Furnaces in Florida are a redundant concept for much of the year. While there are times where you will need heat in Florida, the climate typically lends a need for cooling services rather than making sure you have a working furnace.
Nonetheless, much like anywhere, there will be a few months out of the year where the temperature drops abruptly, especially in Florida.
You know what they say about the weather in Florida? If you don’t like it, just wait a minute!
So, you go to turn the heat on for the first time in 8 months and discover that the furnace will not turn on with thermostat. The feeling of dread begins to sink in.
It’s cold for the first time in months, and you need heat! What could possibly be the reason for your heater not working?
Here, learn about the top reasons this may be happening to your heater and what you can do about it.
Furnace Will Not Turn on With Thermostat: What’s the Problem?
There is no worse time for your heater to not be working because you typically only discover that it isn’t functioning right when you need it most!
First and foremost, it’s worth pointing out that there are ways to prevent any of this happening in the first place. If you use preventative maintenance with a quality HVAC service, the likelihood that your furnace won’t work properly when you need it to goes down significantly.
With that said, here are some of the primary reasons your furnace might not be working.
1. Thermostat Issue
One of the first things to consider when your furnace isn’t working is that your commands are simply not reaching the machine, meaning there could be a problem with the thermostat you use.
The issue could be as simple as a lack of power, as some need batteries to operate. On the other hand, it could be as serious as the entire thermostat being bad and needing replacement.
Many homes have digital thermostats these days, and appropriately have guides available for troubleshooting on the manufacturer’s site.
Additionally, sometimes the thermostat may simply not be set in the correct manner. If you set up a program and then forget about it, this may be a reason why your heat isn’t coming on. Make sure your temperature is set correctly and is set to the heat setting, as opposed to off or cool.
Wrong Thermostat for the Wrong Furnace
In order to make sure your furnace operates properly, you also have to ensure that the thermostat you have is appropriate for the system you have.
You must have a thermostat that is matched with your heating system in terms of capacity and capability.
If you install the incorrect thermostat for the system you have, you are likely to experience miscommunication between the thermostat and the system. You may even see the system fail altogether. Make sure you do your research and consult with professionals before buying a new thermostat.
2. Bad Wiring
Loose connections, frayed wires, and aged wires all can cause your thermostat to eventually lose its connection to your A/C and heating system.
Inspect your wiring thoroughly, making sure the connections are tight, and replace any wires as deemed necessary by you or an HVAC professional.
3. Clogged Air Filter
This is another common problem for heaters and air conditioning units in general. If you turn your heater on but it fails to blow anything, or at least fails to blow hot air, you very well may have a clogged filter.
This occurs when the filter gets dust buildup on it, reducing airflow throughout the entire system and can cause your heater to shut down.
You can rectify this by checking your air filter to make sure it isn’t dirty or clogged in any manner.
Now, when it comes to changing air filters, there are many different kinds and sizes depending on the size of your home and air conditioning unit.
If your air filter truly was clogged, it would be wise to see to it that you get your system checked. The reason for this is because soot may have seeped into the system as a result of the clogged air filter.
4. Tripped Breaker
This is something that you may not notice.
Sometimes, for whatever reason, the circuit breaker to the heater may trip, turning off the heater. Make sure to check all your breakers and make sure they are in good shape.
In addition to this, your furnace should also have a switch on it that will turn the furnace off. This may be the cause of your problem, and was likely switched off on accident, but be careful to ensure nobody turned the furnace off for a reason.
5. Belt Or Blower Problem
Sometimes your furnace may be working just fine, but it will seem broken due to an issue with the blower. If you hear your furnace making sounds that are high pitched, this is indicative of the blower being out of whack.
The only thing to really do is to get yourself a qualified heating repair service to inspect and fix the issue in your system. There are various reasons for this issue, some as simple as lubrication or having a worn belt.
They can also be costly, such as a complete replacement of the motor or blower. As mentioned before, getting preventative maintenance is one of the ways to avoid such situations ever occurring.
The Best Heating & Cooling Service in SW FL
When the furnace will not turn on with thermostat, make sure you get these things checked.
We’ve been serving the people of Florida since 1989. If you want to ensure you get the best service and get your job done right, contact us today for all of your heating & cooling needs.
Florida Heat & Air proudly provides expert HVAC Services in Bonita Springs, Estero, Naples, Fort Myers, Cape Coral, Lee High Acres, Port Charlotte, & Punta Gorda.
Call today. (866)-287-0007
