As the summer winds down and the fall approaches, the days become shorter and inevitably, temperatures will begin to drop. As you know, part of maintaining your home is keeping your heating system in working order. Imagine waking up on a frigid January morning with no heat at all.
Now what?
A cold home is not only inconvenient and uncomfortable but downright dangerous; a pipe that freezes and bursts can wreak havoc on a home, causing thousands of dollars with of damage.
When Was Your Last Heating Checkup?
Your heating system may be in need of a checkup. Experts recommend that you have your heating system serviced by an expert annually to protect your home. The first step is contacting a reliable, accredited and fully licensed HVAC contractor. The HVAC technician will perform routine maintenance on your furnace and note any areas that need to be repaired. Of course, it is best to address any issues before disaster strikes.
What can you do as a homeowner? It is recommended that you keep the furnace area clean and regularly check for leaks. A DIY approach may be appropriate when repairing minor leaks, but it is highly recommended that you leave any major repairs to the professionals.
The Thermostat May be to Blame
If your furnace appears to be functioning properly and the heat still won’t come on, your thermostat may be faulty or broken. Your home’s thermostat, of course, controls both the heating and cooling systems.
- Try adjusting the room’s temperature using the thermostat to verify that the heat is not coming on.
- Check if the thermostat is set to heat and has not been accidentally been set to cool.
- Turn off the circuit breaker that powers the thermostat; remove the thermostat cover and look for any out of place wiring.
Is the Pilot Light On?
Check your furnace to make sure the pilot light is on. If it isn’t, you need to light the furnace pilot light. There should be a label on the furnace itself with instructions for you to follow.
Remember, the furnace must be turned off before you attempt to light the pilot light. Of course, if you are unsure or uncomfortable lighting the pilot light yourself, you can call an HVAC technician who will assist you.
A faulty pilot light could be a cause for concern and lead to other more serious issues in your home - like a gas leak. It’s generally best to work with an expert HVAC technician to resolve this problem.
The Possible Culprits
While those are the main causes, there are other more miscellaneous issues that may be causing your heating system to fail, including:
- Faulty control boards
- Clogged vents
- Damaged wires
- Full filters
- Damaged blower motors
It is not recommended that you attempt to repair any of the issues outlined above yourself; it is a much safer option to call a licensed technician and let the experts troubleshoot your heating system.
Whether you are looking for a technician to perform routine maintenance on your heating system or if you need an emergency repair, 4 Seasons Heating & Cooling, LLC is available 24/7 to assist you with all your heating and cooling needs.