When the outside temperature starts to drop, you’re sure to run to your thermostat to turn up the heat. If you do that and nothing happens, it’s easy to panic. After all, a heating system failure in cold weather isn’t something you can ignore. But before you pick up your phone to call us for a repair, there are some things to check first. It turns out there are countless minor problems that can look like a heating failure, but aren’t. Here’s a list of things to look at before calling for a heating repair appointment.
Check Your Thermostat’s Mode Setting
One of the most common causes of a heating system that won’t turn on is an incorrect thermostat setting. If you accidentally leave your thermostat in cooling mode, nothing will happen when you raise the temperature setting. So, check out your thermostat’s mode switch to make sure it’s in heating mode. While you’re at it, ensure your thermostat’s fan setting remains in auto mode. If either is in the wrong mode, it could prevent your heater from working as you expect.
Replace Your Thermostat’s Batteries
If you have a battery-operated thermostat, it may behave erratically when its batteries run low. While your thermostat’s screen may appear normal, it may fail to send proper signals to your heater. That can cause your heat to not turn on, or fail to stay on when it should. So, it’s a good idea to change your thermostat’s batteries if you experience any problems with your heating system. Most battery-operated thermostats require new batteries at least once a year, so it just may solve your problem.
Inspect Your Heater’s Access Panel
If you own a gas-fired or electric furnace, it should have an access panel on its front. It’s the panel you must open every time you change your HVAC’s air filter. You may not realize, however, that your heater won’t turn on if that panel isn’t properly closed. Most furnaces have a sensor that detects an open or an improperly closed access panel. So, it’s worth checking the panel and reseating it to see if that solves your issue. When you do, make sure to fully engage the panel’s fasteners to ensure it stays in place.
Replace Your Air Filter
While you’re checking your heater’s access panel, you should take a moment to examine its air filter, too. If you’ve neglected to change the filter for too long, it may be extremely dirty. A dirty air filter will obstruct airflow through your heater. That can cause your heater’s heat exchanger to overheat, forcing the system to shut down. To remedy the problem, replace your heater’s air filter with one that’s the same dimensions and MERV rating.
Inspect The Blower Motor
Your HVAC system’s blower motor should be just above its air filter. While you’re looking at the filter, examine the blower as well. If any debris gets into the motor or fan blades, the blower may not operate. When that happens, your heater will refuse to turn on to prevent the blower motor from burning out. If you see anything in the blower, remove it. Then replace the access cover and try turning on your heat.
Reset Your Heater’s Circuit Breaker
No matter what kind of heating system you own, it depends on electricity to function. That includes gas-fired furnaces, which need electricity to power their ignition systems. To ensure your heater has the power it needs, try resetting its circuit breaker. Modern circuit breakers can occasionally trip without moving their switch into the off position. So, it’s worth your time to reset your heater’s circuit breaker, even if it appears normal. When you do it, leave the breaker off for a few minutes before turning it back on. If nothing else, it will reset your heating system’s circuitry, which may resolve your problem.
Check Your Fuel Supply
If you own a gas-fired furnace, an interruption in its fuel supply will prevent it from operating. You should check your furnace’s gas shutoff valve to ensure it’s in the on position. We often encounter homeowners who turn off those valves at the end of each heating season. It’s all too easy to forget to turn the gas supply back on the following year. If your shutoff valve isn’t the issue, you should contact your gas company next. It’s always possible that there’s a supply issue you aren’t aware of. If so, wait for the gas company to resolve the issue, then try turning your heat back on.
Make Sure Your Flue Is Clear
Another issue that can cause your gas-fired furnace to fail is an obstructed flue. When flue gases can’t safely exit your furnace, its safety systems won’t allow it to continue operating. Otherwise, those dangerous gases would back up into your home. Depending on your furnace type, you may be able to peer up into your flue to see if anything’s obstructing it. Sometimes birds and other animals can get into your furnace flue, leaving behind nesting materials. If you can clear the detritus out, your heater may resume working.
What To Do When All Else Fails
If none of the problems above are the reason your heat won’t turn on, you’ll need a repair visit. However, you’ll need to decide whether your lack of heat constitutes an emergency before contacting us, especially after hours. In this part of California, it isn’t always cold enough for a heat loss to reach the level of an emergency. To avoid additional charges, it may make sense to wait for regular business hours to schedule a repair.
Generally speaking, there are only a few situations that qualify as a heating emergency. One is if you suspect a safety issue affecting your heating system. If you have a gas furnace, that includes any gas smells or a carbon monoxide detector alert. Another situation that qualifies as an emergency is if the outdoor temperature drops below 40 degrees and you have no heat. Also, if there’s anyone elderly or in ill health in your home and you lose heat, it’s an emergency. In those cases, call Environmental Heating & Air Solutions and we’ll dispatch an HVAC technician right away.
Your Local Heating Experts
In 2010, Environmental Heating & Air Solutions opened its doors on a mission to deliver quality comfort solutions to Roseville, CA, residents. That includes comprehensive heating repair services when you need them. Our team of NATE-certified HVAC technicians can repair heaters of all makes and models. We also offer 24/7 emergency services, so you never get stuck without heat any longer than necessary. We’re also a Pearl Certified HVAC contractor. That guarantees you’ll get a five-star experience every time you work with us. You can see that reflected in the long list of positive testimonials our customers have left us over the years. So, if your Roseville home’s heat won’t turn on and you don’t know why, contact Environmental Heating & Air Solutions right away.
