If your heating system breaks down in the middle of winter, it can trigger a serious panic attack. Cold weather means you need reliable heating to make your house safe and comfortable for your family. If the heater won’t turn on, you need to get it fixed quickly.
But in your rush to call a repair technician, don’t overlook the simple troubleshooting steps that could help your heating system function as normal without having to pay the service charge for a repair company (we love helping our customers out, but we want them to save money whenever possible). Before you pick up the phone, run through these basic steps to make sure the problem needs a professional service to fix.
- The Thermostat. Thermostats can do their jobs for decades without requiring repairs, but sometimes another family member may adjust the settings without being told. Other systems use batteries for power sources, and the current battery may be used up. Whatever the reason, start your troubleshooting by ensuring that the thermostat is on and functioning as it should.
- The Breaker Box. Sometimes an electrical problem in the heater itself will trigger the breaker switch, but other times, the switch may be tripped because of a power spike or something else unrelated to the heater. Check the breaker box and reset the switch if it has turned. If the problem doesn’t repeat itself, you’re in the clear!
- The Vents. If more than 20% of the vents in your home are closed, it could cause the hot air to back up into your system. That will cause an automatic shutdown, triggered in order to keep key components from overheating. Make sure your vents are mostly open before turning on your system.
For more serious repair issues, look to Wm. Henderson Plumbing, Heating & Cooling Inc. to clear them up fast!