Diagnosing Heating Problems
As winter approaches, many of us are turning on our heat for the first time this year and will be shocked to find our heater not working. Before you let your anxiety overtake you, take the time to figure out what might be wrong with your heater.
While winters in Tennessee may not be as harsh as other places, no one ever wants to be left out in the cold. If your heater quit working, down below are four reasons why your heater may have quit on you just when you needed it most and how you may be able to get the problem fixed.
Possible Reasons Your Heater Is Not Working
- Thermostat Issues
- Lack of Maintenance
- Clogged Air Filter
- Bad Wiring
1.) Thermostat Issues
If your heater isn’t working, one issue might be that the signal sent from your thermostat is not reaching the furnace. There can be a wide range of problems causing the malfunction ranging from something as simple as dead batteries all the way to something as serious as the thermostat being broken and in need of replacement.
Before getting your thermostat replaced, you should look on the manufacturer's site for troubleshooting instructions. If none of the troubleshooting steps work then it might be time to call in a professional to see why your heater quit working.
2.) Lack of Maintenance
If your heater doesn't start, chances are the problem stems from having a dirty furnace. Having dirt on your blower motor or flamer sensor could render your furnace unable to perform.
When the blower motor is too dirty, it won't pass enough cool air to the heat exchanger, leading to equipment failure.
An unclean flame sensor won't be able to "sense" the flame through all the soot and corrosion. If the sensor cannot recognize the fire through the dirt, it will automatically shut off the furnace to prevent a gas leak.
The best way to fix or avoid these issues is by hiring an HVAC professional to run maintenance annually; this will ensure that your heater is working correctly and prevent you from having to replace any expensive parts. If your heater doesn't work and you are looking for experienced HVAC professionals to fix your broken heater, call (615) 502-3030. The Dickson HVAC professionals at Griffin Mechanical, LLC offer quality heating repair near you.
3.) Clogged Air Filter
Clogged air filters are one of the most common problems for heaters. If your heater cannot blow anything or at least fails to let out hot air, the chances are that your filter is clogged.
Filters naturally become clogged as debris builds up in them. This buildup decreases the amount of airflow throughout the entire system, leading to your heater shutting down.
To avoid a clog, you need to have your filters replaced about every 90 days. On top of changing your filter, it is also a good idea to get your system checked.
4.) Bad Wiring
If any of your wires are loosely connected, frayed, or old, they can cause the thermostat to lose its connection to the heating system. If you believe your wiring is faulty, your best bet is to call an HVAC professional.
If your heater is not working still and you’re looking for an experienced HVAC repairman to come fix it, then your best bet is to call Griffin Mechanical, LLC at (615) 502-3030 or visit us online! Griffin Mechanical, LLC has been providing the Middles Tennessee area with great customer service and comprehensive plumbing, heating, and air conditioning services for 20 years.