In the Baltimore, Maryland area, now is not the time to need heating system repair! But even with the best made plans and prevention steps, things break down, including a heating system. Repairs don’t always need a professional though, so we’ll go through some steps on what to check if your heating system isn’t working, that you may be able to do yourself.
So, are we going to answer the question, “How do I fix my heating system?” in this piece today? Well, it will depend on what is wrong, which requires troubleshooting your heating system first. How do you troubleshoot a heating system?
Proper maintenance and upkeep are important to have a functioning heating system. Unfortunately, sometimes furnaces break down, develop problems, and misfunction or stop altogether. The following steps will help guide you through possible heating system repairs you can do yourself:
- Check the Filter
The furnace filter can dirty over time, so the first step in heating system repair is to check the filter. Dirt and dust will clog the filter, impede the airflow, lower the indoor air quality. If it is clogged long enough, it will keep the furnace from turning on. So, if you’re asking, “Why is my heat not kicking on?”, check the air filter!
- Check the thermostat
Once you know the filter is clean, the step in DIY heating system repair is to check the thermostat with this process:
- Check the setting is on “heat” then set five degrees higher than the existing room temperature. If it cuts on, you have saved yourself a heating system repair bill.
- If that didn’t turn the heat on, replace the batteries in the thermostat.
- If still not heat turning on, open the thermostat and gently dust the inside with a soft brush around the contacts and metal coils.
- Check the Electrical Panel and Switch
The next step in heating system repair is to check the power. Make sure the system is switched to “on” and if it is and still not turning on, time to check the electric panel.
- Check that the power is on at the breaker box.
- A correctly labeled breaker box will make this easy. Flip the HVAC breaker to on. If it isn’t marked, you can tell by which way the switch is flipped. If it is in the off position, flip it on.
- If there are discolored fuse or melted wires, you’ll need to call for a professional heating system repair service.
- Of if you try all the above and the still isn’t turning on, you’ll need to call a heating system repair service.
- Check furnace flame
With a gas-powered furnace, there should be a blue flame at the pilot light. If there isn’t a flame, check there is gas getting to the furnace then re-light the pilot light. If the flame is any color other than blue, you need professional heating system repair.
How do I test my heating system?
Raise the temperature 5 degrees above the current room temperature, the heat should turn on. Wait 2 to 3 minutes and check one to two of the registers on each floor. The temperature should read 45°F to 80°F degrees higher than the indoor air temperature.
What causes a heating system to stop working?
There are five basic reasons why your heater may have stopped working:
- Poor Maintenance – have you changed or cleaned the filter every 30 days?
- The Thermostat – the batteries may need replacing, the thermostat may need replacing.
- Blower Capacitor – this can happen as a furnace gets older. A professional heating system repair call will get this fixed.
- Refrigerant Levels Low – the refrigerant is for the AC, but when it is too low, it can affect the heating system too.
- Faulty Ductwork – if the ductwork has broken or collapsed, the heat can’t get distributed through the house.
Why is my heater blowing cold air?
The most common reason is the air filter is clogged and dirty. Change or clean the filter, replaced it and see if you have warm air again. Other issues that can cause a heater to blow cold air are:
- Mechanical Failure – you’ll need professional heating system repair service.
- Air Duct Failure – this could be a broken or collapsed duct. Call a professional air duct company for this heating system repair.
- Thermostat – it may have been turned off, the batteries are bad, or the unit itself is broken.
- Condensation Line – make sure it isn’t clogged or overflowing the drain pan.
Closing Information – How do you know if you need a new heating system?
The age of your heating system is the first factor in determining if heating system repair or replacement is the better choice. A furnace that is 10 years old or older, replacement is better. If you’ve had to get professional heating system repair more than once every 2 years, it may be more economical to have a new unit installed.
