Is your furnace not producing heat even if you have set your thermostat to heat mode? In the middle of a cold winter, there’s nothing worse than discovering that your furnace is no longer producing heat. If you’re asking yourself this question, you’re not alone. A furnace that isn’t working can be a homeowner’s nightmare. But don’t despair!
In this blog post, we’ll explore some of the most common reasons why furnaces stop working and what you can do to fix the problem.
Common Reasons for Furnace Not Producing Heat
There are a few different reasons why your furnace may have stopped working. The most common causes include:
Pilot Light is Out
One of the most common reasons a furnace stops producing heat is that the pilot light has gone out. If this happens, simply relighting the pilot light should solve the problem. However, if the pilot light keeps going out, there may be a problem with the thermocouple—a sensor that tells the furnace when the pilot light is lit. In this case, you’ll need to call a professional to inspect your furnace and make any necessary repairs.
Burned Out Blower Motor
Another common reason a furnace stops working is that the blower motor has burned out. The blower motor is responsible for circulating air throughout your home, and if it burns out, your furnace will be unable to circulate heat. A build-up of dust and debris usually causes it, so regular maintenance can help prevent this problem from occurring.
The typical design of a furnace includes a window passage. The blower motor operates well if a green light flashes through the window channel. However, there is a problem with the motor blower if the light is blinking red or no light.
Fuel Supply Issues
Another reason your furnace might not be working is an issue with the fuel supply. If your furnace uses natural gas or propane, a blockage in the fuel line can cause it to stop working. Rust or sediment build-up usually causes it, so it’s essential to have your fuel lines inspected and cleaned regularly to prevent this from happening.
Tripped Circuit Breaker
If your furnace suddenly stops working, one possibility is because of a tripped circuit breaker. Furnaces require a lot of electricity to run, so they’re often connected to their dedicated circuit. If this circuit becomes overloaded, it can cause the breaker to trip, shutting off power to the furnace.
Clogged Air Filters
Another possible reason for your heat not producing heat could be clogged air filters. You must regularly replace the air filters in your furnace to keep the system running smoothly. If they’re not replaced regularly, they can become clogged with dirt and dust, which can cause all sorts of problems, including decreasing the heat produced by your furnace.
What Can You Do?
If your furnace has stopped working, there are a few things you can do to try and fix the problem.
Check the Thermostat
One of the most common reasons a furnace stops working is because the thermostat is set to “off” or “cool” instead of “heat.” Check your thermostat and ensure it’s set to “heat” before moving on to the next troubleshooting steps.
Change the Furnace Filter
If your furnace filter is clogged, it can restrict airflow and cause your furnace to overheat. Depending on your filter type, you should plan on changing it every 1-3 months. You can purchase replacement filters at most hardware stores.
Check for Power
If your furnace still isn’t working, check the circuit breaker or fuse box to ensure it’s receiving power. If the breaker has been tripped, simply reset it and see if that solves the problem. If not, you may need to replace a blown fuse.
Inspect the Blower Motor
If none of the above solutions work, there may be something wrong with the blower motor. This more complex issue will likely require a professional technician to fix it.
Conclusion
Several reasons a furnace may stop working, but some of the most common include issues with the pilot light, blower motor, or fuel supply. If your furnace has stopped working, check the thermostat, change the filter, and inspect the blower motor before calling a professional.
Look at each of these possible causes and see if you can diagnose and fix the problem yourself. If not, don’t hesitate to call a qualified HVAC technician who can help get your heat back up and running in no time!
