Troubleshooting Tips when your heater is not working
It’s that time of year again when the leaves are falling and there’s a chill in the air. You know what that means – time to fire up the ol’ heater! It’s no fun waking up to a heater not working properly. Making sure your heating system is ready for the colder temperatures is important.
Fortunately, there are a few simple steps you can try before you need to call a Service Minds One Hour Air Conditioning & Heating professional. These troubleshooting ideas may be all that is needed to get your heater working again.
Heater Troubleshooting Tips
1. Check your Thermostat
I know, I know. You’re probably thinking, “Duh, of course I checked the thermostat!” But hear me out. Sometimes the simplest solution is the one that works.
Take a peek at your thermostat. Is it set to “heat” or “auto”? If it’s on “cool” or “fan,” well… there’s your problem! Next, raise the temperature a few degrees above the current room temperature to see if the heater turns on. If the heater doesn’t turn on, there may be a bigger problem elsewhere, but don’t worry—there are still other steps to try.
2. Check the Power Source
If your heater’s giving you the cold shoulder (pun totally intended), it might be a power issue. For electric heaters, head to your circuit breaker. Flip any tripped switches back on and cross your fingers!
Got a gas heater? Make sure the gas valve is open (righty-tighty, lefty-loosey, remember?). And don’t forget to check the pilot light. If it’s out, time to channel your inner caveman and make some fire! Just follow your heater’s manual – no rubbing sticks together required. If everything looks good with the breaker or gas supply and your heater is still not working, it’s time to keep troubleshooting.
3. Clean Air Filters
Dirty air filters can be real problems for your heating system. When the air filters are clogged, they restrict the airflow and your heating system has to work much harder to circulate air. Dirty air filters can cause your heater to overheat and shut down.
Take a moment to check your air filters. If they’re covered in dust or junky, replace them. One Hour techs suggest changing your heater’s air filters at least every three months, sooner if needed. While you are checking for airflow issues, take a quick look at vents and registers to make sure you don’t have anything blocking them. Once your filter has been replaced and you’re sure all your vents are not blocked off, turn the heater back on to see if it’s working.
4. Inspect the Condensation Pan
Many heating systems have a condensation pan that collects the moisture that is produced while the system runs. If this pan becomes full, your heater may automatically shut off to prevent water damage. The condensation pan is usually located by the indoor unit. Check it to see if it’s full. Check to see if the drainage lines are blocked. This can cause the condensation pan to fill up and trigger the heating system’s shut-off feature. If your heater’s not working due to a clogged drain, once the blockage is cleared, it should start working again.
5. Reset an Overloaded Motor
Sometimes your heater’s motor works so hard it needs a timeout. If it overheats, it’ll shut down faster than your laptop when you have 50 browser tabs open. Dirt, debris, or wear and tear can cause the motor to overwork, leading to an automatic shutdown as a safety feature.
Turn off your heater and let it chill (figuratively) for about half an hour. Then, turn it back on and see if it’s working. If it conks out again, well… we might have a bigger problem. You may need to call a pro at Service Minds One Hour Air Conditioning & Heating in Melbourne for heater repairs.
When to Call the Pros at One Hour
If you’ve tried all these troubleshooting tips and your heater’s still not working, it might be time to wave the white flag and call in a One Hour pro. The HVAC professionals can help diagnose those trickier issues.
Heater not working? Don’t let the cold sneak up on you this winter. By following these simple troubleshooting steps, you might be able to fix your heater without the need for a service call. But if the issue persists, don’t hesitate to call the professionals at Service Minds One Hour Air Conditioning & Heating. We are here to help with any heating repairs or system upgrades you might need, so you can stay warm and comfortable throughout the season.