Furnaces are essential for keeping our homes warm during the cold winter months. But what do you do when your furnace suddenly stops working? Don’t panic! In most cases, you can easily turn your furnace back on yourself. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to do it.
First, check to see if the power to your furnace is turned on. The power switch is usually located on the side or back of the furnace. If the power is off, turn it on. Next, check the thermostat. Make sure that the thermostat is set to “heat” and that the desired temperature is set higher than the current temperature. If the thermostat is set correctly, move on to the next step.
The next step is to check the pilot light. The pilot light is a small flame that ignites the gas in your furnace. If the pilot light is out, you can relight it yourself. To do this, locate the gas valve on the side of the furnace. Turn the gas valve to the “off” position and wait five minutes. After five minutes, turn the gas valve back to the “on” position and try to light the pilot light. If the pilot light does not light, you may need to call a qualified technician for assistance.
Locating the Power Switch
Locating the power switch is a crucial step in turning on your furnace. Typically, it’s found on the furnace’s exterior, near the bottom or side panel. Look for a switch or button labeled “Power” or “On/Off.” If you can’t find it on the exterior, check the furnace’s interior, which may require removing a panel held by screws.
Once you’ve located the power switch, proceed to the next step, which is turning on the gas supply.
3. Turning on the Gas Supply
Gas-powered furnaces require a gas supply to operate. Follow these steps to turn it on:
| Gas Type | Location of Gas Valve |
|---|---|
| Natural Gas | Typically located outside near the gas meter or inside near the furnace. |
| Propane | Located on the propane tank or a regulator near the tank. |
– Locate the gas valve.
– Turn the valve handle clockwise to the “on” position. You should feel some resistance as you turn it.
– Open a burner valve on your stove or fireplace to release any air from the gas line.
– Once you’ve released the air, close the burner valve.
Relighting the Pilot Light (if necessary)
If your furnace’s pilot light has gone out, you’ll need to relight it to get your furnace running again. Here’s how to do it:
- Locate the pilot light assembly. It’s usually located near the bottom of the furnace.
- Turn off the gas supply to the furnace. There should be a valve on the gas line near the furnace. Turn it clockwise to shut off the gas.
- Wait five minutes for the gas to dissipate. This will help to prevent an explosion.
- Depress the reset button on the pilot light assembly. This button is usually red or black and is located near the pilot light.
- Hold a lit match or lighter near the pilot light. The pilot light should ignite within a few seconds.
- If the pilot light doesn’t ignite, repeat steps 4 and 5. If the pilot light still doesn’t ignite, there may be a problem with the furnace. Call a qualified technician for help.
- Once the pilot light is lit, turn the gas supply back on. Turn the valve counterclockwise to open the gas flow.
Here are some additional tips for relighting the pilot light:
- If the pilot light keeps going out, there may be a problem with the thermocouple. The thermocouple is a safety device that shuts off the gas supply if the pilot light goes out. If the thermocouple is faulty, it will need to be replaced.
- If you’re not comfortable relighting the pilot light yourself, call a qualified technician for help.
Check the Thermostat
Make sure the thermostat is set to “heat” mode and that the desired temperature is higher than the current temperature. Check if the batteries in the thermostat need to be replaced.
Inspect the Air Filter
A dirty air filter can restrict airflow and cause the furnace to overheat. Inspect the air filter and replace it if it is clogged.
Reset the Furnace
Locate the reset button on the furnace and press it. This will reset the furnace and may resolve any minor issues.
Check the Fuel Supply
If your furnace uses gas, check if the gas valve is open. If your furnace uses oil, check if the oil tank is full and that the fuel line is not clogged.
Inspect the Pilot Light (Gas Furnaces Only)
The pilot light may go out, causing the furnace to not ignite. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to relight the pilot light.
Check the Flame Sensor (Gas Furnaces Only)
The flame sensor detects the presence of a flame. If the flame sensor is dirty or defective, the furnace may not ignite.
Clean the Blower Motor
The blower motor circulates warm air throughout the house. Over time, dust and debris can accumulate on the blower motor, reducing its efficiency. To clean the blower motor, remove the front panel of the furnace and use a vacuum to remove any accumulated dust or debris.
Inspect the Heat Exchanger
A cracked or damaged heat exchanger can leak carbon monoxide into the home, which is a dangerous gas. If you suspect that the heat exchanger may be damaged, do not operate the furnace and contact a qualified technician.
Hiring a Professional HVAC Technician
When troubleshooting furnace issues beyond your expertise, or if you suspect significant repairs or replacements are necessary, it’s highly recommended to engage the services of a qualified HVAC technician. Their expertise and specialized tools ensure accurate diagnosis, efficient repairs, and optimal furnace performance. However, choosing the right technician is crucial to ensure quality workmanship and avoid costly mistakes.
- Get Referrals: Ask friends, family, or neighbors for recommendations based on their positive experiences.
- Check Online Reviews: Read reviews on platforms like Google My Business, Yelp, or Angie’s List to gain insights into the quality of service offered by different technicians.
- Verify Credentials: Ensure the technician is licensed, insured, and up-to-date with the latest industry standards and certifications.
- Inquire About Experience: Ask about their experience working with your specific furnace make and model.
- Compare Quotes: Obtain quotes from multiple technicians to compare pricing and services offered.
- Read the Contract Carefully: Before hiring, thoroughly review the contract, including the scope of work, payment terms, and warranty offered.
- Ensure Clear Communication: Look for a technician who is able to explain the issue and proposed solution in a clear and understandable manner.
- Consider Emergency Services: Inquire about the technician’s availability for emergency repairs, especially during peak heating season.
| Criteria | Recommended |
|---|---|
| License and Insurance | Yes |
| Experience with Your Furnace Make and Model | Yes |
| Positive Online Reviews | 3+ stars or higher |
| Clear Communication Skills | Easy to understand and informative |
| Availability for Emergencies | 24/7 or within a reasonable timeframe |
How To Turn On Furnace
The furnace is an important part of your home’s heating system, it needs to be turned on in order to warm your home during the winter months. Turning on your furnace is a relatively simple process, but it’s important to follow the steps carefully to avoid any damage to the unit.
First, you need to locate the furnace. It is usually located in the basement or utility room of your home. Once you have found the furnace, you need to turn off the power to the unit. This is usually done by flipping a breaker or switch on the electrical panel.
Once the power has been turned off, you can open the furnace’s access panel. This is usually located on the front or side of the unit. Once the access panel is open, you should be able to see the furnace’s controls. The controls will vary depending on the model of furnace, but they will typically include a thermostat, a power switch, and a gas valve.
To turn on the furnace, you need to first set the thermostat to the desired temperature. Then, you need to turn on the power switch. Finally, you need to open the gas valve. The gas valve is usually located on the side of the furnace, and it will have a lever or knob that you can turn.
Once you have turned on the furnace, it will start to heat your home. It may take a few minutes for the furnace to reach the desired temperature, but it should eventually get your home warm and comfortable.
People Also Ask About How To Turn On Furnace
How can I tell if my furnace is turned on?
There are a few ways to tell if your furnace is turned on. First, you can check the thermostat. If the thermostat is set to a higher temperature than the current room temperature, the furnace is probably on. You can also check the furnace’s access panel. If the furnace is on, you should be able to hear the blower running and feel the warm air coming out of the vents.
What should I do if my furnace doesn’t turn on?
If your furnace doesn’t turn on, there are a few things you can do. First, check the thermostat to make sure that it is set to a higher temperature than the current room temperature. Then, check the furnace’s access panel to make sure that the power switch is turned on and that the gas valve is open. If the furnace still doesn’t turn on, you may need to call a qualified technician to troubleshoot the problem.
How often should I turn on my furnace?
It is important to turn on your furnace regularly to keep it in good working condition. You should turn on your furnace at least once a week during the heating season, even if you don’t need to use it to heat your home. This will help to keep the furnace’s moving parts lubricated and prevent them from seizing up.
