There are ways to minimize the chances of your heater system not kicking on. And if the unexpected does happen, there’s always something you can do to address the problem. If you’re the type who likes to try your hand at fixing things before calling in the service men, we’ve got some tips for troubleshooting at home.
How to Troubleshoot at Home If Your Heating System Wont Turn On
Make Sure the Heating System Is On
If you recently had a maintenance visit done for your heating system, it’s possible that the technician turned it off. Someone may have accidentally flipped the power switch to the heating system while moving items or cleaning. Check that the heating system is turned on. If you have a heat pump, verify that it is set to heat rather than cool or automatic.
Make sure the gas is on.
Just like the thermostat, it’s easy for the gas valve to get turned off and forgotten about. To check this, trace the gas line from the furnace back to the meter. If there is a handle that is perpendicular to the gas pipe, turn it to make it parallel.
An older furnace or boiler likely has a pilot light. If yours has a pilot light, remove the front panel and the burner cover to check if it’s lit.
Inspect Your Circuit Breaker
If your thermostat is fine, the next thing you should do is inspect your circuit breaker. your heating system should be on its own circuit. The breaker for the heating system should labeled. If the breaker has tripped, turn off the switch on your heating system. Reset the breaker, then turn on the heating system’s power. If the breaker trips again, you will need a prompt heating system repair. If the breaker was fine, you will need to do more troubleshooting.
Flush out the drain lines.
During the heating season, your furnace can drain off several gallons of water a day. The furnace will quit working if the drain lines become filled with sediment or mold growth.
If you see that the drain hose is dirty, remove it and fill it with a mixture of bleach and water. After letting it sit for several minutes, flush it out.
