Your Central Heat Is Not Working – Now What?

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The cooler temperatures are finally here – thank goodness! Now, it’s officially time to give our air conditioners a break, and soon we may even have to crank up the heat. But, what if nothing happens when you switch your thermostat from “cool” to “heat?” Here’s what to do.

Heater failures are a common problem in the fall – primarily because they’ve been sitting unused for many months. Often, a problem isn’t discovered until it’s time to turn on the heat. The reality is that there are many reasons why your central heating system isn’t working. In some cases, it’s a quick do-it-yourself fix. But, most of the time, you’ll need to call a professional.

Hot Air Not Blowing

If you can hear your heater working, but feel no hot air, it could be a lack of airflow caused by buildup of debris and dust. Often, a simple swap of an air filter can do the trick.

If that doesn’t solve the problem, it’s time to take a closer look at the thermostat. If it’s switched from “heat” to “cool,” your heater won’t turn on. It also can be prevented from turning on by a timer setting. If someone has been “messing” with the thermostat, check the programmed settings to make sure everything is set as it should be.

Still Cold?

If those simple fixes don’t work, you could be dealing with a larger problem. Common causes of a central heating failure are:

A blocked outdoor unit

Check to see if the outside components are clear from debris, leaves, branches and dirt.

Malfunctioning electric blower

Without the blower pushing hot air into your home, you might be getting gusts of cold air.

Leaky ductwork

Like a malfunctioning blower, leaky ductwork hinders the ability to move hot air to warm living spaces.

Bruce’s Can Identify and Resolve Your Home’s Heating Issues

With cooler weather here, keep our number handy – 480-968-5652. At Bruce’s we’re here to help you with all your heating needs throughout the fall and winter.