Winter has arrived. When temperatures drop, the last thing a person wants is for their heater to stop working. When it does, their first thought may be to call a professional technician. Before doing so, they may wish to try a few troubleshooting steps to see if they can resolve the problem independently.
Common Heater Issues
While fixing a broken heater can be challenging, there are certain situations in which the homeowner can resolve the situation quickly. What are some common heater problems people encounter? The electrical system may be to blame, the thermostat could malfunction, or the air filter could be clogged. Blocked vents and ducts can lead to heater issues, or a part within the system may have failed. Try the following troubleshooting steps to see if the problem can be resolved without calling a professional.
Power Supply
Heating issues may be nothing more than a lack of power for the system. The first step in troubleshooting the problem is determining if the breaker has flipped or a fuse has blown. If this is not the issue, ensure the furnace or heating system is in the on position. A family member may have turned the system off and not let others know. Turning the system back on might be all needed to fix the problem. If the system is not getting power after these steps have been taken, it is time to call in a professional.
Thermostat
Check the thermostat to ensure it is on the proper setting. It needs to be on heat for the home to warm. A family member may have changed the setting, so the house is not at the desired temperature. If the home has a programmable thermostat, ensure it is on the correct schedule. For example, the thermostat may be set to lower the temperature in the house during the week when everyone is at work. If somebody stays home for the day, the thermostat won’t know this and will lower the temperature. When this isn’t the issue, reset the thermostat to recalibrate the system. This may resolve a glitch. If not, call a technician for assistance.
Pilot Light and Ignition Switch
When the home has a gas heating system, inspect the pilot light and ignition switch. The pilot light must be on for the heater to fire up. If it is out, relight it according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Ensure the ignition switch is in the proper position to heat the home. If these problems don’t resolve or if they recur, it is best to have the system inspected by a professional.
Air Filters
The heating system must have clean air filters to operate efficiently. When the filter is clogged with dust, pet dander, and other debris, it restricts airflow in the home and reduces the heating system’s effectiveness. Air filters should be inspected monthly and changed if they appear dirty or clogged. Many don’t realize how this step can boost the heater’s performance and lifespan. If the steps outlined above have not resolved the issue, it is most likely a component failure. A malfunctioning ignition system, heat exchanger, or blower motor needs to be addressed by a licensed technician.
When to Call the Pros
When the homeowner discovers a component failure, the pilot light continuously goes out, or electrical issues persist, a professional must be called in. These individuals are trained to deal with various heating system problems. They can uncover and resolve the issue quickly. The homeowner has peace of mind, knowing the home will be warm when the temperature drops outdoors.
