Heater Not Turning On? Common Causes for Edmond Homeowners

Introduction

The most unpleasant experience is finding out that it is freezing outside in Edmond, Oklahoma and that your house has no heat. A lot of people have had the awful experience of their furnaces quitting on them at the most inopportune times.

This is an informational guide to help you identify why your furnace isn't turning on; give you things to look for yourself so you don't need to have someone else come to fix it for you; and give you information about when to call a Heating/Cooling Technician.

Why Heaters Stop Working in Winter (and Why It’s Worse in Edmond)

Edmond Winters do not experience temperatures near those found in the Arctic however there may be several instances throughout the winter where nighttime freezing temperatures will occur and create potential problems if your heat system fails to function at or below thirty (30) degrees.

In addition to the aforementioned, all of these conditions will also increase the impact of the previously stated problems in this area:

• The dust generated by seasonal windstorms

• Cycles of rapid thaw and freeze

• Older gas furnaces commonly used

Studies demonstrate that a large number of homes in Oklahoma are heated with natural gas, and a large number of them are using systems that are old and probably have not had regular service performed on them.

What’s Really Causing the Problem? (And What You Can Do)

Thermostat Confusion or Failure

• Thermostat not set to "heat"

• Set temperature too low

• Batteries dead or display blank

Try this:

• Switch to heat mode

• Raise the temp 3–5 degrees

• Change batteries if needed

Tripped Circuit Breaker or Power Switch

• Furnace circuit may have tripped

• Nearby switch may have been flipped off

Try this:

• Check your breaker panel and reset if tripped

• Locate the furnace switch and make sure it’s ON

Gas Supply or Pilot Issues

• Gas valve may be shut

• Pilot light (older models) might be out

• Ignition system may be faulty

Try this:

• Check that gas valve is open

• If safe, relight pilot per instructions

• Don’t proceed if you smell gas — call OG&E or a pro

Clogged Filters

• Dusty filters restrict airflow

• Furnace may shut off to avoid overheating

Try this:

• Replace dirty filters — monthly in winter is ideal in Edmond

Faulty Flame Sensor or Safety Switch

• Sensor may be dirty or misaligned

• Access panel door might be loose

Try this:

• Shut off power, gently clean sensor with fine sandpaper

• Ensure access door is closed tightly

Blocked Vents or Flue Pipes

• Outdoor vent pipe clogged by debris or snow

• Too many indoor vents closed

Try this:

• Keep 80%+ of vents open

• Check flue for nests, ice, or blockages

FAQ: Why does my furnace start then shut off?
This usually points to a dirty flame sensor or airflow restriction. Try replacing the filter or cleaning the sensor.

FAQ: Is it dangerous if my heater keeps shutting off?
It can be. It might overheat, or a gas issue may be triggering a safety shut-off. Don’t ignore repeated failures.

What You Can Do Right Now

Here’s what you can try before calling in the pros:

• ✅ Check the thermostat settings and battery

• ✅ Flip the furnace switch ON

• ✅ Replace the air filter

• ✅ Ensure all vents are open and unobstructed

• ✅ Look for error codes or blinking lights

• ⚠️ Smell gas? Leave and call the utility company

Pro Tip: If your furnace is over 10 years old and hasn’t been serviced in the past year, schedule a tune-up. Many breakdowns stem from neglect, not defects.

Why It Matters in Edmond

The extreme fluctuations in temperature experienced in Oklahoma weather will also cause excessive wear and tear on the heating and cooling unit in your home. For example, you may experience mild weather conditions during the day at 65 degrees, but by the next evening, the same location may drop to 20 degrees.

Additionally:

• Frequent high winds can blow debris into the filters of your heating and cooling units, which means they need to be cleaned or replaced frequently.

• Power outages can occur when severe thunderstorms move through the region.

• Many of the older homes located near Edmond (in areas such as Oak Tree, Coffee Creek and the area east of I-35) have old furnaces that cannot meet the current standards for energy efficiency.

Need help fast? We’re local, trusted, and ready to assist. Book your heater repair today or contact us here.

What To Do Next?

• Heaters stop working for simple reasons — thermostat, power, or airflow issues.

• Edmond’s dusty, cold-snapping climate adds to wear and tear.

• DIY troubleshooting can solve 70–80% of issues.

• When in doubt, bring in a licensed HVAC tech.

Stay ahead of the cold. Don't wait until your heater fails on the coldest night of the year.

Written by A&T Mechanical | Updated December 2025