Waking up to a cold house in Hanover, PA is a special kind of betrayal. The thermostat says “heat,” the furnace says “nah.”
The good news: most no-heat calls we see in winter come down to a handful of common problems—some you can fix in minutes, others need a pro fast (especially anything involving gas or carbon monoxide).
Below is a Hanover-homeowner-friendly breakdown of the most common winter furnace problems, what to check first, and when to stop troubleshooting and call for help.
First: Safety Check Before You Troubleshoot
If You Smell Gas or Your CO Detector Is Going Off
Don’t troubleshoot. Leave the home, then call your gas utility and an HVAC pro.
If You’re Not Sure What You’re Smelling
Natural gas smells like sulfur/rotten eggs. Carbon monoxide has no smell—that’s why detectors matter.
Quick “No Heat” Checklist for Hanover Homeowners
Before assuming the furnace is dead, check these basics:
1) Thermostat Settings
- Set to HEAT
- Fan set to AUTO
- Raise temp 3–5° above room temp
- Replace thermostat batteries if screen is dim or blank
2) Breaker + Furnace Switch
- Check the HVAC/furnace breaker (reset once if tripped)
- Look for a light-switch-style shutoff near the furnace (it gets bumped more than people admit)
3) Air Filter
A clogged filter is the #1 winter furnace problem. If it looks like a lint trap from 2008… replace it.
Common Winter Furnace Problems That Cause “No Heat”
Furnace Won’t Turn On at All
If nothing happens when the thermostat calls for heat, the most common causes include:
- Thermostat issue (settings/batteries/wiring)
- Tripped breaker or furnace switch off
- Safety shutoff triggered (overheating, flame failure, pressure switch)
When to call a pro: if the breaker keeps tripping or the furnace powers on but won’t start a heating cycle.
Dirty or Clogged Air Filter
This one is boring—but it causes chaos.
A dirty filter restricts airflow, which can:
- Overheat the system and trigger a safety shutdown
- Cause short cycling (on/off constantly)
- Reduce heat output and create cold rooms
- Stress the blower motor and limit switch
How often should you change it in winter?
In Hanover winters, check monthly:
- 1-inch filter: every 30 days
- 2–4 inch filter: every 2–6 months (depends on pets, dust, and runtime)
Furnace Blowing Cold Air
If the furnace runs but the air is cool, it could be:
- Thermostat fan set to ON (it’ll blow between heat cycles)
- Burner/ignition failure (the blower runs but burners don’t stay lit)
- Dirty flame sensor shutting burners off after a few seconds
- Gas supply issue (valve closed or supply interruption)
What you can check safely
- Fan set to AUTO
- Gas valve near furnace is open (handle parallel to pipe)
- Filter is clean
Call a pro if burners ignite then shut off repeatedly.
Ignition Problems (Pilot Light / Hot Surface Igniter)
Older furnaces may have a pilot light. Newer models use electronic ignition.
Common ignition-related “no heat” symptoms
- Clicking but no ignition
- Ignition lights briefly, then shuts off
- Repeated attempts, then lockout
Usually caused by:
- Dirty flame sensor
- Failing igniter
- Control board or gas valve issue
This is a “call a pro” category—ignition components aren’t DIY territory unless you enjoy surprise problems.
Strange Furnace Noises You Shouldn’t Ignore
Banging or booming at startup
Often delayed ignition. Can damage the heat exchanger.
Squealing
Blower motor bearings or belt issue.
Grinding
Motor failure risk—shut it down and call.
Rattling
Loose panel or duct vibration (sometimes minor, sometimes not).
Rule: new noises are your furnace’s way of texting “help” without autocorrect.
Uneven Heat and Cold Rooms in Hanover Homes
If some rooms are warm and others feel like a garage:
- Supply vents closed or blocked
- Return vents blocked (huge culprit)
- Duct leaks or disconnected duct sections
- Blower issues
- Home insulation / attic loss
Quick fixes
- Open all vents
- Make sure returns aren’t covered by furniture/rugs
- Replace filter
- Check doors to rooms (closed doors can reduce airflow)
If you’ve got one or two rooms always cold, that’s often a duct balance or insulation issue—not the furnace itself.
Carbon Monoxide Risk Signs to Watch For
Red flags
- CO detector alarms
- Soot around furnace or vents
- Yellow/orange burner flames (should be mostly blue)
- Exhaust/chemical smells near furnace
- Headaches/dizziness that improve when you leave home
If any of these show up: treat it seriously and call immediately.
When to Call for Furnace Repair in Hanover, PA
Call a pro right away if:
- You smell gas
- CO detector goes off
- Furnace won’t start after basic checks
- Breaker keeps tripping
- Short cycling continues after changing the filter
- You hear banging/booming/grinding
- Burners won’t stay lit
Learn more about furnace repair and installation here.
How to Prevent “No Heat” Emergencies Next Winter
The best prevention is painfully simple:
- Change filters on schedule
- Keep vents/returns clear
- Get annual maintenance before heavy winter use
- Don’t ignore early warning signs (short cycling, odd smells, weird noises)
One tune-up in fall beats an emergency call during the coldest night of the year. Every time.
Why Hanover Homeowners Trust Strive Heating & Cooling
When your furnace quits, you don’t need guesses—you need heat, fast, and you need it done safely.
Hanover homeowners choose Strive Heating & Cooling because we:
- Diagnose quickly and explain options clearly
- Fix the real cause (not just the symptom)
- Prioritize safety checks for combustion and CO risk
- Service all major furnace makes and models
If your home has no heat—or your furnace is showing warning signs—our team is ready to help.
Schedule Furnace Service in Hanover, PA
No heat doesn’t get better by “turning the thermostat up harder.”
Contact Strive Heating & Cooling today to schedule furnace repair in Hanover, PA and get your home warm again—without the stress.