Few home comfort problems cause more frustration than discovering your electric central heat not working on a cold morning. One moment the thermostat is calling for heat, and the next you’re wondering why the system is running but the air feels cool — or worse, why the unit will not turn on at all. Over the years, I’ve heard every variation of this concern: electric furnace not blowing hot air, electric heater not working in the house, electric furnace stopped working, or why is my electric heater not working at all?
In this article, I want to slow things down and walk through the issue clearly, using the Goodman MBVK electric furnace as our reference point. The goal is not just to list problems, but to help you understand how electric furnaces actually work, what typically goes wrong, and how to approach electric furnace troubleshooting in a logical, informed way.
If your electric HVAC heat is not working, this guide will help you identify whether you’re dealing with a simple setup issue, an airflow problem, an electrical fault, or a component failure that requires professional service.
Understanding How an Electric Furnace Like the Goodman MBVK Works
Before troubleshooting, it helps to understand what’s supposed to happen when your system calls for heat.
The Goodman MBVK is a variable-speed electric air handler designed to operate with electric resistance heat kits. Unlike gas furnaces, there is no combustion process. Instead, heat is produced when electrical current flows through resistance coils, which warm up and transfer heat to the air moving across them.
In simple terms, the sequence looks like this:
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Thermostat calls for heat
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Control board receives the signal
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Heating elements energize in stages
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Blower motor ramps up
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Warm air moves through ductwork
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Safety controls continuously monitor conditions
When any part of that sequence is interrupted, you may experience symptoms like:
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Electric furnace not blowing warm air
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Electric heater turns on but no heat
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Electric furnace not turning on
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Electric heater not heating
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Electric furnace not heating enough
Understanding where the process breaks down is the foundation of effective troubleshooting.
Why Electric Central Heat Stops Working
When homeowners say their electric central heat is not working, the underlying cause usually falls into one of five categories:
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Thermostat or control issues
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Power or electrical supply problems
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Airflow restrictions
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Heating element failures
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Safety or control board shutdowns
Let’s walk through each in detail.
Thermostat Issues: The Most Overlooked Cause
A surprising number of service calls start and end at the thermostat. If your electric heater is not working in the house, always start here.
Common thermostat-related issues include:
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System set to “cool” instead of “heat”
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Fan set to “on” instead of “auto”
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Temperature set too close to room temperature
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Dead or weak batteries
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Incorrect system configuration
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Loose thermostat wiring
Modern thermostats often require configuration settings that tell the system whether it’s controlling gas or electric heat. If this setting is wrong, the furnace may never receive a proper heating signal.
This is a frequent explanation behind complaints such as electric furnace not turning on or why is my electric furnace not turning on even though the system appears powered.
Electrical Supply Problems That Stop Electric Heat
Electric furnaces depend entirely on electrical input. If power delivery is interrupted, heating cannot occur — even if the blower still runs.
Common electrical issues include:
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Tripped breakers
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Blown fuses
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Loose wire connections
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Voltage imbalance
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Failed disconnects
It’s important to understand that many electric furnaces use multiple breakers. One breaker may power the blower, while another feeds the heating elements. This leads to a classic scenario where the fan runs but the heater does not, prompting complaints like:
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Electric heater turns on but no heat
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Electric furnace not blowing hot air
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Electric heater not blowing hot air in house
According to electrical safety guidance published by organizations like Energy.gov, electric resistance systems must have stable, properly sized electrical circuits to function safely and efficiently.
Airflow Problems That Mimic Heating Failure
Restricted airflow is one of the most common — and most misunderstood — reasons for electric furnace problems.
When airflow drops too low, safety limits shut off the heating elements to prevent overheating. The blower may continue to run, giving the impression that the heater is broken.
Common airflow restrictions include:
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Dirty or clogged air filters
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Closed or blocked supply registers
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Obstructed return grilles
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Collapsed ductwork
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Poor duct design
This often leads homeowners to report:
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Electric furnace not blowing warm air
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Electric heater not heating
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Electric furnace not blowing heat
The Goodman MBVK is designed with built-in protection logic. If airflow falls outside acceptable parameters, heating stages are disabled automatically.
HVAC performance standards published by groups like ACCA consistently identify airflow imbalance as a top contributor to comfort complaints.
Heating Element Failures in Electric Furnaces
If airflow and power are correct, the next major suspect is the heating element itself.
Electric furnaces rely on resistance coils to generate heat. Over time, these elements can:
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Burn out
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Crack
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Lose continuity
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Develop electrical faults
When this happens, you may notice:
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Electric furnace not heating enough
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Electric heater not blowing hot air
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Electric heater stopped working
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Electric furnace stopped working entirely
Because most systems use staged heating, partial element failure can be misleading. One stage may work while another does not, resulting in lukewarm air instead of proper heat.
Testing heating elements requires electrical knowledge and proper tools. This is one area where professional diagnosis is strongly recommended.
Safety Switches and Limit Controls
Electric furnaces are designed with multiple safety layers. If any unsafe condition is detected, the system shuts down heating automatically.
Common safety-related shutdown causes include:
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Overheating due to airflow restriction
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Electrical overload
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Faulty limit switches
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Internal temperature imbalance
When a limit switch opens, heating stops until conditions normalize. This leads to intermittent issues such as:
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Electric heater not heating
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Electric furnace not blowing heat
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My electric heater stopped working, then started again
These safety features are essential, but when they activate repeatedly, they indicate an underlying problem that must be corrected.
Control Board and Relay Failures
The control board acts as the command center of the Goodman MBVK. It receives thermostat signals, activates heating stages, controls blower timing, and monitors safety circuits.
When the board or its relays fail, symptoms can include:
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Electric furnace not turning on
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Electric heater not working
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Random shutdowns
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Inconsistent heating
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Clicking sounds with no heat
Control boards are sensitive to voltage fluctuations and wiring errors. Diagnosis typically requires a technician familiar with electric furnace logic and testing procedures.
Resources such as technical guidance from Goodman emphasize proper installation and electrical protection to prevent premature control failures.
Why Your Electric Furnace May Not Be Heating Enough
Another common complaint is that the system runs but never seems to warm the home adequately.
If your electric furnace is not heating enough, consider these contributing factors:
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Undersized heating elements
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Poor insulation in the home
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Duct leakage
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Excessive air leakage
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Thermostat placement issues
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Incomplete staging of heat strips
The Goodman MBVK supports multiple heat kit configurations, and correct sizing is critical. An undersized heat kit will technically work, but comfort will suffer during colder conditions.
Troubleshooting Electric Furnace Problems Step by Step
If you’re dealing with electric heater problems, here is a logical checklist you can follow before calling for service:
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Verify thermostat mode and temperature
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Check all breakers and disconnects
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Replace or clean air filters
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Confirm supply and return vents are open
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Listen for blower operation
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Observe whether heat engages at any point
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Watch for repeated shutdowns
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Check for visible error indicators
This process often reveals whether the issue is minor or requires professional intervention.
When to Call a Professional Technician
You should contact a licensed HVAC professional if:
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The electric furnace will not turn on at all
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Breakers trip repeatedly
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You smell burning or electrical odors
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Heat cycles on and off rapidly
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The system never produces warm air
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You suspect heating element or control board failure
Attempting internal electrical repairs without training can be dangerous and may void warranties.
Guidance from organizations such as HVAC.com reinforces the importance of professional diagnosis when electrical components are involved.
Why the Goodman MBVK Remains a Strong Platform
Despite the many issues discussed, the Goodman MBVK electric furnace remains a dependable system when installed and maintained correctly. Its strengths include:
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Variable-speed ECM blower
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Flexible electric heat staging
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Built-in safety protections
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Compatibility with modern thermostats
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Reliable long-term operation
Most complaints tied to electric furnace not heating are related to setup, airflow, or electrical supply — not inherent design flaws.
Final Thoughts from Jake Lawson
When homeowners tell me their electric heater is not working, I always remind them that electric furnaces are logical systems. They follow rules. When something breaks those rules — airflow, voltage, control signals — the system responds by shutting down or limiting heat.
If your electric furnace is not blowing hot air, or your electric HVAC heat is not working, don’t panic. Start with the basics, understand the sequence of operation, and recognize when it’s time to call a professional.
The Goodman MBVK, when installed correctly and supported with proper maintenance, delivers consistent, dependable electric heat. Most problems are solvable, and many are preventable with routine checks and informed ownership.
