Possible Causes of Heating Not Working in Your HVAC Unit

Your air conditioner worked fine to keep you comfortable all summer long. However, now that winter has arrived, your central heating is not able to do a proper job. Malfunctioning heaters are the last thing you need to worry about during winters. It is important to learn the problem behind a broken HVAC unit and fix it quickly before it escalates into something major in your Northern Californian home or commercial space.

1. No Power

Sometimes, the problem is as simple as the unit not receiving energy. There is a relatively simple fix to deal with this issue. Check the gas valve or power breaker and turn it on. The problem could also be in the circuit breaker or faulty wiring if this doesn’t get your unit started. Leave electrical repairs to the professionals since you don’t want to shock yourself.

2. Leakage

The ductwork may have leaks if the heater is working but air is not reaching all rooms. It is easy for ductwork to become damaged over time. This is especially true during renovations and repairs. Check for drafty or unusually warm spots. Make sure to show these to a professional.

3. Thermostat

Thermostats are delicate machinery. Any disturbance to them can affect the overall functionality. Your furnace may begin behaving erratically or constantly turn on/off. It may also result in uneven heating of rooms. Check if the thermostat is away from sunlight, draft, or heating source. You should also ensure the thermostat is not damaged, is level and has adequate power.

4. Ducts

Blockage in ductwork can cause uneven air flow inside your home. Dust can easily build up in your home’s ductwork. This is especially true during cold winter months when ventilation is poor. Clean vents regularly to prevent dirt buildup. Blockages can pose a fire hazard and reduce effectiveness.

5. Filters

Air filters are the usual cause of most problems with an HVAC unit. You should be proactive with changing air filters. It can improve indoor air quality and ensure that you don’t face central heating problems. Air filters can collect dust and block air flow when they get too dirty. You should change the filters regularly if you have pets.

6. Blower Motor

Blower motor is responsible for moving warm air throughout the house. However, the motor is vulnerable to wear and tear and blockages. There may be a major problem with the blower motor if the furnace turns on but fails to move air. There is a small light in most furnaces which indicates the motor is operating as it should. You may need to replace the motor if the light is out.

7. Condensation

Condensation is collected by furnaces from the air moving within a house. Buildup of condensation can cause the furnace to malfunction or stop working altogether. The furnace pump may be broken or there may be a drain blockage if the furnace is not working properly.

8. Igniter or Pilot Light

Oil or gas furnaces usually don’t work because there is trouble igniting the fuel. Make sure the furnace gets enough fuel supply. You should also ensure that there is no draft preventing the fuel from burning. Turn the furnace on and off to get the igniter working again.