Central heating problems can be inconvenient at best and dangerous at worst. It’s one thing if your boiler can’t produce hot water for your summertime shower. It’s quite another if your furnace is broken when temperatures dip below freezing in the winter.
Here is a list of tips to help you troubleshoot your HVAC problem and perhaps even fix it. If you try these suggestions and your system isn’t back up and running, our technicians at Ambient Edge can help. We’ll inspect your system and give you an estimate for efficient work that will restore the heat in your home.
Why Won’t My Heater Turn On?
If your boiler or furnace isn’t turning on at all, it may not be getting enough power. Try to reset your unit by:
- Locating and pressing the reset switch.
- Flipping your electrical circuit breaker off and back on.
- For a gas-powered heater, turn the unit off and then back on again after five minutes. If you have an older unit, you may also need to reignite the pilot light.
While you’re in your breaker box, double-check it for burnt or blown fuses. You should also check the door on your furnace to ensure it is completely closed. A switch on the inside of the door will shut off the power as a safety measure if it senses the door is not fully closed.
If your heater still won’t come on after taking these steps, it’s time to call in a professional. You don’t want to attempt to fix an electrical or gas line problem yourself if you aren’t trained to do so.
Why Won’t My Heater Turn Off?
If your heater doesn’t shut off, this may be an issue with either the thermostat or your furnace blower.
Ensure your thermostat is programmed for a low enough temperature and set to “auto” rather than “on.” If your thermostat setting is “on,” your fan will keep running no matter how warm your home gets. The “auto” setting, on the other hand, should trigger your heater to:
- Turn on when the temperature drops to a set point
- Turn off when the air gets warm enough.
If these settings are correct, you may have wiring issues or a malfunctioning blower – the motor and fan that work to push hot air through your ductwork.
Wiring and blower problems are not simple DIY fixes, so in this case, you should consider calling an HVAC professional to diagnose the problem and help you get your central heating working properly.
Can Thermostat Problems Cause My Heat to Stop Working?
Your thermostat functions as the brain of your HVAC system: If it’s not working correctly, your heater won’t receive the signals it needs to operate.
Begin by checking your thermostat display to make sure it’s lit up. If the screen is dark, your thermostat may need fresh batteries. If your thermostat doesn’t use batteries, check your breaker box and thermostat connections to verify that it’s getting power.
Finally, if the display is functional but the controls aren’t communicating with your heater, reset your thermostat to factory settings and try rerunning the central heating. If that doesn’t work, you may need a new thermostat.
Are Duct Leaks Causing Drafts or Uneven Heating in My House?
Warm air seems to be filtering throughout your home, and yet everyone is cold. The problem, in this case, could be a leak somewhere in your ducts.
Check the ducts for any sections that are either drafty or overly warm. They can wear out over time or become damaged if you recently underwent renovations. Inquire with a professional about duct sealing to solve this issue and make a note of the trouble spots so that you can point them out.
However, certain rooms are warm, and others are cold; this may be a duct problem or a dirty air filter. When your air filter becomes clogged, your heater will need to work harder to move the warm air, and it may not be able to keep up. Check your filters and change them if necessary.
Why Is My Heater Producing Cold Air?
If the motor on your heating system is operating but isn’t warming your house, or is blowing cold air instead of hot, make sure your thermostat is set to “cool” instead of “heat.” If you check the thermostat and it’s on the correct setting, the issue could be:
- A lack of fuel: Propane or fuel oil-fired boilers and furnaces will not run if their tanks run dry. Check your fuel levels and refill them if necessary.
- A dirty air filter: Air filters on forced-air systems should be replaced every one to three months.
- A leaky duct: Warm air may be escaping from your ductwork before it makes it to your living spaces.
- An issue with the pilot light: If the pilot light on a gas heater goes out, the system will not be able to warm the air in your home.
If your furnace has enough fuel, you’ve changed your filter, checked for leaks, and your pilot light is lit, it may be time to contact a certified HVAC technician.
Sign Up for Preventive Maintenance
At Ambient Edge, our courteous and professional technicians will arrive at your home at a time convenient for you to assess and fix your central heating system. If it’s an emergency, we can be there within hours of taking your call! We’re available 24/7.
While our technician is there, you may want to consider signing up for a preventive maintenance contract. With our competitive maintenance plans, a technician will visit your home twice a year to check for the issues discussed above.
This way, they can resolve your problem immediately to keep your central heating system operating at maximum efficiency. Not only do our maintenance plans save you money, but they may also add years of performance to your heating system.
Central Heating Not Working? Ambient Edge Can Help!
When your central heating isn’t working, it’s imperative to get it fixed right away. While it may be tempting to try and fix it yourself to save money, there are problems you should entrust to a professional to protect yourself and your family.
At Ambient Edge, we pride ourselves on providing our customers with a 100% satisfaction guarantee, and you will never find hidden fees on our bill. So, if you need help with your central heating system, fill out our contact form (for non-emergencies) or give us a call to set up a service visit today.