Having your furnace suddenly stop working during a Glendale evening can be frustrating, especially when temperatures start to drop. It’s not always easy to understand why it’s happening, and it often leaves homeowners without heat when it’s most needed. Many residents experience the same issue at some point—flipping the thermostat on and expecting warm air, but nothing happens. Even newer systems can run into trouble.
Before assuming the issue is serious or costly, it helps to check a few common problem areas that might stop your furnace from turning on. Understanding where to start can save time and make it easier to decide when help is needed. Below are a few things Glendale homeowners should look at when facing a non-working furnace.
Troubleshoot Your Thermostat Settings
The thermostat plays a central role in how your heating system operates. If your furnace isn’t turning on, the thermostat could be the root of the issue. Many homeowners don’t realize that small changes or settings adjustments can stop the furnace from kicking in.
Start with these simple checks:
– Make sure the thermostat is set to “heat” and not on “cool” or “off”
– Confirm the temperature setting is above the current room temperature
– Replace batteries if the display screen is blank or unresponsive
– Double-check that the thermostat is securely attached to the wall and its wires are intact
In some cases, someone in the home might have accidentally changed the settings. This can happen after cleaning or during the day as kids or guests pass by and hit buttons without realizing it. If you’re using a programmable or smart thermostat, take a minute to review if any schedules or modes are interfering with heat requests.
For example, a Glendale resident recently noticed their furnace wasn’t kicking on during the evening. After checking the thermostat, they found it had been set to vacation mode by mistake. Switching it back to normal triggered the system to resume heating right away. Often, it’s something that simple.
Inspecting the Furnace Power Supply
Even the most reliable furnaces won’t run without power. A tripped breaker or disconnected switch can stop the system completely. If you’ve checked the thermostat and still have no heat, the next step is to examine how your furnace is connected to power.
Here’s what you can look for:
– Go to your electrical panel and look for a breaker labeled “furnace” or “HVAC.” If it’s tripped, reset it by turning it off and then back on
– Locate the furnace’s power switch—usually mounted on or near the unit. It looks like a standard light switch. Make sure it’s turned “on”
– Some units also include a fuse. If you can access this and it appears blown or damaged, it may need to be replaced by one of our technicians
During warmer months, the furnace might be turned off at the switch and forgotten as temperatures drop again. This means the system doesn’t get the electric signal it needs to operate. Even a slightly loose wire or power disruption from earlier service can leave the furnace inactive.
Taking a few minutes to double-check power sources can give clear answers fast. If breakers are fine and power cuts aren’t the issue, it’s a sign that something else inside the furnace may be beyond a simple reset. That’s when it helps to involve our professionals for a proper inspection.
Checking the Furnace Filter
One of the most overlooked causes of a furnace that won’t turn on is a clogged or dirty air filter. Over time, filters collect dust, pet hair, and other debris from the air inside your home. When they get too dirty, they can block airflow to the furnace, causing the system to overheat and shut itself down as a safety precaution.
If your furnace seems like it’s not running at all or stops shortly after starting, make sure to check the air filter. Residential systems in Glendale often need more frequent filter changes, especially in homes with pets or during seasons with poor air quality.
To inspect and replace your furnace filter:
– Turn off the furnace at the switch or thermostat before accessing the filter
– Locate the filter compartment, usually found in the return air duct or near the furnace blower
– Slide the filter out and hold it up to a light. If you can’t see light passing through, it’s time to replace it
– Make sure the replacement filter matches the size and airflow direction indicated on your old one
A clean filter helps your furnace breathe easier and work more efficiently. Skipping filter changes may lead to more problems over time, reducing the life of your unit and increasing energy use. If the filter was the issue and you switch it out, you may notice the furnace starts normally again shortly after.
When to Call Our Professionals
Some problems are easy to fix at home, but others require a trained set of eyes. If you’ve checked the thermostat, power supply, and air filter, and your furnace still won’t run, there could be an internal part failure or a more complex electrical issue. Trying to figure it out without the right tools or knowledge can lead to more damage or safety risks.
You should contact our technicians in situations like:
– The furnace stops mid-cycle or won’t stay on
– Strange smells or electrical odors are coming from the unit
– Clicking, humming, or banging noises won’t stop
– The pilot light, if you have one, isn’t staying lit
– The system has no response at all after ruling out basic causes
These signs point to malfunctioning sensors, igniters, circuit boards, or other mechanical issues that will need testing and safe handling. Heating systems are controlled with electrical and gas components, so it’s best to have licensed professionals handle anything beyond routine checks.
Waiting too long to address a non-functional furnace may lead to unexpected outages or larger repair costs later. Taking care of the issue early also helps keep your home safe and comfortable.
Ensuring Your Furnace Stays Operational in Glendale
Homeowners in Glendale benefit from relatively mild winters, but that doesn’t mean heating systems can be ignored. When a furnace failure happens, especially on a chilly morning or after sunset, it can bring plenty of discomfort. Simple habits can lower the chance of unexpected problems and improve how your furnace performs each season.
Prevent unexpected breakdowns with habits like:
– Changing the air filter every one to three months
– Keeping the area around the furnace clean and clear
– Scheduling inspections with our technicians once a year
– Testing the thermostat before colder months settle in
Furnace issues rarely happen without signs. By paying attention to small changes in system behavior, you’ll have a better chance of catching problems early. Whether it’s a slight drop in temperature, unusual sounds, or extended run times, staying alert lets you act before larger damage occurs.
Taking the time to run through a few basic checks can often get your furnace back up and running. But when the issue doesn’t resolve easily, calling our professionals ensures the problem is addressed correctly. Glendale homeowners deserve reliable heat when they need it, and keeping up with these routine steps can make that happen.
If routine maintenance and simple troubleshooting haven’t resolved the issue, trust the experts at Precise Air Systems, Inc. to provide professional furnace repair in Glendale and restore warmth to your home efficiently. For a quick estimate or to book a service visit, please contact us today.