What to Do Before Calling for Heating Repair

It’s one of those distinct feelings: you can tell, just from your toasty morning bed, that the air in your home is just too chilly. You slough off your covers, go down into your basement, and sure enough, your heater is as quiet as a church mouse. Why? Because it’s off – and it shouldn’t be. Before you jump into panic mode and run to the phone to call for heating repair for your Jacksonville home, there are a few things you should check first:

Is There a Pilot Light?

If you have a furnace with a standing pilot, crouch down and check to see if it’s on. While we don’t recommend trying to re-light it on your own, knowing that the pilot is out will help you to describe the problem to the repair person when you call.

What’s Happening with Your Thermostat?

Your thermostat is the control center for your heating system: it tells your heater when to turn on and when to turn off. First: if it has batteries, have they died? Second: what mode is the thermostat in, heating or cooling? Third: if you use a programmable thermostat, has the program changed? Your goal is to try and rule out that your thermostat may be the issue.

How Dirty Is the Air Filter?

If you have a furnace or heat pump system, then you have an air filter, too. It’s recommended that air filters are changed every three months in order to keep it effective. Otherwise, the air filter can become clogged and restrict air flow in your system, which can cause a shut down.

Check the Fuel Levels

If you have a heater that runs on oil or propane, make sure that you’ve got fuel for your system. If you have natural gas, you may want to make sure that the valve is in the “open” position.

Check Your Electrical Panel

All heating systems need some kind of electricity, especially electric furnaces, so it’s a wise move to check your electrical box to see if any circuits pertaining to your heating system have tripped.

Once you complete the run-down of possibilities, and find that these aren’t the origin of your problems, call the people you can count on for heating repair in Jacksonville: AC Designs Inc.

Frequently Asked Questions

Question: What should I check before calling for heating repair?
Answer: Start with the basics: make sure the thermostat is set to heat, the temperature is set above the current room temperature, and the batteries are working if your thermostat uses them. You should also check that the circuit breaker has not tripped and that the system has power.

Question: Can a dirty air filter stop my heater from working properly?
Answer: Yes, a dirty air filter can block airflow and make your heating system overwork. This may cause weak heating, short cycling, or even a system shutdown if the equipment gets too strained. Replacing the filter is one of the simplest things to try before calling for service.

Question: Why is my heater blowing cold air?
Answer: Your heater may blow cold air if the thermostat is set incorrectly, the system has just started up, airflow is restricted, or there is a problem with the heat pump, furnace, or ductless unit. If the air stays cold after checking the settings and filter, a technician should inspect the system.

Question: When should I call a professional for heating repair?
Answer: Call a professional if your heater still will not work after checking the thermostat, filter, breaker, and vents. You should also schedule service if you notice burning smells, loud noises, repeated cycling, uneven heating, or a system that keeps shutting off.

Question: Can heating maintenance prevent repair problems?
Answer: Yes, routine maintenance can help catch small heating issues before they become bigger repairs. It also helps improve efficiency, reduce wear on the system, and keep your furnace, heat pump, or ductless unit ready for cooler weather.