Why Is My Furnace Not Working? 7 Common Problems for Windsor Homeowners

Furnace not working? This is a practical, no-nonsense breakdown of the most common furnace issues in Windsor-Essex and what you can check fast, so you can decide if it’s time to call a technician.

1. Furnace is blowing cold air

This usually means:

• The furnace is overheating and shutting down

• A clogged filter is choking airflow

• The thermostat isn’t reading correctly

• The burner isn’t igniting

What to check:

• Replace the furnace filter

• Ensure the thermostat is set to “heat” and on “auto”

• Look for any error lights on the furnace panel

If the air stays cold after 5–10 minutes, the furnace likely needs service.

2. Furnace won’t turn on

If there’s no response at all:

• The safety switch may have tripped

• The furnace door might not be fully closed

• The thermostat batteries could be dead

• A blown fuse or breaker is blocking power

Quick check:

• Reset the breaker

• Press the safety switch

• Replace thermostat batteries

If it still doesn't start, it’s an internal component issue.

3. Furnace is making loud or unusual noises

Windsor homeowners often describe:

• Banging

• Clicking

• Grinding

• High-pitched squealing

This usually indicates:

• Blower motor issues

• Worn belts

• Delayed ignition

• Loose ductwork

Noises = mechanical problems.

4. Furnace smells like burning or smells “weird”

Strong smells may be:

• Dust burning off at the start of the season (normal)

• Electrical burning (not normal)

• Gas smell (call immediately)

• Musty odours from the ducts

If you smell gas: leave the home and call emergency services.

5. Furnace keeps turning on and off (short cycling)

Causes:

• Blocked intake

• Oversized furnace

• Dirty filter

• Flame sensor issues

Short cycling wastes energy and can permanently damage the system.

6. Heat works upstairs but not downstairs (or vice versa)

Common in older Windsor homes. Often caused by:

• Poor airflow

• Closed or blocked vents

• Ductwork losses

• Failing blower motor

7. Thermostat says “heat on” but the house is cold

This typically signals:

• Ignition failure

• Failed flame sensor

• Blower malfunction

When to call a technician

Call immediately if you notice:

• No heat coming from any vents

• Burning or electrical smells

• Furnace repeatedly shutting down

• Loud banging or grinding

• Zero hot air after basic checks

Serving Lakeshore, Belle River, Tecumseh, Windsor, Kingsville, LaSalle, and Amherstburg

Encore’s team handles urgent no-heat calls across Windsor-Essex with fast diagnostics, retrofit expertise, and a large support team ready to respond.

If your furnace still isn’t running after simple checks, it needs service.

Get a technician to your home.