Wondering why your furnace is running but there’s no heat? First, we’re sorry you’re dealing with this—it’s never fun to be left in the cold. Second, we’re here to help!
In this blog from Thiele Heating & Air Conditioning, we’ll explore common reasons why your furnace might be running without producing heat and how to get it fixed quickly and professionally.
Why Isn’t My Furnace Producing Heat?
Your furnace is on, the blower is running, but your home is still cold. What’s causing this? Here are some of the most common issues behind a furnace running but not heating your home.
Thermostat Issues
A thermostat acts as the brain of your heating system, telling the furnace when to turn on and how much heat to produce. If it’s malfunctioning, improperly set, or has a dead battery, it might not send the right signals to your furnace. Sometimes, homeowners inadvertently set the thermostat to “fan” mode, which circulates air without heating it. You may feel cool air coming from the vents if so. In other cases, calibration problems or wiring issues prevent the thermostat from communicating with the furnace entirely.
Clogged Air Filters
A dirty air filter restricts airflow, which can cause your furnace to overheat and shut down as a safety measure. Over time, the lack of airflow strains your system and reduces its ability to produce warm air. This is particularly common if the filter hasn’t been replaced during a period of heavy use. Beyond affecting heat production, a clogged filter can impact your home’s indoor air quality and force your furnace to work harder, increasing energy bills unnecessarily.
Pilot Light or Ignition Problems
The pilot light or electronic ignition system is essential for starting the heating process in a gas furnace. When these components fail, the burners won’t ignite, leaving your furnace unable to heat the air. A draft, dirt buildup, or a faulty thermocouple could cause the pilot light to go out. In furnaces with electronic ignitions, issues with the ignition switch or sensor might prevent proper operation. Without ignition, the system continues to run but fails to provide warmth.
Blower Motor Malfunction
The blower motor is responsible for pushing warm air through the HVAC system and into your home. If the motor is damaged or worn out, the furnace can produce heat, but it won’t circulate effectively. Electrical issues, overheating, or mechanical wear are common causes of blower motor failure. Without a functioning blower, your home may feel cold despite the furnace being on, as the warm air cannot reach your living spaces.
Dirty or Cracked Heat Exchanger
The heat exchanger is the component that heats the air before it’s pushed into your home. A cracked or dirty heat exchanger can’t perform efficiently, leading to reduced heat production or, in some cases, cool air being blown through your vents. Cracks can also pose safety risks, such as carbon monoxide leaks, which require emergency services.
If your furnace isn’t producing enough heat, these issues might be to blame—but other furnace issues could be at play, too. The only way to know for sure is to schedule a professional inspection.
Thiele’s Furnace Repair Service Will Solve the Problem
When your furnace isn’t heating your home, trust Thiele’s furnace repair service to get to the bottom of it. Our experienced technicians will thoroughly inspect your home’s heating system, identify the problem, and provide reliable solutions. From a clogged air filter to a malfunctioning blower motor, we’ve seen and fixed it all.
If your furnace stops working on a freezing Indiana night, we’ve got you covered with emergency furnace repair. Our team will respond quickly to restore warmth to your home and ensure your HVAC system is back to operating safely.
In some cases, repairing a broken furnace isn’t the best solution. If your unit is old, inefficient, or requires frequent repairs, it might be time for a new furnace. Thiele can guide you through the replacement process, offering expert advice and furnace installation services to set you up with a more reliable system.
How Can I Prevent This Problem From Happening Again?
The best way to prevent this problem again in the future is to make regular maintenance a top priority. During a furnace tune-up, a professional HVAC technician from Thiele will inspect your system, clean key components, and address potential issues before they become costly repairs. This includes checking the blower motor, cleaning the heat exchanger, replacing clogged air filters, and testing your thermostat for accuracy.
Thiele’s affordable HVAC system maintenance plan makes it easy to stay on top of care for both your furnace and air conditioner (or heat pump!). Members get two maintenance visits per year, priority scheduling, and discounts on parts and repairs. Routine HVAC services not only prevent issues but also extend the life of your heating and cooling equipment and improve energy efficiency.
Schedule a Furnace Repair With Thiele
At Thiele Heating & Air Conditioning, we’ve been serving Central Indiana since 1883—making us the oldest HVAC company in the Indianapolis area. With decades of experience, we’ve built lasting relationships with homeowners and businesses by providing excellent service and customer support.
Our technicians are highly trained and genuinely care about your comfort. Whether it’s difficult repairs or a simple fix, we’re committed to getting your system back on track. And remember, we don’t just repair furnaces—we’re also your one-stop shop for air conditioning systems and other HVAC equipment!
If your furnace is running but not heating, contact Thiele today to schedule an appointment. Let us restore comfort to your home and keep your family warm all winter long!