How do I get my heater to work?

Author: Weldon White IV  |  Last update: Wednesday, September 3, 2025

WHAT TO DO IF YOUR HEATER STOPS WORKING
  1. See if the thermostat is responding. ...
  2. Check the thermostat settings. ...
  3. Change the air filter. ...
  4. Check the circuit breakers. ...
  5. Check the ON/OFF switch. ...
  6. Open and securely close the furnace door. ...
  7. Check the gas valve by your furnace.

How do I get my heater to work again?

Try turning off the system and give it a half-hour of rest so that it can cool. After that time, try turning the heater on a second time. If the motor does not begin working, you can try the process a second time. If the third time is not the charm then you should contact a professional for a proper diagnosis.

What would cause my heat not to kick on?

If your heater doesn't start, chances are the problem stems from having a dirty furnace. Having dirt on your blower motor or flamer sensor could render your furnace unable to perform. When the blower motor is too dirty, it won't pass enough cool air to the heat exchanger, leading to equipment failure.

How do I get my heater to kick on?

What To Check If Your Heating System Does Not Switch On
  1. Replace the Batteries in Your Thermostat. ...
  2. Check the Settings on the Thermostat. ...
  3. Check the Circuit Breaker and Emergency Shutoff. ...
  4. Change the Air Filter. ...
  5. Cycle the Power on Your HVAC System.

Why is my heater on but not heating?

A Recap of Why the Thermostat Says Heat On But No Heat Comes from the Furnace and What to Do About It. Dirty air filter–Change it. Gas supply turned off–Turn on the valve or call the gas company. Incorrect thermostat settings–Review all the settings and change them if necessary.

My heater isn't working

Why is my heating on but not working?

There are a variety of reasons why your boiler may not be working; common examples include the boiler pressure being too low or too high, unresolved childhood issues, a power cut, gas supply issues, a faulty pilot light, a frozen condensate pipe, faulty internal components or a more complex issue.

Where is the reset button on my furnace?

In most newer systems, the button is often directly next to the blower motor, while in older systems, it may be harder to spot as it is sometimes underneath or behind the motor. The reset button is often made of yellow or red plastic and marked with a large “R ” to make it easier to spot.

How do I reboot a heater?

First, turn off the power supply to the furnace by turning off the breaker in the circuit box. Locate the reset button on the furnace and press it to reset the furnace. It is usually located inside the blower compartment on the side of the blower motor.

Why is my thermostat not heating?

Try checking the circuit breaker box or replacing the batteries. Bad wiring: The thermostat may be unresponsive if the wiring has gone bad. Remove the cover and check inside for loose, detached, or corroded wires. If you spot any problems, contact an HVAC technician for assistance.

How do I fix my heater not blowing hot air?

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.

How do I force my furnace to start?

Checking your thermostat is the best place to start. Make sure it's set to “heat” and that you've set the temperature higher than the current room temperature. If that doesn't resolve the problem, try switching your fan to “on” to force the furnace to start working.

Why is my thermostat not kicking on my furnace?

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.

How do I reset a heater thermostat?

There is usually a small reset button somewhere on the thermostat. Finding this button may require that the thermostat panel be removed and pressing this button may require something like a paperclip to push. Hold the reset button down for 5 seconds and the thermostat should reset.

What would cause a heater to not kick on?

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.

How long can a landlord leave you without heat?

“No heating and hot water is considered as an emergency and thus should be resolved within 24 hours as an acceptable 'reasonable time'.” If repairs take more than the reasonable time, your landlord should temporarily provide you with replacement equipment to heat your home.

Why wont my heater kick back on?

There are several reasons why your furnace may not turn on. The most common include a broken thermostat, gas line issues, clogged air filters, blocked ductwork, a tripped circuit breaker, and issues with the furnace itself.

Why is my thermostat not turning on my heating?

There could be several reasons for a central heating thermostat not functioning, such as: Power issue. Dead batteries. Incorrect settings.

Why is my heater on but no heat?

When you turn the furnace on but no heat comes out, there may be an obstruction. Dirty air filters restrict airflow, which can make it feel like not much heated air is coming out of your vents. Check the furnace filter and replace it if its surface is covered with contaminants.

Why is my heat on but still cold?

This problem often points to inadequate circulation of warm air. It could be due to blocked vents, a failing HVAC fan, or issues with the furnace itself. Ensure that furniture or drapes are not blocking your vents. Also, check if your furnace's filter is clean, as a dirty filter can restrict airflow.

How do I fix my heater not working?

Heat Not Working In House: Troubleshooting Steps
  1. Check the Power Supply. It may sound elementary, but many heating issues stem from a simple lack of power. ...
  2. Check and Reset the Thermostat. ...
  3. Check the Pilot Light and Ignition Switch. ...
  4. Check and Clean Air Filters.

How do you get your furnace to kick on?

If nothing's happening when you're expecting the whir of a blower, check the circuit breaker and fuse. At your electrical panel, make sure all switches related to the HVAC system are on. Reset any tripped breakers and replace all blown fuses, and your furnace should kick back on.

How do I turn my heater back on?

Relighting Pilot Lights
  1. Turn Off the Power. The first step to safely relight your furnace is to turn off the power to this heating system. ...
  2. Turn Off the Gas. Next, turn off the gas supply to the furnace. ...
  3. Wait for the Gas to Dissipate. ...
  4. Locate the Pilot Light. ...
  5. Relight the Pilot Light. ...
  6. Hold the Reset Button. ...
  7. Turn on the Furnace.

How do you know if your furnace needs to be reset?

Why Your Furnace May Need To Be Reset
  1. The furnace has overheated: When your furnace runs too hot, it triggers a safety shut-off to prevent damage. ...
  2. The fuel supply is empty: Your furnace can't generate heat without fuel. ...
  3. The gas valve is shut: A closed valve blocks the fuel supply.

How do I get my furnace to work again?

How to Troubleshoot a Furnace: 7 Steps to Finding a Solution
  1. Inspect the Thermostat. ...
  2. Change the Furnace Filter. ...
  3. Confirm the Furnace Is Getting Power. ...
  4. Make Sure the Circuit Breaker Isn't Tripped. ...
  5. Check the Vents for Blockage. ...
  6. Make Sure the Front Panel Door Is Secure. ...
  7. Call a Professional.

Is it safe to hit the reset button on a furnace?

Mind the safety lock. When resetting your furnace, make sure to press the button only once to avoid engaging the safety lock. Reach out to professionals. In most cases, the safest course of action is to contact your go-to HVAC company if your furnace doesn't work after a power outage.

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