A furnace that suddenly shuts down or blows cold air can be stressful, especially during a Calgary winter. But before you panic or assume the system is broken, there are a few important steps every homeowner should try first.
These simple checks can help you identify the issue. They can also help you restore heat quickly. If needed, you can decide if you require professional furnace repair in Calgary.
This guide focuses on real solutions to common furnace problems—whether the ignition system isn’t working, the heat output is too low, or the furnace keeps cycling on and off. Here are the top five things to try when your furnace stops working.
1. Check if the Furnace Ignition System Is Working
Most heating problems start with the ignition system. If the furnace won’t start or blows cold air, the ignition may not be lighting properly.
What to check:
- Look for a blinking light or error code on your furnace panel.
- If you have a pilot light (older gas furnace systems), make sure it’s lit.
- Newer furnaces use electronic igniters, which can fail over time.
- Check the furnace switch—it may have been bumped and turned off.
A failed igniter or faulty flame sensor will prevent the burners from lighting. If your furnace doesn’t respond after these checks, you may need emergency furnace repair to safely diagnose electrical or gas issues.
This step alone can often reveal the main problem when homeowners wonder how to fix my furnace.
2. Make Sure Your Furnace Is Producing Enough Heat
If your furnace turns on but isn’t warming the house, airflow or fuel issues may be the cause.
Try these solutions:
- Inspect the air filter; a dirty filter restricts airflow and reduces efficiency.
- Make sure your thermostat is set to “Heat” and not “Cool” or “Fan Only.”
- Check that all registers and vents in the home are open.
- Look at the gas valves near the furnace to confirm they are in the On position.
Restricted airflow makes the furnace work harder, reduces heat output, and can even damage the heat exchanger. Replacing a clogged furnace filter is one of the easiest and cheapest fixes.
If the furnace still struggles to heat, the issue may involve the blower motor, burners, or fuel supply—requiring home furnace services from a trained technician.
3. Fix Furnace Short Cycling (Turning On and Off Too Frequently)
A furnace that cycles on and off too often is not only annoying but also wasteful. It can cause overheating and long-term damage to the hvac system.
Short cycling is often caused by:
- A clogged air filter
- Thermostat issues
- A malfunctioning flame sensor
- Overheating due to airflow restrictions
- Problems with the blower motor
Solution:
Start by changing the filter. If the cycling continues, turn off the furnace, restart it, and monitor its next few cycles. If it still behaves the same way, you likely need a service call.
Short cycling affects both comfort and energy efficiency. Addressing it early protects the furnace from more serious failures
4. Reset Power Sources and Check Electrical Components
Your furnace may not be working simply because it isn’t receiving power.
Here’s what to do:
- Inspect the circuit breaker—a tripped breaker will shut the whole system down.
- Locate the furnace’s power switch and make sure it hasn’t been switched off.
- Ensure the thermostat has working batteries.
Electrical issues can prevent ignition, airflow, and fan operation. If your breaker keeps tripping repeatedly, that’s a sign of a deeper mechanical or electrical problem that requires Calgary heating services.
5. Perform Regular Furnace Checks to Prevent Future Breakdowns
Most furnace emergencies can be avoided with regular maintenance. Keeping your system clean, tested, and professionally inspected reduces the risk of unexpected failures.
Homeowners should routinely:
- Replace filters every 1–3 months
- Keep the air conditioner coil clean (shared ductwork affects airflow)
- Have a technician check the heat pump or cooling components if connected
- Schedule yearly professional furnace maintenance
- Ensure vents and ducts stay open and clear
During annual inspections, a technician checks ignition, airflow, heat exchangers, sensors, burners, and all other critical components. These tune-ups help your furnace run smoothly, keep your homes comfortable, and extend the life of the unit.
If your system is older or one of the furnace models more prone to breakdowns, yearly maintenance becomes even more important.
When to Call a Professional for Furnace Repair
Troubleshooting can solve simple issues, but many furnace problems require certified technicians. If your furnace still won’t turn on, isn’t heating properly, continues short cycling, or shows signs of ignition failure, it’s time to call experts in furnace repair Calgary.
A trained technician can perform a full diagnostic, repair worn components, and make sure your system is safe to operate. Whether you need routine care, home furnace services, or urgent help, qualified professionals offering Calgary heating services can restore warmth quickly and safely.
