The Quad Cities area can sure get cold, can’t it? And what better feeling is there than walking inside to a nice, warm home on a cold winter day? But when your heat isn’t turning on, that comfort can quickly turn into frustration. There are a variety of reasons your heating system might not be working, from simple fixes to more complex issues.
Here’s a look at some common culprits and what you can do to get your home warm again.
Thermostat Issues
As the point of communication between your home and your heating system, thermostats are crucial parts of the home healing process. If it’s dealing with issues, chances are you won’t be able to heat (or cool) your home properly.
There are a number of underlying factors that can cause thermostat issues. Some include:
- Dead or low batteries can disrupt the device’s ability to function.
- Wiring problems or loose connections can interfere with communication between the thermostat and your HVAC system.
- Dust and debris buildup can affect its internal sensors, leading to inaccurate temperature readings
To check if your thermostat is what’s causing the lack of heat, start by ensuring it’s set to the correct mode and temperature. If the display is blank or unresponsive, it may need new batteries. You can also gently clean the unit to remove debris and inspect the wiring for any visible issues. If none of these steps solve the problem, it’s best to consult a professional to diagnose and repair the issue.
Power Problems
Is your heating system receiving access to the power it needs to function? Without a reliable power source, your heating system won’t be able to turn on or operate effectively. Check your home’s circuit breaker to see if the switch controlling your furnace has tripped. Sometimes, power surges or system overloads can cause this to happen.
Additionally, make sure that the furnace’s power switch, often located nearby, hasn’t been accidentally turned off.
If power issues persist, it might indicate a more serious electrical problem, such as faulty wiring or a malfunctioning control board. In these cases, it’s essential to contact a professional to safely restore power and get your heating system back in working order.
Clogged Filters
Filters are great at pulling dust, dirt, and other debris out of your air supply before it’s circulated throughout the home. All those pollutants get stuck in the filter and will need to be replaced regularly in order for your furnace to continue functioning properly.
When filters become clogged, airflow is restricted, forcing your furnace to work harder to push air through. Over time, this can lead to overheating, reduced efficiency, or even system shutdowns as a safety measure.
Regularly checking and replacing your furnace filters, typically every 1-3 months, is a simple yet essential maintenance task. Clean filters not only keep your system running smoothly but also improve indoor air quality and energy efficiency, making your home more comfortable and cost-effective.
Pilot Light or Ignition Trouble
The pilot light is basically the ignition source for many gas furnaces. When all is working properly, the pilot light should be a steady blue flame, indicating it’s providing consistent heat to ignite the burners. If the flame is flickering, yellow, or goes out entirely, it signals a problem.
Some more modern furnaces can run into other types of ignition issues, like problems with the hot surface igniter or intermittent pilot systems. These components use electricity to ignite the burners rather than a continuous flame. Faulty igniters, wiring issues, or dirty burners can prevent proper ignition, leaving your furnace unable to produce heat.
Whether you’re dealing with a traditional pilot light or a modern ignition system, addressing these problems promptly is essential. Ignition troubles not only impact your comfort but can also pose safety risks. A professional should always be called out to your home to inspect the pilot light or ignition system and provide you with the necessary repairs. These are potentially dangerous components, and you should never attempt a DIY repair on your own.
Give Schebler Heating and Air a Call for Heating Services in the Quad Cities
Ready to get the heat back up and running again? So are we! We offer heating services for boilers, ductless mini splits, furnaces, heat pumps, and geothermal heating systems. When it comes to heating and cooling issues, our team has seen it all, and we’re ready to help your home stay safe and comfortable all year long.
Give us a call or contact us online today to schedule heating services in the Quad Cities area, including Bettendorf, Davenport, Moline, and Rock Island.