Depending on where you live, the winter months can bring harsh conditions and freezing temperatures. As a result, you’ll want to ensure that your heater is in good working order. If your HVAC system fails, you could face some pretty miserable indoor conditions. If your heater isn’t working, there are a few things you can do to troubleshoot the issue.
From checking your thermostat to changing your air filters, there are some problems that could be simple fixes. Let’s take a look at some problems that can cause heating not coming on and how to troubleshoot them.
Ensure proper temperature and thermostat settings.
Your thermostat could be calling for cold air because the temperature setting may not be high enough for heat mode. The thermostat may need to be set higher to activate the heat mode and produce heat in your home. You can check the temperature setting on your thermostat to ensure it is set high enough for heat mode. If it is not, you can adjust the temperature setting on your thermostat to increase the heat output and improve the heating performance in your home.
Your thermostat could also be set to “cool” mode instead of “heat” mode. This is a common issue if you are experiencing cold air blowing from your HVAC, despite your desire for heat. To fix this, check your thermostat settings to make sure it is in heat mode. If it is not, change the setting and see if that fixes the problem.
Check the gas valve.
If your heating system isn’t coming on, the first thing you should do is check the gas valve. The gas valve is located near the furnace and is responsible for turning on the furnace. If it’s not working, your furnace won’t come on no matter what you do. To test the gas valve, turn off the power to your furnace and then remove the cover. There should be a small switch near the valve. Flip it back and forth a few times to see if it’s getting stuck. If it is, you’ll need to replace the valve. If you suspect an issue with your gas, you might need to contact an HVAC technician or gas professional in your area.
Check your air filters.
If your heater is not coming on, you should check the air filters in your home. Dirty filters can cause the furnace or heater to work harder than necessary, which can lead to problems like short cycling or complete failure. One of the simplest and most important things you can do to maintain your heater and prevent it from malfunctioning is to change the air filters regularly. Air filters capture dust, dirt, pollen, and other particles in the air. These particles can cause problems with the HVAC system if they are not removed on a regular basis. Additionally, dirty air filters can lead to poor indoor air quality and an increase in airborne allergens. Changing the air filters is a simple process that only takes a few minutes.
First, find out what type of air filter is needed for your system. There are many different types of air filters available, so be sure to get one that is specific to your system. Next, remove the old filter from the unit. Some filters may be held in place by screws or clips; others may just slide in and out. Be careful not to damage the filter when removing it. Then insert the new filter into place and replace any screws or clips that hold it in place.
Check the breaker box.
If your heating system is not coming on, you check the breaker box to make sure the breaker for your heating system hasn’t been flipped off. This will cut power to your thermostat and heater and prevent them from working. If it has, you can try to flip the breaker back on and then try resetting and turning your heating system on again. If it still doesn’t come on or if the breaker flips off again, there may be a problem with your heating system or electrical system that requires professional repair.
If your heating equipment is not working, you could be left in the cold, literally. Fortunately, there are a few key things that you can do to troubleshoot the problem and get your heating system to come back on. If you can’t resolve the issue quickly, it’s important that you call a qualified HVAC technician for assistance.
