Continued below, is a list of common problems and things to check before having to call a professional for a non-functioning heating system.
All Heating Systems
IGNITION CHECK
If your unit seems to be operating, but not producing any heat, the furnace may not actually be firing. If this is the case:
Check the following:
Do you have fuel? This may sound a little silly, but you'd be amazed at how many service calls are caused because the furnace ran out of fuel. If your unit is oil, or propane fired check the level of fuel in the tanks. If you ran out of fuel, ordered some more, and now your furnace will not start, your unit may have to be reset. Some systems have a red reset button on the burner. Other sysems can be reset by turning system power off then back on.If it is oil-fired, the pump may need to be primed.
Check with a service technician.
If your furnace is a gas, standing pilot (one that is on all the time) look inside your furnace to see if you can see it. If not follow the instructions on the furnace to light the pilot. If after following instructions and the pilot will not light or stay lit, call a service technician.
In most furnaces and boilers, you can tell when the fuel is being ignited. Turn the furnace off at the thermostat and go to the furnace. Have a friend of family member turn the furnace on at the thermostat, can you hear the furnace ignite the fuel?
OTHER COMMON PROBLEMS
Broken or extremely loose fan belt.
Bound or tight blower motor - With power OFF to furnace try to turn blower shaft (should spin freely).
Bound gas inducer motor - If the furnace isn't working but the inducer is very hot, it could be stuck.
Broken gas ignitor.
Termination kit for Gas, PVC sidewall vented furnace is blocked by snow or another obstruction.
A completely clogged air filter can cause a no heating problem.
PLAN AHEAD TIP
You should get to know your heating system BEFORE it stops working for you. Listen for the various sounds it makes, how long it stays on and where everything is. If you take a few minutes to prepare, you'll be much better prepared if something goes wrong. If you're unsure where things are, ask your service technician for a tour on the next maintenance inspection.
HEAT PUMP TIPS
For heat pump tips and maintenance plus everything else you have ever wanted to know about heat pumps, check out our Heat Pumps 101
page.
Hannabery HVAC is registered with the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania's Office of Attorney General: PA#8215
