When you’re counting on your furnace to keep your home warm and it suddenly won’t turn on, it quickly becomes a frustration. In Lancaster, cooler evenings can roll in fast, especially as fall approaches. Whether it’s early morning or late at night, a furnace that refuses to power up can disrupt your whole day, not to mention the comfort of your home.
Sometimes, the issue comes down to a simple setting or minor component. A few quick checks can help you decide whether it’s something you can identify or if it’s time to get help from our professionals. If your furnace isn’t turning on, use this as a reference to rule out common causes before calling for furnace repair in Lancaster.
Check the Thermostat Settings
The thermostat may seem like a small part of your heating system, but it’s often the root of the problem when your furnace won’t turn on. Before assuming there’s an issue with the unit itself, check the thermostat closely. You might resolve the issue with just a few quick changes.
Make sure the following steps are taken:
1. Set the thermostat to “heat” if it’s currently on “cool” or “off”.
2. Verify that the temperature setting is higher than the current room temperature.
3. If the thermostat uses batteries, replace them in case they’re low or dead.
4. Check the display screen; if it’s blank or flickering, it may be a battery or connection issue.
5. If it’s a smart thermostat, make sure it’s connected to Wi-Fi and running properly.
One example we often see is homeowners switching their system from cooling to heating but forgetting to re-adjust the temperature setting. If your thermostat is set too low, the furnace won’t turn on. Making small adjustments may be all it takes to hear your system come to life.
Inspect the Furnace Power Supply
If the thermostat looks fine, the next step is to confirm that your furnace is getting power. A furnace depends on a steady power source. Without it, your system won’t operate at all. Fortunately, many power-related issues are simple to identify.
Look into the following:
1. Find the switch located near the furnace. It looks like a regular light switch. Make sure it’s in the “on” position.
2. Visit the breaker panel and check for a tripped breaker. If the furnace breaker is off or in the middle position, reset it by turning it fully off and then back on.
3. If your system uses a fuse rather than a breaker, check for a blown fuse and replace it with another of the same rating.
4. Some furnaces have a reset button near the burner or gas valve. Press it once and wait to see if the unit responds.
Electrical problems should be handled with care. If the breaker trips again after being reset, leave it off and call a technician. Frequent tripping can mean there’s an internal problem or overheating component. Repeatedly resetting it without fixing the underlying cause could lead to bigger issues.
If something looks unusual or you smell burning, step away from the furnace and wait for assistance. Safety comes first.
Examine the Furnace Air Filter
If your furnace still isn’t running after checking the thermostat and power, it’s time to inspect the air filter. A dirty or clogged filter can block airflow and cause the system to overheat. Many furnaces will shut down when this happens to prevent damage.
Follow these steps:
1. Turn off the furnace before touching anything.
2. Locate the filter slot, usually near the blower compartment or return duct.
3. Remove the filter and hold it up to a light. If you can’t see light through it, it’s likely too dirty.
4. Replace the old filter with a new one of the same size and rating.
Filters should be checked monthly during heavy usage. If you have pets or a dusty environment, they may need to be replaced even more often.
We’ve encountered many cases in Lancaster where a furnace was thought to be broken, but the issue was resolved by replacing the air filter. Once the system has time to cool down and reset itself, it often starts working normally again. Taking care of this small task can prevent bigger problems later on.
Assess the Pilot Light or Ignition System
If the filter looks fine, another area to check is your furnace’s ignition system. Older furnaces use a standing pilot light, which should remain lit. Newer systems use an electric igniter. Both can fail, which keeps heat from being produced.
Try the following:
1. If you have an older furnace, find the pilot window and check for a flame.
2. If the pilot light is out, follow the manufacturer’s steps to relight it. Only attempt this once.
3. On newer models, examine the electric igniter. Look for signs of damage or corrosion.
4. Some units display error codes using flashing lights near the control board. These can help diagnose the issue.
If the ignition component is damaged or the flame sensor is dirty, the furnace won’t light. These parts are delicate and should be handled by our technicians. Trying to fix them yourself might cause unintended damage or void warranties.
Waiting too long to repair a failed igniter can lead to more issues. It’s better to have the furnace inspected right away to avoid unnecessary delays in restoring heat.
When to Call Our Professionals
If you’ve completed the steps above and your furnace still fails to turn on, it’s time to have our professionals take a look. Some signs shouldn’t be ignored and usually indicate a deeper issue that can only be fixed by experienced technicians.
Common reasons to call us include:
1. The pilot light keeps going out.
2. The breaker trips again after resetting.
3. You hear loud or unusual noises like buzzing or grinding.
4. The furnace runs without producing heat.
5. You detect gas or burning odors near the unit or through vents.
Our technicians are trained to diagnose problems safely and efficiently. Whether it’s a faulty blower, control board malfunction, or safety switch issue, we can get things working again without causing further damage. Do not try to access gas or electrical components on your own.
Ensuring Warmth and Comfort in Your Lancaster Home
A warm home is a place of comfort, especially during colder months. If your furnace won’t start, your daily routine is at risk of being disrupted. By going through the basic steps like checking your thermostat, power supply, filter, and ignition components, you may find the root of the problem.
If those steps don’t work, it’s time to call Affordable Air Inc. in Lancaster. Delaying can lead to higher repair costs or longer wait times for service. Our experienced team is ready to identify the issue and provide safe repairs to bring warmth back to your home. Regular maintenance and fast action following signs of trouble help extend the life of your heating system and keep you comfortable throughout the season.
If your furnace still gives you trouble in Lancaster despite your troubleshooting efforts, it may be time to have our experts take a closer look to prevent further damage and maintain home warmth. At Affordable Air Inc., our technicians understand how local furnace issues can disrupt your daily routine and are ready to step in. Learn more about furnace repair in Lancaster and see how our skilled team can address specific problems before they escalate. For a quick estimate or to book a service visit, please contact us today.
