What To Do If Your Heater Stops Working
November 15th, 2017 by cverdone
Did your heater working in the middle of icy weather? Don’t panic! Yes, it should concern you. But letting yourself get overwhelmed with your emotions won’t help in your situation. We recommend checking and maintaining your HVAC system before winter hits. Sometimes, you can predict when these scenarios will happen. In case your heater stops heating, it pays to know the next step you should take. Below are the causes why your heater stops heating and what you should do in each.
Thermostat Failure
Check if the thermostat has been set up and if the heater is on. Take a look at the temperature. It should be higher than your current room temperature for it to have any effect. Next, check the battery level. It might need a new one. If none of these work, buy a new one. Read the manual or ask a professional which thermostat would work best with your heater’s model.
Unclean Filters
You need to replace most filters often. How often would depend on the kind of filter you have. You will need to change the lowest priced ones usually every month. For filters with prices in the middle range, once every three months. There are filters that are reusable. You don’t need replace these. You only need to clean these every so often. While they’re money-saving in the long run, they’re often not recommended for hygienic reasons. When purchasing a new filter, make sure it’s the right size and it’s compatible with your heater. Read the manual for specifications or call the manufacturer.
Reaching The End Of Its Lifespan
Unfortunately, there’s no quick fix for this. Every item reaches a point when it’s past its highest level of performance. This is especially true for HVAC systems. Regular maintenance would prolong the lifespan, but can’t prevent breakdowns. The best thing to do would be to consult an HVAC expert on what you can do and if it’s time to replace your furnace.
Mechanical Issues
In this case, avoid tinkering with the parts. Pick up the phone and call your trusted HVAC professional. There’s a reason why they undergo training. There’s also a reason why the law requires them to have licenses before they can operate.
Flame And Gas Problems
For furnaces using pilot lights, see if a flame has been lit. It should stay on and maintain at a solid blue. Does it go out after a while? There could be a draft that blows on the flame. Make sure to close every door and window in the room. If the problem is with the ignition, best to call professional help. If you suspect a gas leak, call immediately and explain the situation.
Heaters are complex in design. With continuous innovation, there could be many differences in the parts between models. These are the most common but there could be several other possible reasons why it stops heating. As long as you have a trusted professional a phone call away, there’s nothing to worry about. For reliable furnace maintenance and repair services, call Thornton Heating at (847) 905-1608.