Furnace Not Turning On? 10 Fixes Every Vancouver Homeowner Should Try Before Calling a Pro
If your furnace not turning on has left you shivering and frustrated, you're not alone. It's one of the most common issues Vancouver homeowners face when the temperatures drop. The good news? You might not need to panic or call for emergency service—yet.
Let’s walk through the 10 most common reasons your furnace is not turning on, how to fix them, and when to bring in the professionals.
Before you do anything else, make sure your thermostat is set to "Heat" and the temperature is higher than the current room temp. Dead batteries, loose wiring, or even a bump from a cleaning cloth could throw it off.
Bonus tip: If your screen is blank, change the batteries. Still nothing? You might need to replace the thermostat entirely.
Furnace not turning on problems often start right here.
It happens more than you'd think. The furnace switch—usually located on or near the unit—gets flipped off accidentally. If your furnace smells musty or won’t power on at all, check this first. Flip it off, wait 10 seconds, and turn it back on.
Go to your home’s electrical panel and find the breaker labeled "furnace." Even if it looks on, flip it off and back on again. A tripped breaker is often why your furnace is not turning on after a power outage or surge.
If the panel isn’t closed properly, the door switch won’t engage, and the furnace won’t turn on. Make sure it's aligned and latched. If the switch is faulty, that could also explain the issue.
A clogged filter can trigger the high-limit switch, which shuts down your system to prevent overheating. This is one of the most overlooked reasons a furnace smells musty and stops working.
Check it monthly. Replace it every 3 months—or more frequently during heavy use.
Inside the furnace, there’s a small fuse that protects against power surges. If it’s blown, your control board won’t power on, and your furnace will not turn on. Check for black marks or use a multimeter to test continuity.
High-efficiency furnaces produce condensation. If the pump that removes this water gets clogged, it triggers a safety switch that prevents your furnace from turning on.
Clean the pump and tubing, then restart the system.
If your furnace overheated recently, this safety switch may have tripped and stayed stuck. After replacing your air filter, gently tap the high-limit switch to reset it.
If your furnace smells musty when it finally turns on, you might be dealing with mold in the coils or ductwork. This common HVAC issue makes it seem like your furnace not turning on is the problem—when it’s really a blocked or dirty system. A professional coil cleaning may be needed.
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furnace not turning on
If you’ve checked everything and the LED light on the furnace control board is still off, the board itself may be fried. At this point, it's best to call in a licensed HVAC technician.
If you’ve gone through this list and your furnace is still not turning on, don’t risk further damage. Eco Pro Heating's licensed Vancouver HVAC professionals are here to help—fast.
We handle everything from emergency furnace repairs to full installs, and we’ll help you explore rebate options to lower your costs.
Why does my furnace smell musty when it turns on?
A musty smell usually signals mold or mildew in the system—often caused by moisture buildup in the coils or ducts. While it might turn on, this could still signal your furnace is struggling.
Can I fix a furnace that won’t turn on myself?
You can try basic troubleshooting like checking the thermostat, breakers, and filter. But if the furnace not turning on persists, it’s time to call a pro.
Is there a rebate for replacing my furnace in BC?
Yes! BC offers rebates when upgrading to energy-efficient systems. Visit our grants & rebates page to learn more.
How often should I service my furnace? At least once a year. Regular maintenance helps prevent common issues like your furnace not turning on during the first cold snap.
Whether you’re dealing with a stubborn pilot light, a noisy blower, or just want to keep your HVAC system running smoothly year-round — Eco Pro Heating & Cooling has your back.
See available grants and rebates
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We’ve been proudly serving Vancouver and the North Shore for over 20 years, with 300+ 5-star reviews and a commitment to getting it 100% right — or it’s 100% free. Call us today at (604) 725-4485 or get a free quote and let’s bring comfort back to your home.
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