Furnaces require power in order to operate, and sometimes a switch in your electrical panel may trip and cut power off to it. In such an instance, it is wise to contact a qualified technician immediately for electrical maintenance.
Begin by addressing any obvious problems. Verify that your system is operating in heat mode and that its circuit breaker has been switched. Also, if the furnace has to be replaced, Cinch recommends these furnace brands.
Check the Thermostat
Regardless of whether you own a gas or an oil furnace, if you own a programmable thermostat, check its screen to see if there is a flashing “low battery” icon and replace with fresh batteries as soon as possible. if the switch is set to “Off,” simply toggle it back onto “On.”
Most furnaces feature a power switch resembling a light switch either on the unit itself or nearby on a wall (since electricians often provide services prior to furnace installation). If it’s off, flip it back on.
If your furnace turns on but quickly shuts off without producing heat for your home, this could be short-cycling. This could be caused by various issues including dirty filters or needing replacing; but for a more thorough analysis and inspection you should call in professional assistance. A trained inspector can determine if your furnace was properly installed with all wires tightened correctly and connections securely connected; loose connections or corrosion threaten system failure and should therefore be addressed immediately.
Check the Power
As simple as it may sound, ensuring the furnace has adequate power is crucial to its proper operation. Check in your breaker panel to see if its switch has tripped and cut power to your system – if so, simply flip back onto “On”.
Your thermostat’s “Heat” setting can often become dislodged unintentionally, so to be safe make sure it is set at least five degrees above room temperature and set on “Heat.”
Don’t forget to inspect your vents and registers, too. Rugs or furniture often block these spaces, keeping the warm air from reaching your rooms and potentially leading to an increase in temperature. Raising it a few degrees may work, or it could be worth consulting an expert as some thermocouples or ignitors require high temperatures in order to function.
Check the Pilot Light
Properly functioning pilot lights should emit a blue flame with a slight yellow tint at its tip, or else indicate incomplete combustion due to insufficient airflow and lack of oxygen. Any deviation could also point towards dirty thermocouple probes requiring maintenance; as such it’s crucial that ventilation systems and pilot tube tips remain clear for optimal operation.
Alternatively, professional assistance might be best. Re-lighting the pilot light requires special care and knowledge; otherwise it can become dangerous quickly. When shutting off gas (typically by means of a switch that resembles regular light switches) for at least five minutes first so any excess gas may dissipate before you attempt re-lighting it yourself.
Before relighting the pilot light, be sure to open all windows and doors for ventilation purposes and use a long-handled match or lighter for safety reasons; read through your manual’s instructions regarding relighting the pilot light for guidance.
