Before You Call an HVAC Contractor for Heating Help

The last thing any homeowner wants to deal with in the midst of winter temperatures is a broken heating system. Your HVAC contractor is extremely busy in the winter, which means you may be left waiting. Luckily, some heating issues are due to minor problems you can correct yourself. Follow our checklist before you call an HVAC contractor for help.

Before You Call an HVAC Contractor…

  A significant number of service calls could have been solved before an HVAC contractor arrived with a little DIY troubleshooting. If your furnace, heat pump, or other heating system isn’t operating at its best, or isn’t operating at all, run through our checklist before you call for service.

Check your thermostat

  Is it set to heating, and is the temperature set a few degrees higher than the current room temperature? This should initiate a heating cycle if your furnace is not malfunctioning.

Check power sources

  Make sure your thermostat’s batteries are good. Check your circuit breaker to ensure the breakers powering your thermostat or heating system haven’t tripped. Confirm the on/off switch at your furnace hasn’t accidentally been switched off.

Check your fuel sources

  If you have a natural gas furnace, check to see the gas valve has not been turned off accidentally. If you have a propane or oil furnace, ensure you have enough fuel within your tank.

Check your filter

  If your filter is clogged it could prevent airflow through the furnace, forcing the furnace to shut down as a response. Replace the dirty filter with a new one to see if this resolves the issue.

Check your heat pump for ice

  If your heat pump has iced over, run the defrost cycle to melt the ice on the unit.

Check the pilot light

  Some older furnaces still in service have a pilot light – if it is out, you won’t have heat. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for relighting the pilot, and leave the gas off for 10 to 15 minutes before attempting to light it.

Check your vents

  Does it feel like there is heat in some rooms but not the others? Vents could be blocked or their louvers unintentionally closed. Make sure all vents are open and clear of furniture, rugs, and other items.

Check your furnace panel

  Some models will not work if the access panels are not correctly installed. Follow the manufacturer’s instruction to secure the access doors to the equipment.

Build a Relationship with a Local HVAC Contractor

  Building a relationship with a reliable, local HVAC contractor is one of the most valuable things a homeowner can do. With a certified HVAC contractor on your side, you know the job is done right – and that’s so important when it comes to your home comfort.   Service plans are a great way to establish a relationship with your preferred HVAC contractor. Many HVAC contractors offer added perks with these plans in addition to preventative maintenance tune-ups. Priority scheduling, discounted service calls, and discounted repairs are amongst the perks you benefit from when you form a relationship with a certified HVAC contractor through a maintenance agreement.   If you need heating help, AC Southeast® connects you with an HVAC contractor to help. Enter your ZIP code to find a trusted, certified HVAC contractor near you.