Although no one wants to even think about it, the day may come when you suddenly have reduced or no heat. Before you panic and blame your furnace or heat pump, here are some troubleshooting guidelines to try that may resolve the issue.
1. Check Your Thermostat
While it may seem obvious, make sure your thermostat is set to “heat.” It’s easy for a switch to be accidentally flipped. Or, if you have a programmable thermostat, check to ensure that all internal settings are correct. Also, try replacing the batteries in your thermostat to see if that corrects the issue.
2. Inspect the Circuit Breaker
If you use electricity to run your furnace or heat pump, the problem might be a blown breaker. Check your fuse box to make sure the breaker is in the “on” position, and reset the breaker if it’s not.
3. Check Your Gas Supply
If you use natural gas to heat your home, make sure the gas supply valve hasn’t been accidentally turned off. Also, carefully remove the front panel to check your pilot light and make sure that it is still lit.
4. Replace Your Filters
If the blower is running but you aren’t getting any heat, your filter may be dirty or clogged. When this happens, the heat exchanger can overheat and shut off. Dirty filters also reduce overall efficiency and contribute to higher energy bills. A good rule of thumb is to replace them every 3 months or more frequently if you have pets that shed.
5. Check Your Vents
Make sure none of the vents inside your home are blocked by things like furniture or rugs. Also, make sure all registers are fully open, even in rooms that aren’t used as often. Closing vents puts stress on your overall system by preventing proper air circulation.
6. Examine Exhaust Vents
Exterior exhaust vents can get blocked with debris such as leaves, snow, ice, or animal nests. Clear away any materials that may have accumulated for clear airflow.
7. Check Your Furnace Power Switch
Some furnaces and heat pumps have power switches that can accidentally be turned off. Make sure your power switch is in the “on” position.
Still not working? Contact Haldeman Mechanical at 717-665-6910 for 24/7 emergency service to quickly restore your heat!