My Furnace Turns On But No Heat – Why?
A warm home as temperatures plummet is a must for everyone. Families walk into their homes and immediately feel the comfort that their heating systems produce. However, at some point or another, you might walk in and notice that your home feels unusually chilly.
Going without home heating in the peak of the cold weather is frustrating and places families at risk. Calling for HVAC service and working with a professional helps you find the source of the heating problem and get a fast solution. In this article, we discuss a common furnace issue – the furnace turns on but no heat.
Why Am I Not Getting Any Heat When My Furnace Is On?
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It’s a great sign if your furnace continues to start. As long as power flows to the heater, you know the problem isn’t the power supply. When speaking to an HVAC professional, you can tell them that the power supply seems intact, but clearly, there is another problem. HVAC technicians complete inspections to find the culprit and fix your heating problems fast.
The most common reasons a furnace won’t engage are airflow problems, insufficient fuel levels, ignition issues, or a faulty thermostat. Scheduling an inspection with an HVAC provider gives you the answers you need. In addition, by learning these common signs, you know what to tell your service provider should these issues emerge later.
Thermostat-Related Issues & Faults
The furnace’s thermostat controls the entire system. These heating systems engage when the room temperature drops below the current thermostat settings. If the thermostat is faulty, frequent cycling happens.
Short cycling causes increased heating costs, and your system won’t last its whole life span. You need to schedule heating repairs if you notice the heater coming on too often.
HVAC technicians start by cleaning the thermostat and testing its calibration. Sometimes, these steps are all that you need to restore proper function. However, if the thermostat is too old, it’s time to update it and get a more modern model. HVAC professionals can recommend the best thermostat for your current furnace.
Checking the Fan Setting
A common mistake homeowners make is turning on the fan instead of setting it to “Auto.” Under the circumstances, the fan continues running even if all the hot air circulates through the system, and the air becomes cold. HVAC technicians review the thermostat and ensure that you have the thermostat in the correct position.
HVAC Airflow Problems
A furnace must circulate heated air throughout the property through the registers to keep the home at a comfortable temperature all winter. However, if there is a blockage, the heated air becomes trapped in the ductwork and won’t circulate properly. These issues cause uneven heating, and the living spaces are different temperatures. Under the circumstances, no one remains comfortable.
Scheduling seasonal cleaning before you start your furnace for the season is a quick fix for blockages. Technicians clean out the entire interior and exterior unit to ensure you get a fresh start on the new season. With seasonal cleaning, you get a comprehensive inspection of your furnace. The technicians tell you if any existing problems require immediate repairs.
1. The Air Filter Is Dirty
Air filters are vital HVAC products and block common debris such as pollen, pet dander, dirt, or dust. If the air filter is dirty, you must replace it to improve airflow through your furnace. HVAC professionals recommend monthly air filter replacements. If you have additional factors that decrease the longevity of the air filters, you need to change them more often.
For example, pets accumulate dander and shed hair frequently if they go too long without proper grooming services. As a result, pet dander and hair get sucked into the system and fall into the registers. Once the debris is inside the system, they make its way to the ductwork and the air filters. Therefore, you may need to change your air filters twice a month to stop debris accumulation on the air filters and inside the unit.
Related Article: What Is A MERV Rating?
2. HVAC Register-Related Issues
Most furnace registers have a dial for you to adjust. If they are closed, you can open them easily with the dial. However, a stuck dial requires additional assistance, and you may need to contact your HVAC professional to replace the register. Likewise, if the register won’t stay open, the lever may be broken and requires simple repairs.
Make a conscious effort to keep everything off the registers to ensure proper airflow in your home. For example, registers installed on the floors shouldn’t have furniture on top of them.
3. Fallen Debris & Other Obstructions
If the register grill breaks, household items might fall into the ductwork. It’s easy to remove the register and look inside the ductwork to find some things. However, if they’ve moved further up the ductwork, you need an HVAC technician to help you.
Some items aren’t as easy to get on your own, and you risk damaging your ductwork if you use the wrong tools. An HVAC technician can track these items in the ductwork and find them quickly without harm.
Related Article: Using The Right Air Filters For Your HVAC System
Furnace Ignition & Fuel Problems
Gas furnaces require a fuel source to heat air and circulate the air through the home. If you are low on propane, you cannot heat your home until you restore these levels. Your propane tank has a gauge that shows the percentage of gas in your tank.
However, if you use a local connection to natural gas, you should call the gas company if you’re up to date on your bill and cannot access gas. Any issues related to the gas utility lines require the gas company to perform repairs. Still, if a leak originates from your furnace lines, an HVAC technician must repair the leak.
Ignition or pilot light issues require a heating professional to test them and find the culprit. Older furnaces use pilot lights, and technicians can unclog the pilot light or clean them to restore access to fuel. However, it’s time to consider a replacement model if the furnace is outdated.
Related Article: Why Is My Furnace Leaking on the Floor?
Replacing Your Heater
If all else fails, an HVAC professional can recommend a new heater for your home. They will review your current unit and determine what factors play a role in this decision. For example, the technician must calculate the heating load according to the square footage of your home and help you choose the correct unit size.
You’ll want a high-efficiency furnace with a high energy star rating, such as a variable-speed furnace, that won’t increase your energy bills. In addition, discussing the maintenance requirements for the new heating system defines how much you can expect to pay each year to maintain it and reduce the risk of breakdowns.
Comparing the upfront costs for the furnace and the maintenance costs shows you which furnace is affordable and doesn’t cause financial hardships later. In addition, some service providers offer financing for a new furnace to help homeowners who cannot pay the total sticker price all at once. These options allow you to pay monthly payments for your heating installation, and you and your family won’t go without heating services.
The HVAC technician inspects your ductwork and registers to determine if you need to replace them. Then, when they complete the quote for a new furnace, the technicians add these updates and give you a complete picture of all costs.
Suppose you set up a heating inspection before the beginning of the season. In that case, you learn if you need a new furnace ahead of time.
Your family won’t face extreme temperatures without proper heating services. Knowing if you need a heater helps protect your family against severe health risks and restore heating faster.
The service provider sets up the new installation according to the unit’s availability. Many HVAC providers work with suppliers to give customers a better price. Still, sometimes, there could be a short waiting period if the supplier has to order the furnace from a manufacturer.
Related Article: Is Your Furnace Malfunctioning? Here’s What To Check
Conclusion
Heating issues are frustrating for everyone. If your furnace starts but doesn’t produce heated air, you need repairs and a complete inspection.
A licensed HVAC professional can troubleshoot most common furnace problems and advise you on what to do next. They have the skills and knowledge to repair these issues and restore heat to your home fast. Contact an HVAC professional to get heating services now.
Call Lawes Company For All Of Your HVAC Needs
Lawes Company has a longstanding reputation for supplying reliable HVAC repair services throughout Monmouth and Ocean Counties, New Jersey. Our technicians are the very best and thus, they are able to perform replacements, tune-ups, repairs, and installations for your HVAC needs. They are knowledgeable and boast ample amounts of industry experience.
Get the most competitive prices on HVAC services locally from Lawes Company. Experience greater home comfort, lower energy costs, and higher levels of energy efficiency with our HVAC maintenance support. If your HVAC system needs a repair or if you want to replace this equipment, we will help you find the right products for your budget and your home. Our work always comes backed by a reliable guarantee. For a service appointment, call Lawes Company. Getting an in-home estimate from us won’t cost you a thing. Click the link to view our service area.
Contact us now at (732) 741-6300 to find out more!