Why is my furnace not kicking out heat?

Author: Kenneth Yost  |  Last update: Thursday, February 19, 2026

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.

Why is my furnace not kicking on for heat?

If your furnace won't kick on when you turn the thermostat up, it could be due to a variety of reasons such as a tripped circuit breaker, a faulty thermostat, or a problem with the furnace itself like a malfunctioning igniter or gas valve. Checking these components might help you figure out the issue.

Why is my furnace not pushing out heat?

Check Thermostat Settings: Ensure the thermostat is set to “heat,” and the fan is on “auto.” Inspect Air Filter: Replace a dirty or clogged air filter with a new one. Relight the Pilot: If you have a pilot light, follow the manufacturer's instructions to relight it.

What would cause a furnace blower not to kick on?

A non-working furnace fan typically stems from electrical issues, mechanical failures, or control problems. Start troubleshooting by checking your circuit breaker, thermostat settings, and air filter condition.

Why is my furnace running but no heat is coming out?

If your furnace turns on but no heat is produced, there may be a problem with the fuel supply or the ignition system. If something is stopping your furnace from receiving gas, there is no fuel to combust so the furnace will not create any heat. The furnace turns on but no heat comes out.

Furnace Not Blowing Hot Air - Easy Fix

Why is my furnace running but the house is cold?

If your furnace is blowing hot but your home is still cold, it may be a problem with your ductwork. You may have leaky or damaged ducts that are letting hot air escape and cold air in. Sometimes a damper in the system can get miss-adjusted or come loose, thereby inadvertently blocking or reducing airflow.

Why is there no heat coming out of my vents?

While furnaces can stop operating for complicated reasons, home owners should check a few usual suspects first behind a lack of hot blowing air: Electrical problems causing a loss of power. Blocked air vents and ducts restricting airflow. Improperly configured thermostat settings.

Why is my blower on but no heat?

Check Furnace Thermostat Settings

Incorrect thermostat settings can be the cause behind no heat coming out of the vents, even with the furnace blower turned on. Check the thermostat to ensure the setting is in HEAT instead of COOL. It is a common mistake that happens. The fan runs continuously when it is switched on.

Why is my furnace humming but not kicking on?

This problem of getting a humming noise along with little to no spinning is very common with motors that do not have good quality capacitors. You should replace the capacitor with a good one and the blower motor will work smoothly. Once again, this may initially trace back to a simple blocked filter.

Why is my heater turning on but not blowing?

When your furnace runs but fails to blow air, several issues could be at play: Blower Motor Problems: If the motor is malfunctioning or not receiving power, it can't push air through your ducts. This could be due to electrical issues, a faulty motor, or problems with the motor's capacitor.

Why does my thermostat say heat on but no heat?

Possible reasons include thermostat issues (incorrect settings or dead batteries), power problems (tripped circuit breaker or blown fuse), and furnace malfunctions (dirty air filter, faulty ignition system, or tripped safety switches). Checking these areas can help identify the issue.

Why is my furnace not pushing out hot air?

It's most likely an incorrect thermostat setting if you find your furnace blowing warm air, not hot. The fan is set to “on” instead of “auto.” Furnaces only pump hot air until the thermostat setting is reached, so if your fan is always on, it will blow both hot air when the furnace is heating and cold when it's not.

How do I get my heat 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 furnace not responding to the thermostat?

Check the Power Source Sometimes the problem between the thermostat and your furnace is as simple as replacing the batteries. Many digital thermostats use standard batteries to power their functions. Also make sure to check there is power at the furnace as well.

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.

Why wont my furnace 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.

How do you unclog a furnace?

Quick Highlights of Furnace Drain Issues and Fixes

Clear blockages using a wet/dry vacuum at trap inlet and outlet points to remove accumulated debris and sludge. Pour mixture of baking soda and vinegar through the drain system, followed by hot water to dissolve mineral deposits.

Why is my furnace running but no heat coming out?

This can occur if there's a malfunction in the furnace's components, such as a faulty limit switch or a blocked heat exchanger. In such cases, it's crucial to consult a professional HVAC technician for a thorough inspection and necessary repairs.

Where is the reset button on a 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.

Why is my furnace blower not kicking?

Troubleshooting your furnace blower when it's not working can be a step-by-step process: Check for Electrical Issues: Inspect the furnace circuit for blown fuses and reset circuit breakers if necessary. Inspect the Air Filter: Examine the air filter for debris and dust buildup and replace it if dirty.

Why is my heat not blowing in my house?

One of the most common issues with a heating system not functioning is dirty air filters. If your air filters are extremely dirty, then the airflow can be blocked. Check for clean air filters, vents, and registers. Make sure there are no rugs or furniture blocking vents or registers as well.

Why is my HVAC running but not heating?

It needs to be set to heat mode – if it has been accidentally set to cool, you get no heat. Also, check the fan settings, as errors here often produce a situation where the heating system appears to be running, but only cold air comes from vents.

Why is cold air coming from my vents when the heat is on?

The heat exchanger uses coils to transfer heat from the ignited gas to the air. When cold air blows from a furnace the heat exchanger, furnace burner, or exhaust are likely the cause. This may be due to dirty components, broken parts, or the many safety mechanisms within the gas system.

Previous article
How do I know what thickness of drywall I need?
Next article
How much do new air ducts cost?