Why Is My Heating System Not Working?
Did you know that a home heating system can last from 10 to 25 years? For example, heat pumps have an average lifespan of 10 to 15 years. For furnaces, it’s 15 to 25 years.
However, a heating system can sometimes stop working after just a few years of service. This doesn’t mean you already need to replace it; depending on the cause, you or an HVAC expert may still be able to fix it.
To that end, we created this guide on what can cause your heating system to stop working. Read on to learn what they are and what to do about them.
Thermostat Issues
The thermostat tells the heater (or AC) when to turn on or off. Thus, if it is in the wrong mode, out of battery, or malfunctioning, it can cause a heating system to stop working.
First, ensure the thermostat is set to “cool” mode, not “heat.” Replace its batteries, too, and ensure its wires are intact and there’s no debris build-up.
If the thermostat still doesn’t respond or has a dead screen, it may need repairs or replacement.
Electrical Problems
If the problem isn’t the thermostat, the culprit may be the disconnect switch or a circuit breaker.
A furnace disconnect switch, which looks like a regular light switch, is often on a wall next to it. Flip it to turn it back on.
A heat pump has a disconnect switch too, but people are less likely to turn it off by accident. It’s usually near the outdoor unit and inside a waterproof (often metal) box.
If there’s no issue with the disconnect, the heater’s circuit breaker may have tripped.
Go to your circuit breaker panel and look for a switch labeled “heater,” “furnace,” or “HVAC.” If it’s set to “OFF,” slide it back to the “ON” position.
Dirty Filters
Delaware’s air quality is among the worst nationwide. Interestingly, 90% of its polluted air comes from other states.
Some of that polluted outdoor air enters your home through natural ventilation. (e.g., open windows). Another is via your HVAC system, which, fortunately, features pollutant-trapping air filters.
However, it’s also because of that role that HVAC filters get clogged with filth over time. This causes the heating system to work harder and draw more electricity. That increased electrical draw can then trip the circuit breaker.
At the very least, severe filter clogs impair airflow. As a result, your heater may not produce enough warm air or seem like it’s not working.
Replacing or cleaning the filters may solve the issue. Doing this once every month or two can also prevent future filter-related woes. It can even help keep your home’s indoor air quality healthy.
More Severe System Problems
Is your heater still not working after doing the troubleshooting steps above?
If so, the culprits may be filthy burners, an overheating motor, or a failed belt. A lack of lubrication on motors and bearings can also be a cause.
A more insidious culprit is a cracked heat exchanger, which, in gas furnaces, can leak deadly gases. That includes toxic carbon monoxide (CO). CO poisoning lands over 100,000 people in U.S. emergency departments each year.
In those cases, your best, safest bet is to call an HVAC company immediately.
Get Your Heating System Fixed ASAP
From a faulty thermostat to a dirty filter, these can all cause your heating system to stop working. Fortunately, some of them you can troubleshoot and fix on your own.
If you can’t pinpoint or fix the problem, call Enhanced Heating and Air Conditioning. We provide 24-hour HVAC services, so contact us anytime, and we’ll be happy to assist.