Troubleshooting Common Heating Problems at Home

Modern heating systems are complicated systems designed to provide consistently comfortable indoor temperatures. Heating systems occasionally develop problems from time to time. Here are some of the most common problems, and how they can be addressed.

Heater Is Blowing Cold Air

Heating systems may blow cold air from time to time. Often it’s just a matter of the thermostat not set at the right temperature. If the reading seems correct, try changing the temperature by a few degrees and see if it makes a difference. If the thermostat readings are on the right setting yet it is still blowing cold air, it may be due to one or more of the following:

• Dirty Air Filter – Air filters need to be cleaned or replaced when dirty. In many cases, replacing or cleaning the air filters solves the problem.

• Leaking Ducts – Leaks in the ductwork are hard to spot; some people do a “candle test” to spot leaks, but this is uncomfortable and time-consuming. If you suspect this is the case, it’s better to hire an HVAC professional.

• Lack of Fuel – If you have a gas or oil furnace, it may be running low on fuel. You may also need to have your power lines checked by an electrician.

Heater Won’t Turn Off

If the heating system continuously blows hot air, check the thermostat and make sure it’s set to “auto” instead of “on”; the latter setting is designed to continuously blow hot air regardless of the current room temperature. You might need to change the setting by a few degrees and see if there’s a problem with its settings. If the issue is still persistent, it could be a thermostat wiring issue or a problem with the furnace blower, both of which should be addressed by professionals.

Thermostat Is Unresponsive

If the thermostat display is blank, or if the controls are not responding, check the user guide and look for the steps on how to restart or reset it. Check if it needs new batteries or if the wiring needs to be fixed. If these issues are addressed and it’s still not working, you may need to buy a new thermostat. Fortunately, most new thermostats are compatible with existing heating systems.

Proactive Maintenance by Schmitt Heating & Air Conditioning

The best way to preempt these problems is by having professional HVAC experts inspect and maintain your heating when you’re not using it as much. Schmitt Heating & Air Conditioning offers a wide selection of HVAC services with years of experience to match. Call us today at (415) 522-0966 or fill out our contact form to schedule an appointment.