Why Is My Thermostat Not Turning on Heat?

When the cold arrives, you want to be able to rely on your trusty heating system, no matter how far the temperatures dip outside. Your system’s thermostat has the all-important job of telling your heating system what to aim for based on the temperature setting you’ve chosen. If it doesn't work fast enough or at all, you’re left in the cold wondering, “Why is my thermostat not turning on heat?”

So, why is your thermostat not turning up the heat the way you’d hoped? You can try a few troubleshooting steps, but if you would prefer to skip to expert help, stop the endless online search for "furnace repair companies near me" and contact Professional Services. 

Below, the team covers why your thermostat might be causing problems and what the best approach is to fix it.

A Few Potential Reasons Why Your Thermostat Won't Turn on the Heat

Thermostat problems can have several different causes, so how do you identify the real issue? Start with the batteries.

It may seem obvious, but one of the most common problems homeowners report is the thermostat’s lack of power, which is often a matter of dead batteries! If your thermostat won't turn on the heat in your home, change out the batteries and see if that fixes the problem. 

If not, your faulty thermostat could be the result of the following:

• A tripped breaker
• Loose wiring
• Dirty thermostat components

Technicians like those at Professional Services will often troubleshoot thermostat issues using the steps described below.

Get Your Home Warm Again With These Simple Steps

Why is your thermostat not turning on heat? To get to the root of the problem, you need to do some investigation. 

Check Your Thermostat's Power Source

An obvious sign that a lack of power is the problem would be a blank thermostat screen. If your screen is on, but you can't get your thermostat to turn on your heater, try these steps:

• Check your control board. Is the circuit breaker tripped? 
• Flip the power switch back on. This should restore power to your thermostat. 

If it still doesn’t work, look at your furnace's fuse. A blown fuse can prevent power from reaching your HVAC system.

Check Your Furnace's Connections

Your furnace relies on several connections to read the thermostat setting so that it can deliver enough warm air to your home. If anything impairs these connections, it could interrupt the communication between your thermostat and the actual furnace. 

• Check the thermostat's wires. Are any wires loose or corroded? 
• Test the connections. Use a multimeter. 

While you could easily tighten components or clean off corrosion, leaving it to a professional electrician ensures they address continuity issues and everything else with safety in mind. 

Check Your Thermostat's Programming

Sometimes, it's simply your thermostat's programming that's causing the issue. 

• If you still have it, grab your thermostat's user manual.
• Make sure that all of the settings are correct. 

If you don't have a physical manual anymore, you can often find these documents online.

Check Your Thermostat's Location

Even if your thermostat and furnace are working perfectly, your home could still be uncomfortably cold. Why? Consider your thermostat's location. 

For instance, if your thermostat is near other heating sources or faces direct sunlight, it will read that your home is warmer than it actually is. Your furnace won't know to turn up the heat unless its readings are accurate. 

Ideally, your thermostat should be somewhere central in your home and away from windows, doors, and large appliances that could generate heat. 

You Might Also Need To Check Your Furnace

If you have a thermostat not turning on heat, the final problem to consider is a big one: your furnace.

To see if your heating system itself is the issue, look out for these three things:

• Is the furnace switch in the correct position?
• Are there any objects blocking the vents?
• Is your furnace long or short cycling?

While the first two are easy fixes, cycling issues indicate a bigger problem that typically requires professional attention.

Professional Services Restores Your Thermostat For Toasty Indoor Comfort When You Need It Most

The above troubleshooting tips for your thermostat may suffice, but what’s the easiest and most reliable way to solve any furnace problem? An experienced HVAC technician like Professional Services won’t let you down.

With over a decade of industry experience, Professional Services has seen nearly every type of furnace problem. Why is your thermostat not turning on? Let us handle it—call 262-218-2636 today to schedule a service or chat about switching to a smart thermostat!