When an HVAC system is working perfectly, and the heater is keeping the house nice and warm, their presence is often taken for granted. It is only when your family is forced to face the prospect of spending a winter night without heat because there is a problem with the heater that you will spring to action.
However, if you do not know where to begin with the troubleshooting process, you may find yourself running out of solutions. Knowing why your heater is not working in the house is the first step to fixing the problem.
This article will discuss five common heater issues that homeowners regularly have to deal with. If the problem is beyond your skills and requires expert furnace repair in Los Angeles, Pure Eco Inc. is a reliable service you can trust.
Regarding what might be wrong with your heater and how to fix it, consider the following:
Table of Contents
Power Source Issues
If you suddenly find your heater not working, your first instinct might be to take a look at the power switch. This makes a lot of sense because, in most cases, if there are any issues with the circuit breaker, your heater will shut down as a safety measure.
If you are using a gas unit, the pilot light might have gone off, which would be the reason why your furnace isn’t working. In both cases, you will suddenly find yourself with a stone-cold heater.
How to Fix It
The first step to try to get the heating back on is to flick the power switch back to the on position or simply relight the pilot light to get the water heater boiling again. Ensure that the power source, whether it is gas or electric, is being delivered correctly to the heater.
Improper Thermostat Settings
The heating and cooling cycles in your home are controlled by a thermostat attached to your HVAC unit. These days, you can choose a standard, programmable, or Smart thermostat for your unit. Any of them can malfunction if the settings are not configured properly.
If the unit is not heating, it might be because the thermostat is set to cooling rather than automatic or heat. This will force the heater to remain off as the system tries to maintain a cool home interior.
How to Fix It
If the problem with your heater is caused by its thermostat, you can solve it by simply making sure it is set to the correct temperature. The heating cycle can be restarted by increasing the temperature and giving your heater a few minutes to begin working.
Overloaded Motor
Dirt or debris can overload the motor on your heater, which is a serious issue that can cause the entire unit to shut down. Other possible causes of this situation may be extreme temperatures or poor installation. You will not be able to get any warm air until the motor has been reset.
How to Fix It
To fix the motor on your HVAC unit, you will need to start by turning off the system so that you give the heater some time to rest. After about 30 minutes, you can turn it back on and see if it starts distributing heat again.
This process can be tried a couple more times if the first one doesn’t do the trick. However, after the third attempt, you should assume that the problem is more serious than you thought and consider seeking professional assistance.
Faulty Installation or Design of Ductwork and Air Filters
Whoever installs the ductwork and air filters on your HVAC system has a very important job to do. Any mistakes could affect the heat pump, dirty air filter, air ducts, or other components that will interfere with the heater.
Designing and installing ductwork can be very difficult, and many installers end up taking shortcuts, which will lead to major issues down the line, starting with poor airflow throughout your home. With time, these issues may cause the heater to break down completely.
How to Fix It
Such a heating problem is often too complicated to try fixing it alone, so you will probably need to call a qualified HVAC technician to service your heater. Otherwise, in the worst-case scenario, you may need to consider getting a new air conditioning system.
Poor Maintenance
One of the most common reasons behind a faulty heating unit is poor maintenance. Many homeowners make the mistake of waiting too long before they get their units serviced. While it may seem like you will be saving money, the cost of repairing or replacing your unit after it fails to battle the cold temperature can be astronomical in comparison.
As such, if your heater suddenly throws in the towel, consider the last time you had a professional technician service the entire unit. In many cases, dirt buildup may be the main cause, but you have no way of knowing without bringing in a professional.
How to Fix It
Taking preventative measures is better than trying to get your heating system fixed in an emergency. A regular schedule for tuning the heater and replacing filters is essential.
In general, the HVAC unit needs to be serviced annually, while filters can be changed every three months. If you do this, your heater will continue blowing hot air throughout your home for many years.
Final Thought
When the heater is not working in the house, it could be because of any number of issues. However, the most common ones are those mentioned in this article.
Some of them can be fixed at home very easily, such as resetting the thermostat, while others will require a professional to come and look at the unit and determine why it is not heating.
To avoid spending a fortune on a new device, heat pump repair services from Pure Eco Inc. in Los Angeles and surrounding areas could be the ultimate solution. Simply set up an appointment and have a qualified technician on your doorstep in no time.
