Central Heat Not Working… Now What?

The temperatures have dropped slightly here in Tampa Bay, and you may be ready to turn on the heat. It’s a cold morning, and you go to turn on your central heat and…nothing! Now what? Sometimes it could be as easy as a temperature control issue, and other times something more complex. Let’s take a look at some tips to troubleshoot your central heating system this winter season:

Check the Thermostat

This might seem like a no-brainer, but when troubleshooting an issue, it’s always best to start with the most simple fix first. When your furnace isn’t igniting, the first step to take is to check the thermostat. Turn it on and set the temperature to the degree that should turn on the heater. If it doesn’t turn on, check the circuit breaker to make sure the circuit hasn’t tripped. If it has, turn it back on again. If this still doesn’t bring on the heat, check for any blown or burnt fuses, or if your thermostat runs on batteries, try replacing them.

Check the Filters

If your furnace is not blowing air, find the cold air return in your home, and check the filters. Typically, these filters need to be cleaned twice a year. If this hasn’t been done recently, dirt and grime can block the airflow. Replace the filters if you notice that they are dirty, and see if this makes any difference with your airflow.

Check the Pilot Light

If your home has a gas or propane heater, there is a pilot light at the bottom of the unit near the floor. If this light goes out, the system will not work. If this is the issue, turn off the gas reset valve located inside the unit. Wait five minutes and turn it back on. If this doesn’t fix the issue, make sure that you have gas. If you do have gas, but the central heat still doesn’t kick on, you might need to replace the igniter.

Tip: If the flame is out on your pilot light, you may need to re-light it yourself.

Other Considerations

If the fixes above did not get your central heat to work, there are a few other things to check:

• Check that registers are open throughout the house
• Check the blower motors in the furnace. Some are belt-driven and require new belts periodically.
• Look for frayed or cracked belts

For more serious problems with your heating system, it’s best to call in a professional from Super Heat & Air to troubleshoot and fix the issue. They have years of experience repairing and replacing furnaces and central heating systems. Whether it’s emergency HVAC repair or routine service, Super Heat & Air will be there for you. That’s 24 hours a day, 7 days a week! With our Super Fast Guarantee, we will be at your home within an hour, or your service is free! Our super-fast, super clean technicians treat both you and your home with the respect and care you deserve, and we’re ready to answer any questions or concerns you may have. Let’s turn on the heat! Request a free HVAC service estimate online today, or give us a call at (813) 322-6823.