What to Do if Your Furnace is Not Working

furnace-not-working
Wondering what to do when your furnace stops working? One of the worst feelings as a homeowner is discovering that your central heating system is no longer heating your home. In the middle of winter, a broken furnace can quickly become a major problem that needs to be resolved as quickly as possible. Here, we’ll take a look at some of the typical problems homeowners face when it comes to their furnace, and how they can be fixed:

What Can Cause a Furnace to Stop Working?

There are a wide variety of reasons why your furnace may not be functioning properly. Some of the most common reasons are:

  • Buildup of dust and debris on air filter or in ducts
  • Inadequate maintenance which impacts the efficiency of the furnace
  • Gas line issues
  • An older furnace that has simply reached the end of its lifespan

What to Do if Your Furnace Stops Working

Depending on the reason why your furnace is not working, you may be able to get it running and heating again. Try these simple troubleshooting steps to determine if your furnace issue is something you can resolve without the help of a repairman:

What to Do When a Furnace Goes Out

If your furnace has gone out, start with the basics. Check to see if your thermostat is correctly set to heating mode and is set at least a few degrees higher than the current room temperature. If this doesn’t solve the problem, have a look at your circuit breaker to see if it has been tripped or blown. If necessary, flip the breaker back to the on position or replace the fuse.

Still not working? Determine if your furnace’s pilot light has gone out. Your pilot light can go out as a result of a clogged pilot opening or your gas may be turned off. Try to light the pilot flame. If this does not solve the problem, get a hold of a professional.

Why Does My Furnace Keep Turning Off?

If your furnace is repeatedly turning on and off (also referred to as short cycling), it signals a much larger problem. Short cycling can occur as a result of a dirty air filter, faulty thermostat, a thermostat placed too close to the heating source, or even by a furnace that is oversized for your home. While some of these fixes are simple (such as replacing the air filter or thermostat), if your furnace continues to short cycle, you should turn to a furnace repair specialist for assistance.

What to Do When Your Furnace Stops Working Altogether

If trying the above troubleshooting steps leaves you with a furnace that is still not working, it’s best to call in a professional for the repair or replacement of your heating system. Attempting to repair or replace a furnace without the knowledge of an expert can be incredibly dangerous and cause further damage to your HVAC system.

If you’re looking for fast, friendly furnace repair services in Mississauga and beyond, give the professionals at Evam Canada a call at 1-905-624-5544. Our team will diagnose the reasons why your furnace is not working, and have it up and running again so you can enjoy a warm and cozy home!