No Heat in the House? Here’s What to Do Before a Repair Call

HVAC professionals are ready to help when you need us, but you may be able to avoid or delay a repair call through basic troubleshooting. Herrmann Services is happy to support you in keeping your family safe and warm. Try these tips to help you safely identify a simple furnace malfunction and resolve the problem.

Knowing Your Furnace Type

Before attempting any remedies, it’s important to know what type of furnace you have. The most common types of furnaces use gas, electricity, oil, or propane to produce heat. You can identify your heat source by examining your utility bill, checking for visible gas lines or electric plugs, or checking for a flame, which would indicate a gas or propane heat source.

Once you have identified which type of furnace you have, turn off the unit so it does not have access to a power source or the heat fuel. Then, you can proceed to specific troubleshooting solutions if it is safe to do so.

Common Reasons Why a Furnace Stops Producing Heat 

Depending on your type of furnace, you may find it stopped working due to:

• Power source or fuel supply issues
• Thermostat problems
• Clogged air filter
• Equipment failures such as a faulty flame sensor, defective blower motor, or cracked heat exchanger.
• Obstructed duckwork

Some of these issues can be resolved without a repair call.

A Step-by-Step Approach to Identifying Why Your Furnace Isn’t Producing Heat 

Follow this guide to identify and potentially return heat to your home.

Crucial Steps for Safety

Most importantly, always turn your furnace off before attempting any troubleshooting. Even if your furnace is not producing heat, if it is connected to a power source, it should be turned off.

Thermostat Check

Verify that your thermostat settings, such as mode and temperature, are set correctly. If your thermostat is battery-operated, replace the batteries. Try resetting your thermostat according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Air Filter Inspection:

Pull out the air filter for your furnace and check for clogs or dirtiness. A clogged air filter can restrict airflow and reduce efficiency, resulting in a lack of heat.

Tip: Set up a subscription to send new air filters regularly so they are always clean.

Fuel Source and Supply:

If your furnace uses natural gas or propane, check that your supply is sufficient and that your fuel lines are connected. Check that the shut-off valve is open.

Ignition (Gas Furnaces): 

If the furnace is not lighting, you can turn off the equipment for a few minutes and then turn it back on. Sometimes this will reset the ignition process, and the furnace will light. If this trick works its important to know that its time for a service call, it’s a clear sign that a component is starting to fail.

Circuit Breaker or Fuse:

A blown fuse or tripped electrical panel breaker that supplies power to your furnace could cause the furnace to stop providing heat. Flip the switch that connects to power to your furnace and see if that restores power.

Often, the owner’s manual for your furnace will contain specific instructions on basic troubleshooting that could save you from needing to call for a repair. However, if the issue is not easily resolved by these methods or if you feel that any of these steps are unsafe for you, it’s time to call in a professional.

Get Professional Help with Herrmann Services

Fortunately, HVAC experts can provide the support you need promptly when your furnace stops working. Call Herrmann Services for superior, conscientious work and resolutions to complex problems. Let us know what steps you’ve tried to help us resolve your furnace issues and get your home back to a comfortable temperature as quickly as possible. Speak to an HVAC technician with Herrmann Services today.

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