How to Troubleshoot Common Heating Problems in Winter
The last thing you want on a cold night is for your heater to stop working. Unfortunately, heating systems can develop problems at any time, leaving your home uncomfortably chilly.
Understanding the most common heater issues can help you troubleshoot problems, and in some cases, get your system working again. This guide will walk you through some typical heating issues and help you decide when it’s time to call a professional.
What’s Wrong with Your Heater?
Uneven Heating
Does one room feel like a sauna while another feels like the Arctic? Uneven heating is often caused by airflow blockages or system inefficiencies.
To troubleshoot:
- Make sure all vents and registers are open and free from obstructions (like furniture or curtains) that may prevent heat from reaching certain areas.
- Replace filters regularly – every 1-3 months – to make sure no clogs disrupt performance.
If vents and filters are in good condition, the problem could be with the system’s dampers or an improperly sized heater. This is when we’d recommend getting in touch with a professional to determine next best steps.
Short Cycling
Short cycling happens when your heater repeatedly turns on and off without completing a full heating cycle. This not only wastes energy but also prevents your home from staying warm and can signal a bigger issue.
To troubleshoot:
- Ensure the thermostat is set to “auto” (not “on”) and the temperature settings are accurate. Replace dead or low batteries if needed.
- A dirty filter restricts airflow, causing the heater to overheat and shut down prematurely. Replace the filter if it’s clogged.
- Ensure vents and ducts are unobstructed. Blocked airflow can also cause overheating.
Short cycling can lead to long-term damage if ignored, so schedule a professional inspection if these steps don’t resolve the problem.
No Heat
If your heater is running but no warm air is coming out:
- Check that the thermostat is set to “heat” and replace batteries if they’re dead.
- Look for a tripped breaker in your electrical panel or a blown fuse that may be cutting power to the system.
- Some heaters have a reset button. Refer to your unit’s manual to locate and properly reset the system.
- Replace dirty air filters, as clogs can cause overheating and shut down the heater. Ensure vents are open and unobstructed.
If none of these steps work, the problem may involve frozen coils, gas supply interruptions, or mechanical issues requiring professional attention.
Heater Won’t Turn Off
If your heater keeps running continuously, it’s a clear sign that something’s wrong. Not only does this waste energy, but it can also lead to wear and tear on your system.
To troubleshoot:
- Set the thermostat to “auto” rather than “on.” When set to “on,” the fan will run continuously, even when your home has reached the desired temperature. If the thermostat is already on “auto” but the heater won’t shut off, slightly lower the temperature setting to see if it responds.
- Replace the air filter. A clogged air filter can restrict airflow, causing the system to overheat and triggering the heater to keep running in an attempt to compensate.
- Look for a stuck fan limit switch. If it’s stuck or malfunctioning, the heater might keep running. While this usually requires professional repair, you can check the system’s manual to locate the switch and see if resetting it resolves the problem.
Call Chilly Ben’s for Reliable Heating Repairs
When your heater isn’t working and DIY fixes aren’t enough, trust Chilly Ben’s Heating & Air Conditioning to restore your home’s warmth. Our team will quickly identify the issue and get your system back in working order so you can stay warm all winter.
Call us today at (270) 776-3691 for fast, reliable heating service!
