Even during mild winters in Tyler and Longview, a lack of heat is a serious issue. Unfortunately, there are many reasons that local homeowners experience HVAC heating problems that compromise their comfort and even their safety.
In this article, the HVAC experts at C. Woods Company discuss the common reasons that a heating system may not turn on, along with steps to troubleshoot on your own and signs that it's time to call a professional.
Common Reasons a Heating System Won't Turn On
From heat pumps to furnaces, the team at C. Woods Company has the experience and knowledge to handle the most common causes of heating system failures. This includes:
- Thermostat issues: Thermostat issues do not convey the correct temperature information to your heating system. If it tells your furnace that your home is already at the set temperature even when it isn’t, the system won’t turn on. These issues are often the result of dead batteries, improper settings, or wiring issues.
- Power or electrical problems: If your heat system doesn’t seem to be receiving any power, it could be a tripped breaker, faulty wiring, or loose connections. A professional will need to assess these problems, as electrical work can be dangerous.
- Airflow restrictions: Restricted airflow from clogged filters or blocked vents can cause your system to overheat. When this happens, it shuts down to protect against serious hazards.
- Ignition or pilot issues: When your furnace doesn’t turn on, the ignition or pilot light could be to blame. Faulty electronic ignitions or dirty flame sensors can keep your pilot light out or create a hazardous yellow flame.
- System safety shutoffs: Heating systems are designed with safety systems in place to protect homeowners against serious issues. If your furnace is overheated, has a blocked condensate line, or has triggered its high-limit switch, there may be an issue that needs to be resolved before we can restore your heat.
DIY Troubleshooting Steps
Luckily, when your heating system won’t turn on, there are steps you can take to safely attempt to solve the issue yourself without having to call for professional heating repairs. These include:
- Checking the thermostat for proper settings and fresh batteries.
- Resetting any tripped breakers.
- Replacing dirty or clogged filters.
- Ensuring supply and return vents are open and unblocked.
- Inspecting the pilot light for a strong, blue flame.
When To Call a Professional
If the troubleshooting steps above do not resolve the issue with your furnace not turning on, it may be time to call a professional HVAC technician. These professionals can help determine if you can solve the problem with repair or if you need a heating replacement. Issues like gas valve problems, frequent power trips, or strange ignition noises should always be handled by a licensed HVAC technician to ensure the safety and security of your home.
Tips for Preventing This Problem
Homeowners can prevent issues with their heater not working by scheduling routine heating maintenance in the fall. These thorough tune-ups ensure that your system is in good working order and allows technicians to find and fix minor issues that, if left unaddressed, could lead to heating breakdowns. Plus, routine maintenance offers many benefits like improved energy efficiency, better indoor air quality, and longer system lifespans.
Schedule Heating Repairs Today
When you need reliable heating repairs in Tyler, TX, contact the team at C. Woods Company. Our team of certified and background-checked technicians work hard to provide you with top-quality services at a great value. Our commitment to providing hassle-free care means your satisfaction and convenience is a top priority. Plus, we offer emergency services to restore your heat after hours.
Call C. Woods Company today to schedule heating repairs in Longview, TX.
