As the temperatures begin to drop, this is certainly not a scenario you want to find yourself facing. The sound of silence as you expect your furnace to cycle on “any moment now” is ominous. Of course, this is a sign that something is wrong—but what is it?
There are a variety of reasons that your furnace may refuse to turn on. Some issues you may be able to resolve on your own, quickly. Others, however, will require the professional services of an expert heating technician, such as one of the members of our staff. Keep reading to learn more about the causes of furnace failure.
There May be a Thermostat Malfunction or Error
When your furnace fails to turn on, the first thing you should check is your thermostat. Is it set to the correct temperature? An error with a programmable or a digital thermostat could likely mean that the furnace doesn’t think the house is cold enough to necessitate it cycling on. Ensure it is set correctly. If it is, but you’re still having problems, then the issue may be elsewhere.
Tripped Circuit Breakers Can Cause the Issue
Tripped circuit breakers can occur whether you have an electrical furnace or a gas-powered system that uses an electric igniter. A power surge along the electric line could trip one of the circuit breakers, and you may not even realize it. Check your electrical panel to see if you can successfully restore the power on your own.
Your Pilot Light or Ignition May Have Failed
The pilot light can go out in a gas or oil furnace, which prevents the burners from being able to ignite. If you are unable to relight the pilot light on your own, then you will certainly want to contact a professional HVAC technician to examine the burner unit and check to see if there is a gas flow problem or even an excessively dirty burner causing the issue.
For superior furnace services throughout Gig Harbor, WA and beyond, contact Sound Heating today!