If your furnace won’t turn on automatically, you may feel as though you’ve been left shivering in the cold. Contributing problems can range from thermostat malfunctions to ignition system failures and many other potential causes in between.
The good news is that our team is here to help! You can keep reading to learn more about why your furnace may not turn on automatically and how to get it back to working like normal again. After all, a furnace not turning on automatically in Hinsdale can be alarming.
Thermostat Issues
The thermostat is what controls how your heating system operates. When the thermostat malfunctions, your furnace won’t turn on at the right times to heat up your home. One common thermostat issue is actually an operator error. If the system is set to “cool” instead of “heat” or the temperature is set too low, your furnace won’t turn on to heat up your home.
If it seems like your furnace isn’t turning on, don’t panic right away. First, verify the thermostat settings and try adjusting them to see if it helps. It’s also possible that your thermostat is miscalibrated or that the batteries are low, meaning that it cannot communicate with your furnace properly. In this case, you need to call us for service.
Older thermostats are more likely to have problems. If you don’t have a smart thermostat, we may recommend that you upgrade to one for the best results. Thermostat issues are often simple to fix but it is crucial that you address them sooner rather than later.
Starter Issues
If your furnace isn’t turning on, the issue could lie within its starter components. When it comes to gas furnaces, a faulty ignition system or pilot light is a common problem that we see. If the pilot light isn’t burning correctly, contributing issues may include:
- Drafty air
- A lack of airflow entering the system
- Dirt or buildup around the burner
- Issues with the thermocouple
An electric furnace may experience issues with the wiring that leads to burners. It’s also possible the burners themselves have stopped working, especially if you have an older electric furnace. In a heat pump, the reversing valve can get stuck or fail entirely.
You may be tempted to troubleshoot some of these issues on your own, but we encourage you to pursue professional assistance. Let our team visit your home to diagnose and repair any issues.
Safety Concerns
Safety mechanisms can contribute to issues with your furnace turning on no matter what type of heating system you have. Modern furnaces and heat pumps have special are safety mechanisms designed to protect your home from dangerous heating situations.
For example, if you heater begins getting too hot, a safety mechanism signals for the system to turn off, even if a heating cycle isn’t complete. In a gas furnace there is a flame sensor that ensures gas only gets released into the chamber when a flame is present.
A dirty or malfunctioning sensor can prevent the furnace from turning on to begin with. Our team cna determine whether these sensors are triggering due to legitimate safety issues or malfunctions. Either way, we can fix the problem and get your heater working again like normal.
Contact Althoff Home Services today to schedule an appointment with our professionals. Chicago’s Choice Since 1961. Hand It Off to Althoff!