During transitional times like fall and spring, the temperature can fluctuate a lot. One day it’s warm, the next day it’s cold. Regardless, you need your heat to keep working so you and your family can stay warm on those chillier days. If you notice the furnace not kicking on when the temperature drops, then there’s a problem. Here are 7 reasons why it may be happening.

A problem with the thermostat

The first place to look if your furnace is not kicking on when the temperature drops is the thermostat. Make sure that it’s set on the heating mode so it knows to kick on warmth. Then check to see the temperature your thermostat is set at. 

If the temp is colder than the current temperature of your home, then this will keep your furnace from kicking on. Same goes if your thermostat is on a schedule. You may not have it set to turn on, even if it hits the right temperature.

There’s also a chance that your thermostat could be broken. In these cases, it’s best to call a furnace professional so they can assess and fix your thermostat.

A dirty furnace filter

All furnaces have a filter that keeps dust and debris from blowing into the inner workings of the furnace. Overtime, the filter can fill up with gunk and clog, restricting airflow to the furnace. If you have not changed your filter in the last few months, this could be the reason why the furnace is not kicking on when the temperature drops. Replacing the filter should fix the problem.

A problem with your gas supply

If you have a gas furnace that is not kicking on when the temp drops, it could be an issue with your gas supply. Be sure to check your gas valve and make sure it’s on. If your furnace runs on propane, it could be that the tank is low and needs to be replaced.

In addition, you can check in with your gas supplier. Sometimes gas is shut off due to maintenance or a billing issue.

The condensate pan is full of water

Some furnaces produce a lot of condensation. In those cases they usually have a condensate pan that collects the moisture and then drains it away. But if there is a clog on the drain, it can cause the pan to get full of water and keep your furnace from turning on when the temperature drops. If this is the cause, you’ll need to call a professional for them to remedy the problem.

Power issues 

Whether you have a gas or electric furnace, they all need a little bit of electricity to work. It could be an electrical issue causing your furnace to not turn on. Check your circuit breaker to make sure the circuit your furnace is on hasn’t tripped. It’s also good to check if your furnace has been turned on and that it’s plugged in.

The pilot light is out

If your furnace has a pilot light, that pilot light needs to be lit in order for the furnace to work. If your furnace does not turn on when the temperature drops, it could be because the pilot light is out. You can try to fix it yourself by lighting it, but if that does not work, an HVAC professional should be able to help. There could be build up or an issue with the sensor they can detect.

Faulty components 

Sometimes your furnace won’t turn on because of faulty components. For example, there could be an issue with the control board. If the control board is broken, it won’t be able to send power to turn on your furnace.

There could also be an issue with your flame sensor. The flame sensor is a safety component that monitors the flames to make sure they are lighting up when the furnace is on. If they aren’t, the flame sensor closes the gas valve to prevent a leak. It can also get covered in residue over time. Both of these instances can keep your furnace from turning on. Make sure that the sensor is clean and call an expert if the pilot light continues to not come on.

Pick up the heat

It’s safe to say that if your furnace isn’t kicking on when it gets cold out, there are many ways to fix it yourself. However, when you do require an expert, our technicians are available 24/7. Give us a call today!