How to Start Troubleshooting a Heater That Isn't Working

Three Places to Check the Heater Before Calling an Expert 

Losing a heater is never a good thing. Coming home to a cool house or waking up in the middle of a frigid night only to find no heat can be stressful. Immediately, homeowners start doing the math. How much will this cost to repair? Will the heater repair service charge extra for an after-hours call? 

Before spiraling, homeowners should take a breath. There is plenty of information they can gather on their own that can, at the very least, help the technician make repairs faster and, at best, restore the heater to service. Here are the first things every owner should check when they suspect a problem with the heater. 

Make Sure the Thermostat Is Working 

The thermostat is the piece of central heating that is most familiar to people, but it also can be a source of problems, especially early in the winter. The thermostat controls the entire system, so no heat will be available for the home when something is wrong with it. 

To rule out the thermostat, first verify that it is getting power. Many thermostats are powered by simple AA batteries that slowly drain. Even when indicator lights or LCD screens are lighting up, the battery may not have enough power to switch on the system. As cheap as batteries are, it never hurts to replace them to rule this out as a possibility. 

Once it is verified that the thermostat has power, the next thing to check is obvious, but every year, owners spend thousands of dollars on trip charges from experts simply to change a setting. Before calling an expert, always verify that the system is switched to heating mode for the winter. 

When in Doubt, Replace the Air Filters 

Heaters and furnaces are luxury devices that keep the home comfortable, but they are necessarily dangerous. Containing immense heat and flames requires safety measures to prevent disasters. These safety devices can sometimes be tripped and prevent the heater from running. 

One of the main causes of this problem is dirty air filters. When air filters are dirty, their pores are clogged with grime that slows down the airflow through the system. This can allow a dangerous heat level to build up inside the unit, tripping safety devices. By replacing air filters, owners can be sure this isn't a cause of a heater that won't come on. 

Make Sure Power Is Getting to the Machine 

The power source is the final thing that homeowners should check before calling an expert. Heaters and furnaces have breakers or fuses that protect them and shut off switches to make maintenance and repairs more convenient. These devices can sometimes trip or be accidentally turned off, breaking the circuit and preventing power from reaching the system. Before calling a heater repair service, always take the time to check the breaker panel and shut off switches near the unit to make sure they are receiving power. 

About Chad's AC Direct 

Chad's AC Direct gives personal attention to their residential and commercial HVAC customers. They offer heater repair services at fair and convenient pricing with financing options. Call today for HVAC service in Montgomery, AL. 

• 
  +