Troubleshooting Tips for My Heating System
Waking up to a cold home in Grove, OK, is a most unpleasant surprise. When there's no heat coming from your vents, there are some things you can check before calling us for a repair. It's possible that these troubleshooting steps will save you money and will give you a sense of accomplishment. At B&B Heating and Air Conditioning, our skilled heating technicians are always available for emergency heating repairs. You can also use these six tips to troubleshoot your home's heating system.
1. Check the Power
Make sure the power switch on the furnace or heat pump is set to the "on" position. The power switch is usually on the front of the unit. It's possible that the power to your heating system was turned off if you had a tune-up earlier in the autumn. If you changed the air filter recently, it's also possible that you turned off the heating system and forgot to turn it on again.
2. Inspect the Circuit Breaker
The next step is to check the circuit breaker. It's possible that the circuit tripped. The breaker may trip as a result of a brownout or power surge. If your heating system is new and your electrical system is old, it might not have enough capacity to power the heating system. It's also possible that the heating system's capacitor or igniter is demanding too much power. This can also cause the circuit breaker to trip. If you reset the circuit breaker and it trips after one or just a few heating cycles, the heating system likely needs to be repaired. If there's no problem with the circuit breaker, it's time to check different parts of the heating system itself.
3. Change the Air Filter
A clogged air filter could cause only a trickle of warm air to come out of your home's vents. An obstructed air filter will also cause the heating system to turn on and off frequently. If this persists, the heating system could overheat and shut down. It’s pretty simple to change the air filter:
- Locate the air handler. It has a housing where the filter fits.
- Access the interior of the air filter chamber. You may need a screwdriver to open the panel.
- Slide out the air filter.
- If you see that it's dirty, replace it. The dirty filter should be thrown away.
- Be sure to insert the new air filter in the correct orientation. Most have arrows to line up with arrows marked on the chamber's housing.
4. Verify Thermostat Settings
Make sure your thermostat is set to the heating function. If it's on auto, select heat. Verify that the temperature set on the thermostat is higher than the temperature your home is now. Make sure the fan is set to auto. If the fan is set to "on," the fan will constantly blow, even when the heating system isn't generating heat, and this causes room temperature air to blow into your home. Putting the fan on auto means it will only blow air during a heating cycle.
5. Check the Pilot Light
If you have a gas furnace, check its pilot light. If the pilot light has gone out, the furnace can't burn the gas. It's possible that a sensor is dirty. You can relight the pilot light or clean the sensor, but it's important to follow the manufacturer's specific instructions for your model of heating system.
6. Open and Clean Vents
If you don't feel any heat coming from your home's vents, but you hear the heating system turn on, make sure your registers and vents are open. Use a screwdriver to remove the vent covers. Check for dust, dirt and other debris. Dust or dirt can build up over the years and cause an obstruction. You can use a wet/dry vacuum or your regular vacuum's extension hose to remove some of the debris. It's also possible that the ducts need to be sealed or repaired. Professional duct cleaning may also help improve the flow of warm air into your living spaces.
B&B Heating and Air Conditioning is the trusted provider of heating system repairs in Grove. You can also turn to us for dependable heating and air conditioning maintenance, repair, replacement, and installation services. If you're a local business owner, you can count on us for quality commercial heating and air conditioning services. For additional tips for troubleshooting your heating system, give us at B&B Heating and Air Conditioning a call today.