What to Check if your Heater Doesn’t Turn On
It’s the first really cold day of the year, your house is chilly, and it’s time to turn on the heat. You flip on the furnace but after a few minutes you realize . . . nothing is happening! Before you call in an HVAC repair man there are a few things to check that might be preventing your heating system from turning on.
Check the Thermostat
What seems like a problem with the heater may actually be a problem with the thermostat. If your heater doesn’t turn on, try changing the batteries in the console and double check the settings. Make sure it is set to heat and remember that if the temperature is set lower than the ambient temperature of the house the unit will not turn on.
Check the Electricity
Gas furnaces depend on electricity for ignition and/or other features like fans and safety mechanisms. Check for tripped circuit breakers or blown fuses that might be preventing your furnace from getting power. Also, check the power cord for any damage and make sure that the power switch is in the on position.
Check the Fuel Source
If you have an oil heater, make sure that the tank is sufficiently full. Remember that the gauge could be broken and giving a faulty reading. If you have a gas furnace, check other appliances in the house that also run on gas like the stove to make sure that the supply is not turned off for the entire house.
Check the Pilot Light
Many furnaces now have electric ignition but some still use a pilot light. Check to make sure that it has not gone out. If it has, make sure that the sensor is clean and follow the manufacturer’s instructions to relight the pilot light. If it continues to go out the sensor may be broken and require maintenance.
Check for Condensation
Many heaters remove humidity from the air and drain or pump it out of the house. If the reservoir that collects water becomes full it will shut down the heating system to prevent overflow that could damage the house. Drain the collection pan and check the pump for blockages.
If your heater still isn’t working, or you need some help checking it, give us a call at 800-994-2577. We’ll make sure your heater is keeping your house nice and toasty. Want to learn more? Connect with us on Facebook!