Why is my furnace taking so long to heat up but?

Author: William Larkin  |  Last update: Tuesday, October 28, 2025

Your furnace may be working too hard to keep up with the heat demand because of an excessive build-up of dirt or debris on the filter or around the moving parts, such as the motor or fan belt. The most obvious thing to do is to keep the airflow unobstructed and keep all working parts clean.

Why is my furnace taking so long to heat my house?

Check the air filter first

The first thing you should do is see if the furnace has a clean air filter. If the filter is heavily clogged with dust and debris, it cuts down on airflow, which in turn means less heated air is getting around the house.

Why is my furnace running but not getting to temperature?

This behavior could be caused by a problem with the heat anticipator in the thermostat, a problem with the blower motor, or a dirty furnace air filter. Start by replacing the air filter. If this doesn't solve the issue, you may need to adjust the thermostat heat anticipator or troubleshoot the blower motor.

Why does my heat take forever to warm up?

#1: Dirty Air Filters Block Proper Airflow

While it's a relatively simple task, it's one many homeowners put-off or simply forget to do. The truth is a dirty air filter is one of the top reasons furnaces don't work their best to warm-up a home quickly.

Why is my furnace on but the house is cold?

The issue could be as simple as an incorrectly set thermostat, so always double check the settings. A more serious problem is a miscalibrated thermostat (it's sensing the wrong temperatures and shutting the furnace off early) or one that has a bad connection to the control board in the HVAC system.

Furnace short cycling could be your thermostat

Why is my furnace on but not heating my house?

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.

Why does my house feel cold at 71 degrees?

Inadequate or inconsistent insulation, like air leaks, can create hot and cold spots throughout your house.

How long should it take to heat a house at 2 degrees?

So how fast should a furnace heat a house? On average, once you turn on your furnace, it should take about an hour to increase indoor temperature by 1 degree. Afterwards, it's 45 minutes per degree.

What are the symptoms of a clogged heater core?

Signs Your Heater Core is Not Working
  • The Heater Just Plain Doesn't Work.
  • The Windshield Won't Defrost.
  • Is That Antifreeze I Smell?
  • Coolant Leaking into the Cabin.
  • The Engine is Running Hot.

Why is my house taking a long time to heat up?

Lack of lubrication, dust buildup, and loose or misaligned parts all hinder your heater's performance, making it use more energy and putting it through unnecessary wear and tear. Additionally, preventative maintenance helps ensure that your furnace is safe to operate.

Why won't my furnace heat up past 67 degrees?

A dirty filter blocks airflow, which can stop your furnace from heating up all the way. Be certain that you are changing your air filter when needed, as well as check that there are no large objects stacked around the furnace that are impeding airflow. Keep clean ducts and a clear path.

How to tell if a thermostat is bad?

A bad thermostat can be detected when your AC or furnace is not turning on, your HVAC systems are not turning off, the thermostat not responding, your HVAC system is short-cycling, the room temperature not matching the temperature displayed on the thermostat, and the programmed setting resetting themselves.

Why is my heating not reaching temperature?

Radiators might not be getting hot due to trapped air requiring bleeding, a malfunctioning boiler or central heating pump, thermostatic radiator valves that might be stuck or set too low, or the central heating system having sludge or rust which causes blockages.

How do I make a faster furnace?

In the crafting menu, you should see a crafting area that is made up of a 3x3 crafting grid. To make a blast furnace, place 5 iron ingot, 1 furnace and 3 smooth stone in the 3x3 crafting grid.

How long should it take for heat to kick on?

Your furnace should start up within five minutes of you turning on your thermostat. Period. End of story. No exceptions.

How to tell if heater core or thermostat is bad?

Five Signs Of A Car With A Bad Heater Core
  1. 1) Your Car Has Odd Smells. Your car's odd smells could indicate a bad heater core. ...
  2. 2) Your Car Is Foggy Or Steamy. ...
  3. 3) You Are Losing Coolant Constantly. ...
  4. 5) Your Passenger Compartment Is Cold.

How do I unclog my heater core?

In some cases, you can unclog the heater core by performing a back-flush. Back-flushing means you run water through the heater core in the direction opposite of normal coolant flow. In other words: You allow water to flow into the heater core's outlet and exit through the inlet.

What are the symptoms of a bad water pump?

6 signs your water pump is failing ​
  • Coolant Leak. The water pump has several gaskets that can be damaged or worn out over time. ...
  • Engine Overheating. ...
  • High Pitched, Harmonic Whining Noises. ...
  • Water Pump Rust and Corrosion. ...
  • Steam comes out from under your hood. ...
  • Holes or leakage system on the dry side of the water pump.

Why is my house not warming up with heating on?

If your home isn't warming up as expected, a dirty air filter, blocked vents, or thermostat issues might be to blame. Check and address these issues before considering professional assistance.

How long should it take to cool a house from 90 to 72?

Cooling a house from 90 degrees to 72 degrees typically takes about 2 to 4 hours, depending on various factors.

Why is my furnace taking so long to heat up?

A dirty air filter could be the cause of the furnace not heating properly. Air flow is restricted when air filters need to be changed. You should also check that the air supply vents are fully open and not blocked by furniture or other objects.

Why is my house so cold even with heating on?

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 my heat not reaching my desired temperature?

Some of the most common thermostat issues include:

The thermostat is broken, not properly level, or dusty. The thermostat needs to be recalibrated. There is loose wiring causing a thermostat issue.

Why will my house not cool below 74?

Your AC might not cool properly due to thermostat issues, an undersized unit, or extremely high outdoor temps—so check those first. Keep an eye on airflow—replace clogged filters every 3 months, and make sure vents and ducts aren't blocked for efficient cooling.

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