Your AC worked fine all summer long cooling your home, thanks to the proper function of its electrical components such as the condenser, compressor, and coils. However, now you find that your heater, which uses the same components, is not working. The last thing you need to worry about during the winter is a malfunctioning heater due to possible refrigerant issues or a filter malfunction. Propane-based heating systems can be plagued by similar issues.
While Las Vegas is known for its hot summers, winter temperatures can drop below freezing at night making a reliable heater indispensable. A circuit breaker tripped by a power surge can sometimes cause these problems. Also, improper insulation and ventilation can exacerbate the issue significantly. A seasonal tune-up by expert technicians may be the solution you need.
For troubleshooting and service, you can always rely on The Cooling Company at (702) 567-0707. Our dedicated technicians are experts in air conditioning and heating system reset, ensuring your comfort no matter the season.
Keep your AC and heater running optimally. Schedule your HVAC maintenance, including checks on the compressor and coils, with the Cooling Company today. Regular tune-ups can spot causes of potential trouble before they become larger issues, ensuring your comfort year-round.
Common Reasons You’ll Find Your Heater Not Working
If your AC heater unit isn’t working, it’s vital to learn what the problem is and fix it fast. Electrical issues might be messing with your system components, like the condenser or compressor, leading to a malfunction. By diagnosing it yourself, you may be able to reduce the time it takes for a professional to repair it. No one likes to wake on a cold morning to find the heater not working.
Related: Are You Prepared for Winter? Is Your Heater With Its Essential Components Like Filter, Condenser, and Coils?
If your central heating is not working, it’s likely due to one of the following reasons including obstructed filters or coils, malfunctioning components, improper insulation, poor ventilation, or low refrigerant levels:
No Energy
If your heater won’t turn on, or your AC won’t turn on, first check your home’s circuit breaker. If it’s not a simple issue like filter blockage, it could be a complicated one like malfunctioning electrical components. Also, power surges might have triggered a breakdown. However, in case of a hardware issue, entrust the service to our professional technicians to avoid exposure to high voltages.
Leaks
A potential issue could be leaks in the ductwork. Your home’s ductwork can become easily damaged, especially during repairs or renovations. Also, check the condition of your filter, condenser, and coils which are essential components. Furthermore, make sure your home’s ventilation is functioning properly.
Related: How Can I Tell If My Air Ducts Are Leaking?
Malfunctioning Thermostat
Thermostats are sensitive pieces of machinery. A malfunction in the thermostat can affect other components such as the condenser and compressor. Any disturbance to one could affect its functionality, hence need for constant troubleshooting. Our technicians are highly skilled in identifying these types of problems and resetting your system for optimal performance.
Clogged Ducts
Uneven airflow throughout your home might be due to obstructions in your home’s ductwork or even an issue with the compressor. Regularly cleaning your vents and checking the outdoor unit for debris and blockages could potentially solve this problem and improve the performance of your heater.
Dirty Filters
Changing your home’s air filters regularly is an important part of upkeeping your HVAC system, along with maintaining the crucial components such as the condenser, coils, and compressor. If filters get too dirty, they can block airflow, affecting the function of the heat exchanger and overall performance of your system. So change your air filters regularly to prevent them from affecting your heating. If you have pets or lots of dust and pollen inside your home, you may need to do this more regularly.
Malfunctioning Blower Motor
Your HVAC system, notably the furnace’s motor-is-bad/”>blower motor, plays a critical role in moving warm air throughout your home, effectively heating every area. But it is especially vulnerable to blockages or wear and tear, which can inhibit its function. Regular tune-ups by professional technicians can prevent such issues and ensure smooth, efficient functioning of your system.
If your furnace, powered by natural gas or other fuels, turns on but doesn’t move air, there may be a problem with the blower motor fan. Most furnaces will have a small light, powered by batteries, that indicates the motor is operating normally. If the light is out, indicating a lack of power or a capacitor issue, homeowners may need assistance from a professional to replace the motor or its parts, address any damage, or, in some cases, simply switch out the batteries.
Too Much Condensation
The HVAC system is not just a heating system; it also keeps the home ventilated and cooled, acting as an auto-regulator for the air within the rooms of the house. Your furnace will collect condensation from the air circulating throughout your house, and if this builds up, it can cause your furnace to stop working. Ensure that the air filter is clean to prevent any blockages and help maintain the effectiveness of your heating system. Ensure the air conditioner condensing unit and heat pumps are in good position and the condensate pan is draining properly. If it is not that, then you may have a blockage in a drain. Or if your furnace has a pump, check if it is intact. The drain clog will have to be removed, or the furnace’s pump will have to be replaced before it can start working again.
Pilot Light or Igniter Isn’t Working
If you have an oil or gas furnace, it may not be working because it is having trouble igniting its fuel due to an issue with the flame sensor. Check to make sure that your furnace has an adequate supply of fuel and that a draft isn’t preventing it from burning its fuel. Try to turn off your furnace for several minutes, then turn it back on to see if the light re-ignites. If this does not work, it could mean that your furnace’s igniter is faulty, and you’ll need a professional’s help to replace it.
Signs That Point To Your Heater Not Working
1. A bad odor
A bad odor from a central heating unit could mean a lot of things. If you have an older furnace that uses oil or gas to heat your water, it might mean that your tank needs to be drained and cleaned. This will likely involve calling a professional who can handle safely disposing of any potentially contaminated water.
2. A Humming Sound
If you hear a humming motor noise coming from inside the unit, then it’s a different issue. It’s likely your blower fan isn’t working properly and needs a professional HVAC technician to check on it.
3. Problems with the thermostat
Noisy, clanking, sticky thermostats are all indications that your central heating unit is in need of repair or replacement. The easiest way to determine if this is the case is by cleaning out the debris from inside your unit.
If you have an old style mercury thermostat then the problem might be that it has broken and needs replacing. Another possibility is that your thermostat setting is too low. If your thermostat is too low, it can also result in a frozen evaporator coil. Also check that the temperature doesn’t change drastically when set to cool. So you want to make sure that your thermostat is set to the right level and working properly.
Related: 3 Reasons Your Water Heater Pilot Light Won’t Stay Lit
Heating and cooling your house is a big part of creating a comfortable home. Learning about some common reasons with central heating systems can save you money while helping you to avoid a number of hazards. It may be tempting to repair your furnace or heat pump yourself. But doing so could cause more problems than it could solve. There is a possibility that you can misidentify the problem. And this can leave you without heat for even longer.
Or even worse, it could expose you to a variety of hazards. A professional HVAC contractor can use the information you give them to quickly identify the problems with your furnace and safely repair them.
