Before winter arrives, ensure that your furnace is prepared to keep your home warm throughout the season. Calling an HVAC contractor as soon as you notice unusual performance will help prevent breakdowns when you need the heater the most. Use this troubleshooting guide whenever you encounter problems.

How to Correct Common Heater Problems

1. Poor Airflow

While normal wear and tear make furnaces less efficient over time, dirty or clogged air filters speed up this process by preventing air from circulating properly. When this happens, the system has to work harder to push treated air, leading to worn parts, decreased or uneven heating, and higher energy costs.

To prevent strain, change the filters every 30 to 90 days according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Also, ensure no obstructions block the vents and regularly wipe them to remove dirt and dust.

2. Thermostat Won’t Turn On

Always check that the thermostat is on when you don’t receive heat. If the thermostat doesn’t activate, change the battery or reset the circuit breaker. If using a programmable model, check that it hasn’t been scheduled to turn on at a specific time. 

If everything seems in order, the thermostat could be clogged with dust. Remove the cover and use compressed air to clean it. If this doesn’t work, an HVAC contractor may need to repair the electrical system.

3. No Heat

If the system runs but doesn’t produce heat, ensure the thermostat is set to “heat.” Next, if you have a gas furnace, check that the gas supply valve is open and the pilot light is lit. If needed, reset the valve to re-ignite the light.

If the furnace is electric, an HVAC contractor might need to repair or replace the igniter or heating element.

If your heater runs into issues this season, turn to Dilling Heating & Cooling. For over 65 years, these HVAC contractors have helped residents of Gaston County, NC, stay comfortable at home. Their certified and insured technicians offer affordable diagnostics and will resolve the problem promptly. Call (704) 739-3446 to ask about same-day service, or visit their website to learn more about their work with heating systems.