⚡ 1. Furnace Not Turning On
Possible Causes:
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Thermostat not set to “Heat” or too low
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Tripped circuit breaker or blown fuse
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Furnace power switch is off
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Loose or damaged wiring
Fixes:
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Check the breaker panel for a tripped 240V breaker
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Confirm the thermostat has working batteries or power
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Inspect the furnace’s service disconnect switch
📘 Family Handyman: Furnace Not Working? Top 12 Fixes
💨 2. Blower Running but No Warm Air
Possible Causes:
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Burned-out heating element
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Faulty sequencer (controls the heating stages)
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Dirty air filter causing limited airflow
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Limit switch shutting off the heat for safety
Fixes:
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Replace a dirty filter
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Let the unit cool and try again
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Schedule a technician if elements or sequencers fail
📘 Bob Vila: Why Your Furnace Blows Cold Air
🔁 3. Short Cycling (Furnace Turns On and Off Frequently)
Possible Causes:
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Incorrect furnace sizing
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Overheating due to poor airflow
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Faulty thermostat placement near heat source
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Clogged filter or blocked return vent
Fixes:
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Move or reprogram the thermostat
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Replace filters regularly
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Ensure vents aren’t blocked by furniture or rugs
📘 Furnace Short Cycling Troubleshooting Tips
🔥 4. Burning Smell or Odd Noises
Possible Causes:
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Dust burning off heating coils (normal at season start)
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Loose fan or belt
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Motor bearings failing
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Electrical arcing or overheating wires
Fixes:
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If it’s the first use of the season, let it run for 10–20 minutes
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Shut down immediately if the smell is strong, metallic, or smoky
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Listen for scraping or grinding and call a technician promptly
📘 Lowe’s: Furnace Maintenance & Warning Signs Guide
✅ When to Call an HVAC Pro
Call a licensed technician if:
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Circuit breakers trip repeatedly
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You smell burnt wiring or plastic
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The blower doesn’t turn off
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You see error codes or flashing lights
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You’re unsure and safety is a concern
🛠️ Keep Your System Running Smoothly
Check out our Electric Furnace Collection for systems designed with diagnostics and safety switches to prevent many of these issues.
In the next topc you will read about: Financing Your New Furnace: Smart Payment Options for Homeowners
