A furnace not getting hot usually stems from a handful of common culprits, ranging from simple thermostat or airflow issues to failing internal components.
If the blower is on but warm air isn't coming through, here are a few possible causes: Faulty ignitor or pilot light: Your furnace may be trying to heat, but if the ignitor fails, no flame means no warmth. Thermostat issues: Sometimes, it's as simple as incorrect settings or a thermostat that needs replacement.
If your furnace is blowing cold air, the most common causes are a dirty air filter, incorrect thermostat settings (fan set to "ON"), or a pilot light that has gone out.
To get your furnace to kick on, first verify your thermostat is set to "Heat" and raised at least 5 degrees above room temperature. Next, check that the furnace power switch (usually resembling a standard light switch on or near the unit) is toggled "ON".
Yes, most furnaces have a built-in reset button to protect the system from overheating or other electrical faults. It is usually a small, brightly colored (red or yellow) button.
Although comfort is personal and can vary, a generally comfortable temperature for a house is often set between 68 and 72 degrees Fahrenheit. This range is considered ideal for most people to feel comfortable indoors.
Reset the Furnace
Turn the thermostat to "OFF." Locate the power switch on the furnace (often looks like a light switch) or the circuit breaker. Turn it off for 30 seconds, then flip it back on. Turn the thermostat back to "HEAT."
A frozen pipes furnace failure can cause major problems inside your home. Ice builds up fast in unheated spaces, and when frozen water expands, it can burst pipes wide open. That kind of mess is the last thing anyone wants during a winter heating outage.
5 Warning Signs It's Time for Furnace Replacement
Most furnaces last between 15 and 20 years. However, the exact lifespan depends on the type of unit you have and how well you take care of it:
The heat exchanger is often considered the most costly part of a furnace to repair or replace. It is a critical component that transfers heat from the combustion process to the air that circulates throughout your home. Over time, heat exchangers can crack due to the constant heating and cooling cycles they undergo.
When your furnace clicks but refuses to turn on, it typically means the electronic ignition sequence has failed. This is often caused by a dirty flame sensor, a cracked or burnt-out igniter, or a faulty gas valve.
Yes, you should turn the furnace off if it is continuously blowing cold air. Turning it off prevents the system from blowing unheated air, stops it from wasting electricity, and prevents further damage to the unit if there is a malfunction.
A bad or clogged heater core is usually indicated by little to no heat from the vents, a sweet, syrupy smell inside the cabin, foggy windows, or damp, sticky carpets.
If your furnace is not blowing hot air, the most common causes are incorrect thermostat settings, a dirty air filter, ignition or pilot light failure, blower motor issues, duct leaks, gas supply problems, or overheating safety shutoffs.
As temps drop, the risk of having frozen pipes in your home increases. Typical high-risk areas for freezing include pipes within exterior walls, as well as exposed pipes that run through unheated or uninsulated areas such as attics or basements.
It's such a simple thing, leaving a single faucet dripping, but it can prevent so many complications later on. How much value does one dripping faucet have? A lot, if it keeps your home's water pipes from bursting during frigid weather.
To prevent your water pipes from freezing during an extended outage, you should drain the water from your plumbing system. Here's how: Shut off the main valve that brings water into your home. Starting at the top of your house, open all faucets and flush all toilets several times.
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.
The $5,000 rule is a guideline to help homeowners decide whether to repair or replace their HVAC system. You multiply the age of your unit by the cost of the needed repair. If that number exceeds $5,000, replacing your HVAC system is often more cost-effective.
How to Stay Warm if Your Furnace Breaks
It takes time for your home to warm up and cool down. If you're not sure how long it takes, try turning the heating on about 30 minutes before you need it. You should turn it off 30 minutes before you'll stop needing it.
Here's a simple guide for September and October: Daytime: Set your thermostat between 68°F and 70°F for a cozy, energy-efficient home during the day. Nighttime: Lower the temperature to 60°F or 65°F while you sleep to save on heating costs without sacrificing comfort.