Furnace Not Turning on in North York

Before calling, check that the thermostat is set to heat, the furnace switch is on, the breaker is not tripped and the filter is not clogged. These simple checks solve a surprising number of no heat calls.

If the inducer runs but nothing lights, the pressure switch, igniter or gas valve is likely involved. If the burner lights and goes out, the flame sensor or venting needs attention.

Furnaces and air conditioners share the same ducts, blower and thermostat, so a problem with one often shows up in the other. A clogged filter can make a furnace overheat in January and freeze an air conditioner coil in July. We look at the whole system rather than one box at a time.

High efficiency furnaces in GTA homes rely on a chain of safety checks before they light: the inducer motor starts, a pressure switch proves venting, the igniter heats, the gas valve opens and a flame sensor confirms the flame. Most no heat calls come down to one link in that chain.

Cooling systems and ductless heat pumps need clean coils, the correct refrigerant charge and clear condensate drains. Ductless units are popular in additions, condos and older homes without ducts, and they need their filters and indoor coils cleaned more often than many owners expect.

Igniters, flame sensors, capacitors, pressure switches and blower motors are common repairs that make sense on most systems under fifteen years old.

Consider replacement when a furnace heat exchanger is cracked, when an older air conditioner needs a compressor, or when repair costs keep climbing on aging equipment. We explain both paths.

Furnaces are best serviced in early fall and air conditioners in spring, before the first heavy use of the season.