Furnace Running But No Heat? Here’s What Might Be Wrong
When the furnace is running but no warm air is coming through the vents, it can be frustrating—especially in the middle of a chilly Burnaby winter. Don’t panic! Several issues can cause this problem, and some of them are easier to fix than you might think. In this post, we’ll explore the most common reasons your furnace might be running but not heating your home—and what you can do about it.
1. Thermostat Issues
Before anything else, double-check your thermostat settings. Ensure it’s set to “heat” and that the temperature is higher than the current room temperature. Also, make sure the fan setting is on “auto” instead of “on.” If it’s on “on,” the fan might blow air even if the furnace isn’t heating.
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2. Dirty or Clogged Air Filter
A clogged air filter can block airflow, causing your furnace to overheat and shut down the heating element as a safety precaution. If your filter looks dusty or hasn’t been replaced in the last 1–3 months, swap it out and see if that restores heat.
3. Pilot Light or Ignition Problems
If you have an older furnace with a standing pilot light, make sure it’s lit. If it’s not, follow the manufacturer’s instructions to relight it. For modern furnaces with electronic ignition, issues with the ignitor could prevent heating even if the blower is running.
4. Blower Motor or Belt Issues
If the blower motor or its belt is malfunctioning, your furnace might make noise or run without effectively pushing warm air through your home. You might also notice strange noises like squealing or banging.
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5. Gas Supply or Valve Issues
If there’s a problem with your gas supply—such as a closed valve or gas line obstruction—your furnace won’t produce heat. Always leave gas-related inspections to licensed professionals.
6. Ductwork Problems
Sometimes the issue isn’t the furnace itself. Leaky or disconnected ducts can let the warm air escape before it reaches your vents. This may be harder to spot without professional tools, but an HVAC technician can diagnose this quickly.
When to Call a Professional
If you’ve gone through these steps and still have no heat, it’s time to call in the pros. Furnaces are complex systems, and continuing to run a malfunctioning one could cause more damage—or worse, a safety hazard.
Contact Belcarra Mechanical
At Belcarra Mechanical, we proudly provide expert furnace services across Burnaby, Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam, Port Moody, and nearby areas. Whether it’s a quick repair, a full replacement, or just annual maintenance, our certified HVAC technicians have you covered.
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