Stay Warm: Tips for Troubleshooting a Furnace That Stops Working

Your furnace is the heart of your home’s heating system, keeping your family safe and comfortable through Virginia’s cold winters. When it suddenly stops working, it’s natural to feel worried. While some quick checks can be done at home, we always recommend contacting a professional—especially for oil furnace issues. Still, these troubleshooting tips may help you rule out simple causes before calling for service.

Common Reasons Your Furnace Won’t Start

There are many possible causes when an oil furnace fails to start. Some are simple fixes, while others require professional repairs. Here are a few things you can safely check:

1. Is the Air Filter Dirty?

Virginia winters keep your furnace running almost nonstop. A clogged filter restricts airflow, making it harder for your system to start and run efficiently. A dirty filter not only increases energy costs but can eventually stop the furnace from starting altogether. Check your filter monthly and replace it as needed to keep things running smoothly.

2. Double-Check Your Thermostat

It may seem basic, but confirm your thermostat is set to Heat Mode and turned on. Replace the batteries if necessary and check your home’s circuit breakers to ensure nothing has tripped. These quick steps may save you a service call.

3. Use the Reset Button Carefully

If your thermostat is set correctly and the furnace still won’t start, locate the Reset Button on your unit. Press it no more than two times—pushing it repeatedly can cause excess oil to back up in the system and make the problem worse.

4. Verify Power Supply

Check that your furnace has power. Inspect the circuit breaker panel and make sure the switch controlling your furnace hasn’t tripped.

5. Confirm Your Oil Supply

Your furnace needs a steady supply of fuel to ignite. If there are leaks or obstructions in the oil line—or if the tank is running low—the system may fail to start. These issues require inspection by a trained Valley Energy technician.

The Value of an Oil Service Contract

One of the best ways to prevent furnace issues is to keep up with regular maintenance. Valley Energy offers Oil Service Contracts designed to keep your system tuned, inspected, and ready for the season. With two plan options, we make it easy to choose the coverage that fits your needs.

Call Valley Energy for Expert Repairs

While at-home troubleshooting can sometimes solve simple issues, most furnace problems require professional expertise. Valley Energy has provided trusted oil heat service in Virginia for over 50 years, with emergency assistance and reliable technicians ready to keep your home safe and warm all winter long.

Troubleshooting an Oil Furnace That Won’t Turn On