Has your heater stopped working? These leading 5 heater issues and their simple solutions may help to get it working.
Having problem with your heater? You're not alone. Fortunately, many problems have easy Do It Yourself repairs. The first action: Check whether your HVAC system has power. You don't desire to have a service tech pertained to your house just to turn a switch at the breaker box. If power isn't the problem, examine other possible glitches prior to requiring service.
# 1 PROBLEM: Thermostat isn't working.
LIKELY CULPRIT: If your heat isn't beginning at all, try changing the batteries in the thermostat, if it has batteries. While you're at it, provide the thermostat an excellent dusting inside with a small paintbrush.
You can also attempt to reboot it. With the thermostat set to Heat, turn the temperature down to about 60º. Then, turn the breaker switch off for 30 seconds and turn it back on Still absolutely nothing? Call in an expert.
# 2 ISSUE: System not switching on.
MOST LIKELY OFFENDER: Examine the emergency situation shutoff switch for the heater. It might be at the entryway to the heating system closet, at the top of the basement stairs, or on the heater. It might have a red switch plate. if somebody changed it off, the heating system will not work.
# 3 ISSUE: Filthy filter
MOST LIKELY PERPETRATOR: Not switching out an old filter can trigger a host of problems, not to point out increasing your energy costs. To ensure your heater does not work overtime, change your filter each to two months. Here's how: Shut off your heating system, discover the filter, eliminate the old one (and keep in mind of the size), replace it and turn the furnace back on.
# 4 PROBLEM: Furnace isn't sparking
MOST LIKELY CULPRIT: Does your furnace click as though it's about to turn on, but then go quiet and never start? If you've inspected the power, inspected the thermostat and altered the filter, the pilot light or the ignition sensing unit is most likely the issue. To fix it, start by turning off the gas to your heating system. Then eliminate the front panel and discover the igniter or ignition sensing unit, which is typically near the burners. Snap a picture of the sensor to advise you of how it's attached and then remove the ignition sensor. Rub it with steel wool to get rid of residue, being careful to not damage it. Then put it back precisely as you discovered it and replace the panel before turning the gas back on. If you have any hesitation about this job, play it safe and employ the pros.
# 5 PROBLEM: Heater keeps tripping the breaker
LIKELY OFFENDER: If your heating system keeps tripping the breaker or blowing heating and cooling system the fuse when the heat kicks in, it's probably an electrical concern. To keep you and your family safe, call in the pros to detect the cause.
While many common heating system problems can be fixed without employing the professionals, it is necessary to have your heater professionally serviced when a year, particularly if you're not comfy carrying out some of the necessary maintenance jobs yourself.