What to Check First When the Heater Doesn’t Work
Some people have a flair for DIY projects, so when problems arise in the home, they are ready to dive in and start investigating. Others like to call experts for help and leave it to them. When it comes to heater problems, both reactions are completely justified. In many cases, DIYers can get the heat back on, while those who like to hire experts can at least gather some information to give to the experts when they arrive.
In the early winter, more heater problems occur than at any other time. As people start to fire up the furnace, problems become more apparent, and the likelihood that something negative will happen increases. Luckily, most problems that occur during the beginning of the season have easy fixes that can save homeowners a repair bill. Here are three things to look at when the heater fails to fire in cooler temperatures.
Check the Thermostat First
There is a likely suspect if the heater fails early in the season. Heater repair experts waste trips to numerous homes every year to fix one of two problems. The simplicity of the repair makes owners cringe with embarrassment while they begrudgingly accept the invoice for services.
To start, always check the thermostat. The most common problem with heaters in the early part of the year is that the system hasn’t been in heating mode. As outdoor temperatures require AC during the day and heat at night, owners often simply forget to switch on the thermostat. Always check this before calling for help.
The second common problem that can be pinpointed at the thermostat is lack of power. Batteries power some thermostats. When batteries get low, they can fail to signal the unit to start heating. If the system is in heating mode, always verify the power to the thermostat.
Check the Air Filters and Replace Them
Dirty air filters are another common problem in the fall that contributes to a lack of heating. Dirty air filters prevent efficient air movement through the heater and around the home. This can cause heat to build up inside the furnace, where overheating safety devices will be tripped, locking the entire system down and preventing it from heating until a manual override is activated.
If the system doesn’t run, start by changing the air filter. Next, open the panels for the blower and look for switches of overload devices that need to reset. Often, this will restore the system to service.
Check the Power Sources
The power is the final thing to check when a heater won’t fire up in the fall. The power can fail to get to the machinery in several places, requiring checking different sources. First, check the breaker or fuse that serves the unit. If it has tripped, the unit won’t turn on to heat the home. Next, look for power switches near the unit that serve to shut it off for service. These can get turned off by accident during the off-season and cause serious headaches for owners.
About Central Heating
The professionals at Central Heating easily solve more serious heating problems. They have custom solutions for every problem and always recommend the latest technology. Call today for a heating repair service in Barrie, ON.
