When the Heater Doesn't Work, Check These 3 Things First!
As winter approaches and the chilly weather turns downright frigid, any homeowner's last desire is for their heater to go on the fritz. This isn't merely an issue of comfort but also safety; with New Jersey's icy winters, going without heat for more than a few hours can pose a serious health risk.
So when the heater isn't working, homeowners must do everything possible to get it back up and running as quickly as possible. Of course, they should always have the number of a reliable HVAC contractor at the ready in case of emergencies. But before they call for heater repair, homeowners may be able to resolve the issue on their own – or at least rule out a few possible causes of their heating woes. Here are three things every homeowner should check when their heater stops working!
Is the Thermostat Working Correctly?
The thermostat is the first thing to look at when the heater isn't working properly. It may seem obvious, but homeowners should ensure it's set to "heat" – they can then have a hearty laugh if this is the extent of the problem. But they should also make sure the fan is set to "auto" instead of "on," as the latter will simply circulate air without necessarily heating it, which can lead to the feeling of cool air coming from the vents.
If the thermostat uses batteries, it's a good idea to replace them, as dying thermostat batteries can often cause glitches and odd behavior. Along these lines, if the thermostat is unresponsive or acting funny, it may need to be cleaned or even replaced entirely. If it's an old analog thermostat, homeowners may want to consider upgrading to a programmable or smart thermostat, as these are more reliable and offer a wide range of energy-saving features.
Are the Air Filters Dirty?
If the thermostat is at the right settings and seems to be working fine, the next thing to check is the air filters. Some systems have a single filter at the return vent, while others have internal air filters inside the unit itself (and some have both). No matter the type, a dirty air filter will restrict airflow to the unit, preventing air from circulating through the home properly, reducing energy efficiency, putting undue strain on the unit, and even cause the unit to overheat and shut down.
If there's weak airflow coming from the vents, the heater shuts off frequently, or the home never seems to get warm enough (even with the heater running constantly), dirty air filters are a likely culprit. Replacing the air filters (or cleaning them, depending on the type of filter) may just resolve the problem.
For most homes, the ideal air filter replacement frequency is every 3 months, though more frequent changes may be necessary for homes with multiple furry friends or people with intense allergies or other respiratory sensitivities. This, combined with annual HVAC maintenance, will go a long way in preventing heater malfunctions.
Is the HVAC Unit Getting Power?
The next thing to check is whether or not the heater or furnace is getting electricity. Heating systems typically have a power or "disconnect switch" on or near the unit. In some cases, this looks like an ordinary light switch close to the heater, so it's not uncommon for the switch to be turned off by mistake. If homeowners can access their heating system, it should be simple enough to ensure the switch is set to "on."
If the power switch is turned on but the system still isn't working, homeowners should check their main electrical panel to see if the heater's circuit breaker has tripped (or its fuse has blown). If it has, homeowners can simply reset the breaker or replace the fuse and the system should keep working after it resets (this can take a few minutes). However, if the breaker continues to trip, it may indicate a more serious issue with the heater, such as a short circuit, faulty component, or other electrical problems.
Of course, heaters are complex machines, so if none of the above tips and tricks resolve the issue, homeowners must call their preferred heating repair company to diagnose and fix the problem!
About All Clear Plumbing
As a family-owned and operated local business with an A+ BBB rating, All Clear Plumbing has been proudly handling Belleville's plumbing and HVAC needs since 1952. Their trustworthy, licensed, and insured technicians always arrive on time in fully stocked trucks and leave every home better than they found it. They offer up-front, flat-rate pricing, a money-saving membership program, and 24/7 emergency service – so don't hesitate to call All Clear for heater repair in Belleville, NJ!
