What to do If Your Heater Is Not Working
You know how it goes. When the temperature drops, you cannot imagine your home without your heater. The last thing you want is your heater conking out when you need it most. To avoid this, a quick check-up on your heater before winter hits can help prevent breakdowns. Yep, that TLC? It can save you tons of hassle later.
But sometimes you can be caught by surprise. After a while, you feel a chilly air in your home. You know that your furnace is on. Still, you realize that the heater is not working. What’s the deal?
Heater Is Not Working: Some Basic Troubleshooting Steps
If your heater isn’t working, you can do a few simple checks before calling a tech. Sometimes, the issue is something minor that you can easily fix on your own.
Check the Furnace Power Switch
Let’s start with the basics. Is your furnace actually turned on? It sounds silly, but you’d be surprised how often we accidentally forget to flip that switch or may have turned it off. This can happen after routine work near the furnace or while rearranging stuff.
Find the power switch, usually near the furnace, and make sure it’s in the “on” position. Flipping it back on may get your heater working again.
Inspect Your Fuse Box
If the power switch is already on and the heater still doesn’t work, the next step is to head over to your fuse box. Sometimes a tripped breaker is the culprit. Check if any breakers are in the neutral position and reset them.
But as a heads-up, if the breaker keeps tripping, that’s your cue to call in an expert. There might be something more serious going on. Are you in South Carolina? One Hour Magic can assist with any heater repairs you need in Florence. So, don’t hesitate to reach out.
Safety Features in Heaters/Furnaces
Nowadays, modern heaters have several built-in safety features to protect your home from danger. These features are there to prevent accidents and keep you safe, but sometimes they can be why your heater is not working. Time to explore them.
Furnace Safety Switch/Upper Limit Switch
There’s a furnace safety switch (some folks call it the upper limit switch. Think of it like a bodyguard for your heater. It shuts off your furnace if it gets too hot to reduce the fire risk.
But if this switch gets triggered, the furnace won’t start again. You’ll need a pro to reset it.
Overheating can be a sign of other problems, so it’s best to get it checked out by an HVAC technician to prevent further issues.
Thermocouple or Flame Sensor
The thermocouple or flame sensor is responsible for keeping an eye on the pilot light. If the pilot light is weak or goes out, the whole system shuts down to prevent gas from building up, which could lead to an explosion.
If your furnace won’t light up and you think the thermocouple is at fault, it’s best to call the experts.
Vent Safety Switch
Another safety feature is the vent safety switch. It makes sure all those toxic exhaust gases are actually leaving your furnace. If something’s blocking the vent, the system will shut down to prevent harmful gases from entering your home.
This could happen because of some leaves or a bird that decided to build a nest, or it could be caused by gas that isn’t properly venting. If so, you will need a pro to clean out the vent and restore normal operation.
Additional Troubleshooting Tips When Heater Is Not Working
If you’ve already checked the basics but still, your heater is not working, here are a few more things you can inspect on your own.
Take a Peek Thermostat Batteries
Is your thermostat working? A dead thermostat battery can stop your heater from working altogether.
Check the thermostat and change the batteries. Once the new batteries are in, double-check that the thermostat is set to “heat” or “automatic” mode. It’s easy to overlook this, but it’s one of the simplest fixes you can make.
Replace Air Filters
A dirty air filter creates poor airflow, causing the furnace to shut down. Over time, debris and dust jam the filter, which makes your furnace work way too hard.
Change the air filter regularly to avoid this problem. And after replacing the filter, remember to check if the furnace door is closed properly. An open door can prevent the furnace from working; believe it, this is an easy mistake.
Notice Any Odors?
If you smell anything weird, like burning, smoke, or gas, take it seriously. A burning smell might be the result of dust on the heat exchanger burning off. However, if you smell gas, get out of there immediately and contact your gas company.
Gas leaks are a major safety hazard and should be handled by professionals. If your home uses gas-fired furnaces, carbon monoxide detectors should be installed everywhere to protect against this invisible, odorless danger.
Help When Your Heater Is Not Working in Florence, SC
Sometimes, DIY just doesn’t cut it. If you’ve tried all this and your heater’s still not cooperating, it might be time to call the superheroes. Regular check-ups from a pro can catch problems before they turn into disasters.
If you’re in Florence, SC, give One Hour Magic a call. We know our stuff when it comes to heater repair. We’ll give you a straight answer on what’s wrong and how much it’ll cost to fix. No surprises. No hidden fees. We pride ourselves on providing high-quality service that you can trust.
Don’t wait for your heater to break down during a cold snap. A little prevention goes a long way. Schedule a service appointment with One Hour Magic today. Your comfort is our priority.