Waking up to a cold house on a frigid morning can be frustrating and uncomfortable. If you’ve kept up with regular furnace maintenance and taken care of any needed repairs, your heating system should operate smoothly throughout the winter. However, even the best-maintained systems can encounter issues from time to time. If you find that your house isn’t getting any heat or some rooms are colder than they should be, don’t panic. There are several things you can check and steps you can take to possibly resolve the issue before calling in a professional.
Why Isn’t My House Heating?
There could be several reasons why your home isn’t getting the heat it needs. Some are simple fixes, while others may require the expertise of a professional. Let’s break down the most common causes and solutions.
1. Check Your Thermostat Settings
One of the first things to investigate when your house isn’t heating properly is the thermostat. It’s surprisingly common for thermostats to be set incorrectly, especially in households with multiple members.
- Is the thermostat set to “heat”? If you have a heat pump, the system could still be set to “cool” mode, which would explain the lack of warm air.
- Check the temperature setting. Someone may have adjusted it by mistake, or a power outage might have reset the settings.
- Is your thermostat programmable? Ensure that the time and temperature settings are correct, as programmable thermostats can sometimes have schedule errors.
- Battery check. If your thermostat runs on batteries, try replacing them. A low battery could cause the system to malfunction.
If the thermostat appears broken or the settings seem correct but the furnace still won’t turn on, it’s time to call a professional to inspect the thermostat and the heating system.
2. Check Your Circuit Breaker Panel
Even if you have a gas furnace, the system still relies on electricity to function properly. A tripped circuit breaker could be preventing the furnace from turning on.
- Locate your home’s electrical panel and find the breaker associated with your heating system.
- Is the breaker tripped? If so, reset it by flipping it off and then back on.
- Does the breaker trip again? If resetting the breaker resolves the issue but it keeps tripping, this could indicate a more serious electrical problem, and you’ll need to call an HVAC professional immediately. Repeated breaker trips can be a sign of a dangerous electrical fault, and attempting to fix this yourself could pose a hazard.
3. Check the Furnace Filter
A clogged air filter can obstruct airflow, causing your heating system to shut down or work inefficiently.
- Turn off your furnace before checking the filter.
- Locate the air filter and inspect it for dust and debris. If it’s dirty, replace it. Regularly changing the furnace filter can prevent a host of problems, including inefficient heating, poor indoor air quality, and unnecessary strain on the system.
- Make a habit of checking the filter every one to three months, especially during the peak heating season.
4. Check the Air Vents
Sometimes the problem isn’t with the furnace itself but rather with the airflow in your home.
- Are any vents blocked by furniture or rugs? This is a common issue, particularly in rooms that are colder than the rest of the house.
- Ensure that all air vents are open and that warm air can circulate freely. It’s easy to accidentally block vents when rearranging furniture or placing rugs.
- Check for closed dampers on your air ducts, which could restrict airflow to certain areas of your home.
5. Inspect the Pilot Light (For Gas Furnaces)
If you have a gas furnace, a malfunctioning or extinguished pilot light could be the culprit. Without a lit pilot light, the furnace won’t ignite and provide heat.
- Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to safely check and relight the pilot light.
- Check for drafts near the furnace that could be blowing out the pilot light.
- If the pilot light won’t stay lit, this could indicate an issue with the thermocouple, gas valve, or another component. In this case, it’s best to call a professional for assistance.
6. Check the Furnace Power Switch
Furnaces often have a dedicated power switch, typically located on the unit itself or nearby. It’s easy to mistake this switch for a regular light switch, especially if it’s not labeled.
- Ensure that the power switch is turned on. If it’s accidentally flipped off, the furnace won’t run.
7. Look for Obvious Signs of Damage
Before you call a professional, take a quick look at your furnace and heating equipment for any obvious signs of damage.
- Are there any strange noises or smells? Banging, rattling, or whistling noises, as well as unusual odors, can be indicators of mechanical issues or gas leaks.
- Is there visible wear and tear? Cracked belts, loose parts, or leaks are all signs that something might be wrong.
- Call a professional if you see any signs of damage. Never attempt to fix a mechanical issue or gas leak yourself.
When to Call a Professional
If none of the above steps resolve the issue, it’s time to call in a professional HVAC technician from A-TEMP Heating, Cooling & Electrical. Even if you’ve managed to restore heat temporarily, recurring issues often indicate deeper problems within the system. A member of our expert heating team can diagnose and fix the problem, ensuring your home stays warm and comfortable all winter long.
While it’s never ideal to have a heating system malfunction, knowing what to check can help you quickly identify the issue. By taking simple steps like checking the thermostat, resetting the circuit breaker, and inspecting the air vents, you might be able to resolve the problem without calling in a professional. However, if these checks don’t work or if you notice signs of serious damage, don’t hesitate to contact a qualified member of our team to restore heat to your home safely.