As temperatures drop and you rely on your heating system to keep your home cozy, the last thing you want is to discover that it’s not working as it should. Whether you’re dealing with uneven heating, vents blowing cold air, or a heater that won’t turn on at all, it’s frustrating—and uncomfortable—to bundle up indoors when your system should be doing the job.
This guide will walk you through common reasons why your heater might not be working and what you can do to fix it. Keep reading to restore warmth to your home and peace of mind to your winter season.
Thermostat Issues
If your heater isn’t working, the first thing to check is the thermostat. The batteries may have died, or it may not be connected to the power correctly. If everything looks okay there, make sure your settings didn’t get messed up—check that it’s set to the right temperature and switched to “heat” instead of “cool.”
Finally, inspect the sensors to see if they’re dirty or damaged, which could cause them to misread the room’s temperature. Gently clean your thermostat with a soft cloth, compressed air, or disinfectant wipe to remove any dirt or grime. If the problem persists, it may be time to replace your thermostat.
Tripped Circuit Breaker or Blown Fuse
Another common cause of the heater not working is electrical problems. Carefully inspect your breaker and fuse boxes for damage. If everything is in order, the breaker may have just gotten overloaded and tripped. Find the correct switch for your heating system, switch it off, and then back on.
If you notice exposed wires, broken casings, or blackened glass in the fuse box, you may have blown a fuse. Call a trusted electrician ASAP to get your fuse replaced and your heater up and running again.
Dirty or Clogged Filters
Dirty or clogged filters make it difficult for your system to properly circulate warm air throughout your home. The restricted airflow can also cause your system to work harder to compensate, which can lead to overheating or a complete shutdown. To avoid these outages and damage, regularly clean and replace your HVAC filters according to the manufacturer’s recommendations.
Pilot Light or Ignition Failure
If your gas heater’s not working, there may be issues with your ignition sources. Your pilot light may have gotten snuffed out by a draft, the thermocouple mechanism may have problems, or (if you have a new heater) the electronic ignition may be malfunctioning.
If your heater still doesn’t work after relighting your pilot light or your electronic system seems to be on the fritz, it’s time to call an HVAC tech.
Blower Motor Malfunction
The blower motor moves air through the heating system and then back into your home, so it may be responsible if no hot air is coming through your vents.
Check for and carefully remove any obstructions, which can restrict blower functioning. Worn-out, dirty, or faulty parts, including belts or the motor itself, can also cause the blower to stop and should be replaced promptly.
Frozen Heat Pump
If your heater isn’t working and you use a heat pump, check to make sure it hasn’t frozen. Strange noises, inaccurate thermostat readings, and heater failure can all signal that ice and snow have built up on the unit or that the defrost cycle isn’t working properly. Wait a couple of hours to see if the defrost cycle kicks back on. If things still don’t improve, call your HVAC company.
Wear and Tear
Sometimes your heater’s not working simply because its parts are reaching the end of their life. If your system is old, you use it frequently, there’s visible damage or wear, and there don’t appear to be any other problems, you may be facing a replacement.
Consult with a professional to determine whether single parts like belts, bearings, or motors can be repaired or replaced, or if buying an entirely new system will be more cost-effective.
Stay Warm This Winter with Bell Cow
At Bell Cow Service Company, we take pride in providing the best heater installation, repair, and maintenance services around. Whether your heat pump is acting up or you need a thorough HVAC inspection, we’re always ready with efficient and effective solutions. Your comfort and safety are important to us, and we’ll make sure your home stays warm and comfortable all winter long. For quality heating services or HVAC help, just call Bell Cow.