Why Is My Furnace Not Heating? – HVAC 101

Is there anything worse than discovering your heater is not working? We all know that winters in Kalamazoo can get cold. Like really, really cold. But, somehow, we still forget to test our heating systems before the temperature drops.

And then we hit the power switch and, filled with terror, we realize that it’s blowing cold air.

So, what is a homeowner to do? How do you get your system to work properly? Do you need to call an HVAC technician? This post is for homeowners who have heard a strange noise or come home to a cold, unheated house. So, hold your horses, because it might not be necessary to schedule a furnace repair just yet.

Easy Reasons Your Heating System Isn’t Working

Thermostat Settings

First things first, let’s check your thermostat, since it controls when your HVAC system turns off and on. If this is the first time you’re firing up your furnace, it may not be in heat mode. Or, if you use a programmable thermostat, its temperature settings may be set too low.

Incorrect thermostat settings are usually the #1 cause of improper heating, and luckily it’s a very easy fix. And, while you’re checking the settings, it might be a good time to replace its batteries, since your thermostat will stop working if those die.

Dirty Air Filter

Dirty or clogged air filters can overwork the heat exchanger in your HVAC system, which can cause it to overheat and deactivate. And, since it’s super easy to change your furnace’s air filter, this can be a fast, inexpensive solution to the problem of an HVAC system that isn’t properly heating.

Or, even worse, it can lead to a cracked heat exchanger, which can lead to deadly gasses leaking into your home. To ensure safety, be sure to inspect your furnace filter every few months.

Tripped Breakers

If this is the first time you’re turning on your heating system, it’s possible that it’s overloaded the circuit. Luckily, this is an easy fix. Locate your home’s circuit breaker and reset tripped breakers. And, yes, this applies even if you have a gas furnace, as it relies on an electric starter to light its burner.

It’s also possible your furnace has an internal fuse box, which you should check if you don’t see any household breakers that need to be reset.

Blocked Vents

Lastly, you should check your home’s vents and air ducts. Are they obstructed by furniture? Or, are they blocked by rugs, boxes, or clutter? If you restrict airflow, it can result in uneven temperatures. Worse yet, it can damage the ducts and components of your HVAC system.

What Type of Furnace Do You Have?

Electric Furnace

Electrical problems are the most common issues people have with their heater. But, generally, these issues will require the expertise of an HVAC professional. For example, you may have a damaged heating element, a faulty limit control, or a broken sequencer. If the troubleshooting steps above didn’t fix your heater’s issue, you should call a certified HVAC technician.

Gas Furnace

If you’ve already checked your furnace filter and your furnace is still blowing cool air, you might have a larger issue. With gas furnaces, this could mean contaminated burners, a pilot light that’s gone out, or a disruption to your system’s gas supply.

Gas furnaces require a steady supply of fuel in order to produce heat, and gas flow issues can be caused by a number of things, including faulty valves, valves that aren’t open, or broken thermocouples.

But, be careful! You should never mess with your gas line. Like, never. Never. If you smell gas or suspect a gas leak, you should immediately evacuate your home and call a professional.

Maintenance to Protect Your Heating System

Regular maintenance, including a yearly tune-up, will help to keep your furnace from breaking down. In most cases, during your tune-up, our HVAC technicians will be able to pinpoint minor issues and correct them before they become more serious. And, even better, scheduling annual maintenance can increase the lifespan of your furnace by 5 to 10 years.

But caring for your heating system starts at home! One of the best things you can do to keep your system in peak condition is to replace your air filter every three months. Over time, filters get clogged with dust and debris, which can reduce air flow and increase strain on your HVAC system. When your furnace is forced to work harder, it can lead to inconsistent heating, breakdowns, and costly repairs.

Additionally, if your furnace has exhaust and/or air intake pipes that terminate outside your home, make sure they are not blocked by bushes, shrubs, leaves, snow, or other debris. This happens more often than you might think, and blocked intake or exhaust pipes can prevent the furnace from operating properly and may cause the system to shut down on a safety control.

Need Help Getting Your Furnace Working Correctly?

At R.W. LaPine, we are the most trusted HVAC contractor in Kalamazoo. For nearly a century, we have provided area residents with high-quality heating repair. With the ability to service your entire system, we can help with heaters, air flow, heat pumps, thermostat issues, and more.

We are Kalamazoo’s go-to team for all heating and cooling issues.

So, if you’re wondering why your furnace is blowing cold air, don’t panic! Just be sure to double check the common issues we’ve described above. And, of course, if you’re still having trouble, don’t hesitate to call us today.