What to do · Kelowna & area
Furnace won't start: what to check first
Anderson Plumbing and Gas Fitting · owner-operated · last updated
Quick answer
If your furnace won't start or isn't turning on, check the thermostat is set to heat and has power, then check the filter isn't clogged. If it still won't run, call Anderson Plumbing and Gas Fitting at (250) 859-3548; we're open 24/7 for no-heat calls. If you smell gas, leave right away and call FortisBC's 24-hour emergency line at 1-800-663-9911 (or your propane supplier) or 911 from outside. Then call us for the repair.
Two checks before you call
Before calling anyone, two things are worth a quick check: the thermostat (set to heat, a few degrees above room temperature, and the display is lit) and the furnace filter. A clogged filter is one of the most common reasons a furnace runs weak, short-cycles or won't start at all, because it restricts the airflow the furnace needs to run safely.
Pilot, igniter and power
If the furnace has a visible pilot light or electronic ignition window, a light that won't stay lit usually points to the thermocouple or ignition system, not something you'd fix yourself. If the furnace lights, then shuts off again after a few seconds, that's often a dirty or failing flame sensor.
Check the breaker too, and the furnace's own on/off switch, which looks like a light switch on or near the furnace. A gas furnace still needs electricity to run the blower and ignition, so either one will stop it cold even though the gas is fine. Make sure the front panel is fully closed, since an open panel trips a safety switch, and on a high-efficiency furnace check the white plastic pipes outside aren't blocked by snow or ice.
If you smell gas
If you smell gas at any point, stop. Leave the house and call FortisBC's 24-hour emergency line at 1-800-663-9911 from outside, or 911, before calling anyone else.
Need this done?
See our Furnace repair & heating page for the full details, or call (250) 859-3548.
Questions, answered
My furnace is blowing cold air. What does that mean?
First check the thermostat fan is set to AUTO, not ON; on ON the blower runs even when the furnace is not heating. A clogged filter can also make the furnace overheat and shut the burner off while the fan keeps running. If neither is it, it is usually an ignition or gas-valve problem that needs a look.
Is it normal for my furnace to drip water?
A high-efficiency furnace makes condensate and drains it through a trap and small hose, so a little water there is normal. Water on the floor usually means that drain is blocked or a line came loose.
How often should I change the filter?
Check it monthly during heating season and replace it when it looks grey or clogged; a dirty filter is one of the most common causes of a no-heat call.
Are you open for no-heat calls at night?
We're open 24/7 for no-heat calls, because in winter a cold house becomes a real problem fast. When we talk, we tell you honestly when we can be there.
Get an honest answer and a fair, upfront price
We are open 24/7 and tell you honestly when we can be there. You get the price before any work starts.