It’s never a good time to have your heat go out. And when it does, it’s difficult to know whether you need to call a professional or you should try to fix it yourself. Here are a few of the common reasons your heating system may quit working.

Pilot Light Out

If your furnace has a pilot light, the first thing you should do is check that it’s lit; it’s simple to relight it. If you light it and it goes out again, the thermocouple may need to be replaced. If your furnace is newer and has an electronic ignition, you can turn the thermostat off and on again to reset it.

Listen for the spark of the flame or look for it to light up. It’s also important to check that you haven’t tripped a circuit breaker or blown a fuse. A tripped breaker is simple to fix by checking your breaker box and turning the breaker off then on again.

Faulty Flame Sensor                           

If your heating system keeps shutting off after about five minutes, you may have a dirty or faulty flame sensor. The flame sensor indicates a fire is lit. If no fire is detected, the system is shut down. It can easily become dirty from dust since the furnace is usually in the basement or laundry room. You can clean it with sandpaper or steel wool. If the system still keeps shutting off, the sensor may need to be replaced.

Broken Belt

If you can hear your furnace’s motor running, but it isn’t blowing any air, it’s possible that it has a broken belt. The motor belt propels the fan, and without it, no air can be circulated. The belt may also need to be adjusted or replaced if it’s squeaky or noisy. It’s possible to change the belt yourself; however, if you’re not experienced mechanically, you may need to call a heating professional.

Green Mountain Heating & Air Conditioning has been taking care of Lakewood, CO, residents’ heating and cooling needs for 25 years. This family-owned business cares about their customers and gives them first-class service. Green Mountain Heating & Air Conditioning installs, maintains, and repairs cooling and heating systems, and they can also take care of your humidifier needs. Give them a call at (303) 985-4884, or visit them online to see a complete list of their services.