Temperatures have begun to decline, signaling that the start of winter is a lot closer than it seems. Soon enough, you’ll be turning on your heater to keep your home comfortable, if you haven’t already. Hopefully if you have, you didn’t have any problems.
But what happens if you go to turn your furnace on and it doesn’t start up? What could be the cause of this trouble? Read on to learn why furnaces may fail to turn on. And if your unit is aging or repeatedly giving you trouble, it might be time to explore which home heating system is right for you and whether a newer, more efficient model could be a better long-term investment.
Is Your Thermostat Preventing Furnace Start-Up?
Sometimes the problem with a furnace isn’t with the furnace at all—it’s the thermostat. This component is the brain of your entire HVAC system. Even the smallest mishap can lead to the improper reading of your home’s temperature, preventing the thermostat from turning your furnace on. Your thermostat could also be to blame if it has old, corroded, or broken wiring which has lost its connection to the heating system. If you’ve experienced thermostat problems before or are seeing signs of an aging system, these furnace symptoms you don’t want to ignore can help you determine when replacement is the smarter option.
The Electronic Igniter Needs Replacement
Most homeowners don’t realize that even modern gas-powered furnaces require electricity to run. And the most important component in your furnace related to this is the electronic igniter. This component, which should be replaced every few years, activates the burners. A failing igniter can often be caught during your maintenance appointment, but this is not always the case—sometimes it can fail even if it appears healthy to your HVAC technician.
Dirty Burners and Furnace Startup Problems
The burner in your gas-fueled furnace is where the gas jets ignite in order to provide heat. But if the burner develops a layer of dirt or grime on it, or if rust flakes find their way inside, then it can’t draw in sufficient oxygen in order to light. You’ll want a professional technician to remove the burner and thoroughly clean that along with the rest of your furnace. If this kind of issue keeps happening late in the season, check out these late-season heating repair signs to decide whether repairs are worth it—or if a full system upgrade is due.
For professional furnace repairs in Cedar Falls, IA, contact Dalton Plumbing, Heating & Cooling, Inc. today.