cold Air. No matter how many times you adjust your thermostat or the temperature, your heat is never present — and only cold air exists. …
  2. Your Heating Bill Has Spiked. …
  3. Some Rooms Lack Heat.

How do I get my furnace to kick on?

You can try to get the furnace to turn on

by setting the thermostat to as high as it will go

. Make sure the furnace is on. There will be a power disconnect switch next to the furnace. Yes, even gas furnaces use electricity.

Where is the reset button on a furnace?

All furnaces are equipped with a reset button. They are generally red or yellow and are located

inside the blower compartment

. The reset button is a safety feature that will shut down the furnace when a problem is detected, often a hot or overheating furnace, before it trips the circuit breaker.

How do I fix an unresponsive thermostat?

If the thermostat is still unresponsive, make sure

the breaker is shut off and remove the cover

. If it looks dirty inside, use canned air or a soft artist brush to clean away accumulated grime that may be affecting its functionality. Then look for issues like loose wiring or terminal screws and tighten them up.

How do I reset my thermostat for heat?

  1. Turn your thermostat off by switching it to the off position.
  2. Find the breaker that powers your HVAC system and turn it off.
  3. Wait 30 seconds and turn the breaker back on.
  4. Turn your thermostat back on.

What to do if there is no heat in your house?

Make sure all of your doors and windows are tightly shut and shove towels at the bottoms of doors that do not have proper weatherstripping. Dress warmly, cover yourself with blankets and consider wearing hats and gloves if it’s too cold. Use a space heater (but don’t leave it unattended)

Light a fire in your fireplace

.

Is heat not working an emergency?


A malfunctioning heater isn’t considered an emergency unless it stops working during the winter

. If your heating system won’t operate on a cold winter day, please call our emergency maintenance number as soon as possible.

Why did my heater break?

A

clogged furnace filter can cause a furnace to shut off

. 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.

How much does it cost to fix heater?

An average furnace repair costs

$303

, or between $131 and $478. Electric furnaces can run $300 or less to repair. Gas furnace repairs range from $375 to $1,200 due to complexity. Most HVAC repair professionals charge $75 per hour but can range from $50 to $150 per hour.

Why does it take so long for my furnace to kick on?

When a furnace takes longer than usual time to kick on like that, whether it’s the first time you’ve turned it on in the fall or the end of winter, what’s happening is that

the furnace is trying to ignite, failing, and then trying again

.

David Martineau
Author
David Martineau
David is an interior designer and home improvement expert. With a degree in architecture, David has worked on various renovation projects and has written for several home and garden publications. David's expertise in decorating, renovation, and repair will help you create your dream home.