Thermostat Clicks But There's No Heat? (Possible Causes & Fixes)

Furnace problems can be inconvenient, uncomfortable, and expensive to deal with. Whether it is your thermostat or your furnace, it is never pleasant to sit in a cool home when something isn’t working properly. So, what does it mean when your thermostat clicks but there’s no heat?

It typically indicates that your filter is dirty if the thermostat clicks but there’s no heat. The heat won’t work when your thermostat clicks if there is a problem with the gas line or you have electrical issues. Check the pilot igniter on your gas furnace and make sure to select the correct setting on your thermostat.

It doesn’t mean that your furnace or thermostat is out if it clicks but there’s no heat. However, it does indicate that something is wrong and you need to troubleshoot it. Follow along as we explore what you should do when your thermostat clicks but there’s no heat.

A dirty filter can cause your HVAC system to malfunction in several ways, and it’s among the most common problems. Your thermostat may click but the heat won’t come on if the filter is clogged. It is ideal to replace your furnace filter every 3 months or at the beginning of each season.

Your HVAC system’s performance will falter and decline the longer that you go without replacing it. Furnace filters cost as little as $5 and replacing one will allow you to control your furnace with your thermostat.

Examine your pilot ignitor if your thermostat clicks but there’s no heat. Gas furnaces are susceptible to dirt, dust, and debris that can clog a pilot igniter. Luckily, you don’t need to replace a pilot ignitor in many cases unless it is severely damaged.

Simply clean the pilot ignitor with a brush and compressed air. Clear away debris with the brush and blast it with air to remove stubborn dust. This should allow your pilot ignitor to run the furnace when you use your thermostat.

A gas furnace cannot run if the gas line is disconnected. You can adjust your thermostat all you want but it cannot produce heat without a proper gas connection. Turn the furnace off so that it is safe to work with and inspect the gas lines.

Reattach the gas lines if they are salvageable and there is no visible damage. Gas lines can come loose over time, especially if they weren’t connected tightly in the first place. Call emergency services right away if you smell a gas leak near your furnace’s gas line because it is a fire hazard.

It costs up to $25 per linear foot to run new gas lines to a furnace. This is necessary if your old gas lines are shot. Don’t attempt to run your furnace from the thermostat if you smell gas even if there is no heat.

Call a professional if troubleshooting doesn’t help. Your circuit breaker is fine, your pilot is clean as a whistle, the gas line is connected, and you don’t smell a drop of gas. What do you do? The only thing that you have left to do is find a professional who can do a more in-depth diagnostic.

Another good time to call a professional is when you realize you know what needs to be repaired, but you don’t have the tools or wherewithal to do the repairs on your own. After all, repair companies are meant to help you get the things you need done while also freeing up your time.

If you ever feel uncomfortable with performing repairs yourself, it’s always best to consult a professional. In fact, it can be pretty dangerous to perform work on a furnace (especially a gas powered one) unless you know what you’re doing. Make sure that you don’t delay these issues, as a faulty furnace in your home is a serious safety concern. You don’t want this, possibly simple, problem to escalate into a much larger or expensive one.

This is one of the most pricey repair costs that you may face as a result of a clicking thermostat that doesn’t give gas. If you smell gas, then the reason you’re not getting heat is due to a gas leak. Fixing a gas leak can cost between $150 to $600, depending on where the leak is found and the materials required to fix it.

Much like with other repairs that were mentioned on this list, this is not a repair that you should delay. Unlike others on this list, the consequences go far beyond just staying cold at home. A gas leak can be lethal and must be dealt with as soon as possible. Call a repairman as soon as you notice this issue.

Related Questions

Can I install a smart thermostat myself?

Though thermostat installation is usually left to the pros, there’s nothing saying that a typical person can’t do it on their own. Most homeowners are able to install their own smart thermostats without professional help. In fact, installation kits usually come with instructions for this reason.

How often should I replace my thermostat?

You should replace it as often as you do your climate control systems. If you just got a new central heating system, a thermostat should also be on your purchase list. With that said, you should also consider replacing one if you notice that your thermostat is starting to act up or just doesn’t work the way it once did.

The main reason that a thermostat clicks but there’s no heat is that the furnace filter is dirty. Replace your furnace filter every 3 months or so when it becomes dirty for optimal performance. Inspect the pilot ignitor for debris and dust that can stop it from igniting the gas in your furnace.

Clean the ignitor with compressed air, a rag, and a brush to remove debris if there is no heat. Inspect your gas lines to make sure that they are properly connected. Contact emergency services and shut off your gas supply if you smell gas in the air. Never run your thermostat when you smell gas because it could ignite.