5 Pro Tips for Troubleshooting Your Heater
If your heating system is giving you trouble, your first instinct might be to call us for help. While we’re always here to assist when you need it, sometimes you can troubleshoot the problem yourself and save yourself the hassle of a phone call. Here are five ways you can troubleshoot your heater on your own, and we recommend trying them before giving us a call.
1. Check the Thermostat
Yes, it may seem like an obvious solution. However, far too many homeowners call for heating system service, only to discover that their thermostat was set incorrectly or had dead batteries. If your heating system won’t kick on, always start by checking the thermostat. Ensure it is operating correctly and set to heat at a comfortable temperature before assuming the problem lies elsewhere.
2. Swap Out the Air Filter
The next thing to check is the air filter. A dirty filter can cause weak airflow and reduced heating capacity. Check the filter and change it if it seems like it needs a change.
3. Test the Circuit Breakers
Your heater will stop heating if the electricity is cut to the system, so check the circuit breaker panel for signs of a tripped circuit. Reset any tripped circuits, and you might find that the heating system starts working again. If you’re tripping circuits often, have an HVAC pro or an electrician check things out, as this could be a safety hazard.
4. Check the On/Off Switch
Most furnaces have a power switch that looks like a light switch. If this got bumped and is in the “off” position, your furnace will not run. The only way to test this is to find the switch and see if it is in the “on” position. Heat pumps also have this switch, but it’s usually found on the home’s exterior wall next to the heat pump’s outdoor unit.
5. Check the Gas Valve
If your heating system is gas-powered, the gas flow to the system may have gotten shut off. Find this valve. The lever will run parallel to the gas pipe if it’s open. If it’s closed, it will be perpendicular. Make sure it is turned to the “on” or open position. Otherwise, the heating system cannot run.
Get Professional Help for Heating Repair
If you have checked these troubleshooting tips and your heating system still isn’t working, then it’s time to call a heating repair professional. Signature HVAC offers heating replacement, heating maintenance, and heating repair services in West Chester, PA, and we have the knowledge and skill to get your system back up and running.
If you can’t quickly identify the problem, call our experienced and knowledgeable team.
Contact Signature HVAC today for heating repair or preventative maintenance for your heating system, and let our NATE-certified technicians ensure your home is warm and comfortable throughout the winter.
