What to do when your heating cuts off? Expert Heating Repair

HVAC

Blog
// Posted by Crossville Heating and Cooling, Inc.

When the temperature drops, a broken furnace is the last thing you want. It makes your home feel like an icebox instead of a warm haven. But don't worry, with the right steps and expert advice, you can fix your heating quickly.

A dirty air filter is often the reason your furnace keeps turning on and off. Dust and debris can block airflow, making your system work too hard. Also, check air vents and the blower wheel for blockages or dirt.

Key Takeaways

  • Dirty air filters can restrict airflow and cause your furnace to short cycle
  • Blocked air vents and a dirty blower wheel are other potential causes of short cycling
  • Troubleshoot basic issues before calling for professional heating repair
  • Regular furnace maintenance can help prevent common heating problems
  • Rely on experienced HVAC technicians for complex or ongoing heating system issues

Identifying and fixing the cause of your heating problems can often solve the issue without expensive repairs. But if you can't fix it yourself, call Veterans AC and Heat. Our skilled HVAC technicians can handle any heating issue, from a broken thermostat to a damaged blower motor.

Identify the Cause of Short Cycling

When your heating system starts short cycling, it's key to find out why. Short cycling means the furnace turns on and off quickly, often for less than 15 minutes at a time. This can happen due to dirty air filters, blocked air vents, or a dirty blower wheel.

Dirty Air Filters

The air filter is crucial for your HVAC system. It catches dust, hair, and other debris that could harm the furnace. If the filter gets too dirty, it blocks airflow. This makes the furnace overheat and shut off quickly as a safety step.

Check the filter often and change it every 30 to 90 days. This keeps your HVAC system running well and your air clean.

Blocked Air Vents

Blocked or closed air vents can cause short cycling too. For your HVAC to work right, make sure all registers are open. Even in rooms you're not using.

This ensures good airflow and stops the furnace from overheating. Overheating can make the safety features kick in, leading to short cycling.

Dirty Blower Wheel

The furnace blower moves air around your home. If the blower wheel gets dirty, it can't move air well. This leads to overheating and short cycling.

Regular maintenance, like cleaning the blower wheel, helps avoid this. It keeps your furnace running efficiently.

Check Your Thermostat

When your heating system stops working, check your thermostat first. This key part of your HVAC system controls the temperature and tells the furnace what to do. Make sure it's set to the right heating mode and auto fan, with the temperature you want on the screen.

If your thermostat won't respond, try new batteries. Dead batteries are a common reason thermostats don't work right. Also, check if it's in direct sunlight or near a heat source. This can mess with the temperature reading and your HVAC system.

For smart thermostats, look up troubleshooting on the manufacturer's website. These high-tech devices might have programming issues or control board problems. You'll need to follow the steps recommended by the manufacturer to fix them.

Checking your thermostat carefully can help you find and fix the heating system issue. This saves you time and money on professional repairs. It's an important step in keeping your temperature right and your HVAC system running well.

Inspect the Flame Sensor

Your furnace's flame sensor is key to its working well. It turns off the gas valve if it doesn't see a flame, keeping you safe from gas leaks. But, soot on the flame sensor can make it miss the flame, causing your furnace to shut down early.

Checking and cleaning the flame sensor often keeps your furnace running smoothly and stops sudden shutdowns. This easy task can avoid the need for a professional furnace maintenance visit. Yet, if the flame sensor is badly damaged or needs complicated fixes, it's wise to call a skilled HVAC technician.

How to Test and Clean the Flame Sensor

  1. Find the flame sensor, a metal rod near the burners.
  2. Use a multimeter to check the flame sensor's readings. They should be between 0.5 and 10 micro-amps.
  3. If the readings are off, clean the flame sensor with fine grit sandpaper or steel wool to remove soot.
  4. After cleaning, check the readings again with the multimeter. If they're still off, you might need a new flame sensor.

Keeping an eye on gas valve operation and the flame sensor's condition can prevent expensive furnace problems. It also keeps your home warm and cozy during winter. If you're not sure about your furnace's flame sensor or have other issues, it's best to get help from a professional HVAC technician.

Ensure Proper System Size

When it comes to your HVAC system, size is key. A system that's too big will turn on and off too much, making your home uncomfortable. On the other hand, a system that's too small won't keep your home at the right temperature.

To get your HVAC system just right, think about your home's size, the weather, and how efficient you want to be. Usually, a 5-ton unit works well for homes with forced air heat. But, the right size can change based on your home's insulation, windows, and how many people live there.

HVAC pros use the Manual J method to find the best HVAC system sizing. They look at your climate, home size, and insulation to suggest the best system size in BTUs. For a home between 1,500 to 3,000 square feet, a three-ton unit is usually the best choice.

When picking out equipment, think about how efficient it is. Choose units with high SEER and HSPF ratings to save on energy bills and boost energy efficiency. Getting a newer, more efficient system can also make your home more comfortable and improve the air quality.

Getting your HVAC system the right size is key for great performance and saving energy. Work with a skilled HVAC contractor to make sure your home is comfy all year while using less energy.

Signs of a Cracked Heat Exchanger

A cracked heat exchanger is a big problem. It can release harmful gases like carbon monoxide into your home. Carbon monoxide poisoning is a major cause of emergency room visits and leads to hundreds of deaths yearly. If your heater stops working and your home smells like formaldehyde, act fast.

Carbon Monoxide Leaks

One key sign of a cracked heat exchanger is carbon monoxide leaks. This gas is odorless and colorless but deadly in large amounts. If your furnace keeps blowing hot air but has a cracked heat exchanger, it might mean a carbon monoxide leak. Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning include headaches, dizziness, nausea, and feeling very tired. Elderly people, young children, and pets are especially at risk.

Formaldehyde-like Odor

A strong formaldehyde-like smell in your home can also mean a cracked heat exchanger. This smell means combustion gases are leaking into your home, which is very dangerous. If you smell this, leave your home right away and call a heating repair expert.

Watch out for other signs of a cracked heat exchanger too. These include strange noises, a different color in the furnace flame, water around the unit, and soot buildup. If you notice these, get your heating system checked by a skilled HVAC technician to keep your family safe.

Troubleshoot Before Calling for heating repair

Before reaching out for professional help, try some simple steps to fix your heating system at home. These steps can save you time and money by avoiding unnecessary service calls. Let's look at some key areas to check when your heating stops working.

Inspect the Thermostat

A broken thermostat can cause your heating system to malfunction. First, make sure the thermostat is set correctly. Replace the batteries if they're dead and reset it to the recommended settings. If it still doesn't work right, you might need to fix or replace it.

Check the Circuit Breaker

If your heating system won't turn on, a tripped circuit breaker might be the problem. Power outages or electrical issues can shut it off automatically. Find the circuit breaker for your HVAC unit and turn it back on to restore power.

Clean or Replace Filters

A dirty air filter can block airflow and stop your furnace from heating your home. Check the air filter often and clean or replace it as needed. Keeping air filters clean helps your heating system work better and saves energy.

By fixing these common issues yourself, you might not need a professional to come over. But if the problem doesn't go away or you're not sure what's wrong, it's best to call a skilled heating repair technician. They can diagnose and fix the issue correctly.

When to Call for Professional Heating Repair

Keeping your home warm during the cold months is key. Sometimes, you'll need a pro to fix your heating system. Here are some times when you should call for help.

Faulty Thermostat

If your thermostat isn't working right, like showing wrong temperatures or not turning on, you'll need a pro. Issues like loose wires or a blown fuse are common. A heating repair expert can fix these temperature control issues.

Failed Fan or Blower Motor

When your furnace fan or blower motor stops working, your home won't stay warm. Dirt can also block the fan. A pro will know how to fix these HVAC diagnostics and HVAC fan repair problems.

Broken Blower Belt

Some furnaces use a belt to power the fan. If this HVAC belt is damaged, your fan won't work. A heating repair expert can check and replace the belt for you.

Dealing with these heating system diagnostics issues is best left to a pro. Trying to fix them yourself can be risky and might make things worse. Calling a skilled technician ensures your heating is fixed right, keeping your home cozy all winter.

Emergency Heating Repair Services

When winter hits and your heating goes out, don't suffer in the cold. You can count on 24/7 HVAC emergency services to bring back the heat, even on weekends. Skilled technicians can quickly find and fix problems with your furnace, boiler, or other heating units, making your home warm again.

One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning offers quick, all-day emergency HVAC repair. Their trucks carry thousands of parts and materials for same-day repairs. They also honor factory warranties 24/7, giving you peace of mind during emergencies.

If your furnace won't start, your boiler leaks, or you have any other heating issue, the HVAC pros can help. They offer emergency services for many systems like air conditioners, furnaces, boilers, heat pumps, water heaters, and thermostats. They give clear explanations and upfront prices, so you know what to expect.

Technicians are licensed, trained, and promise to fix the problem right the first time. They know how urgent heating problems are and work fast, often coming the same day you call. Trying to fix HVAC or water heater issues yourself can be risky, so it's best to let the experts handle it.

Don't freeze in your own home this winter. With 24/7 HVAC emergency services, a cozy home is just a call away. Reach out to the pros for quick, dependable same-day repair to fix your heating system fast.

Stay Warm While Waiting for the Technician

When your heating system breaks down, waiting for a technician can be tough, especially in the cold. But, there are ways to stay warm and comfy while you wait.

Start by wearing warm clothes. Put on thick socks, sweaters, and hats to keep your body heat in. Use blankets and throws to stay cozy. Bring your family into one room, like the kitchen, to share body heat.

Lighting a fireplace is a great idea if you have one. The fire's warmth and sounds can make you feel better. Electric blankets, space heaters, or portable heaters can also keep you warm.

  • Seal any drafts around doors and windows to prevent heat loss
  • Open curtains during the day to let in natural sunlight, which can contribute to indoor warmth
  • Engage in light exercise or movement to get your blood flowing and increase your body temperature
  • Prepare a warm, comforting meal or beverage to help you stay toasty from the inside out

These tips can help you stay warm, but they're not a long-term fix. The best way is to get a professional HVAC technician to fix the problem quickly. By doing so, you can stay warm and cozy until help arrives.

Common Heating System Problems

When your heating system isn't working right, it can be really frustrating. Knowing about common heating problems can help you fix them and make your home warm again. From thermostat issues to blower problems, here are the main heating system issues you might face.

System Won't Turn Off

If your heating system keeps running and blowing hot air, check your thermostat first. Make sure it's set to "auto" and not "on." If it still won't stop, your thermostat or blower might need fixing by a pro.

Uneven Heating

Uneven heating can come from a few things. Dirty air filters, ductwork problems, or issues with the heating system's fan or belts can cause it. Start by cleaning the air filter and checking the ducts. But, for bigger heating system malfunctions, you'll need a pro HVAC technician.

Cool Air from Vents

If you get cool air from your vents instead of hot air, check your thermostat first. Make sure it's set right and the air filter is clean. Fuel supply issues or pilot light problems could also be the cause. If these steps don't fix it, you'll need a pro HVAC tech to find and fix the HVAC system balance problem.

Fixing common heating system issues, like thermostat settings, air filter replacement, and ductwork issues, can make your home comfy and efficient again. But, for complex problems, you'll need a skilled heating repair technician to make sure your system works right and safely.

Conclusion

Regular HVAC maintenance and quick action on heating issues keep your home warm and cozy. You can fix simple problems yourself or call experts for complex issues. This way, you avoid the cold and dangers of a broken heating system.

Changing air filters and getting your system checked by a pro can make your heating last longer and work better. Also, fixing strange noises or temperature changes early can save you from big repair bills later.

If your furnace or thermostat isn't working right, get help from a trusted HVAC pro. They have the skills and tools to find and fix the problem fast. This ensures your home stays warm and comfy all winter.

HVAC Technician installing a electric heat pump
About Crossville Heating and Cooling, Inc.
Crossville Heating and Cooling, Inc. is a locally owned heating and air conditioning company that provides sales, service, and installation of any type of heating or cooling in your home or light commercial building.

Although the name Crossville Heating and Cooling, Inc. is new, Mr. Richard Gilmer has been in the business of keeping his neighbors comfortable since 1998. As our presence in the HVAC contractors industry has evolved, we decided to change the name of our business to better reflect our commitment to the Middle TN area.

Our core values include implementing economically friendly products and practices to better contribute to the health and home of our customers. We are EPA certified and ensure that all refrigerant is recycled and all equipment is disposed of as per environmentally-safe standards. Our service techs and installers are trained to conduct business with minimal disruption to your daily lifestyle so that the only impact we make is a positive one

FAQ

What can cause my furnace to short cycle?

Short cycling can happen if your air filter is dirty or air vents are blocked. Make sure to change the air filter often and keep all vents open. This helps with airflow and stops overheating.

How do I troubleshoot issues with my thermostat?

First, check that your thermostat is set right and the temperature is correct. Change the batteries and reset it as the maker suggests. If it still doesn't work, you might need a pro to fix or replace it.

What are the signs of a cracked heat exchanger?

A cracked heat exchanger can let harmful gases like carbon monoxide into your home. Look out for your heater stopping suddenly and a smell like a funeral home. If you see these signs, get out of the house fast and call for help.

What should I do if my furnace isn't powering on?

It might be a tripped circuit breaker. Just flip the breaker for your HVAC unit back to "ON" to fix the power. If it still doesn't work, you'll need a pro to check it out.

When should I call for emergency heating repair services?

Call for emergency heating repair if your heater stops working at night or on a weekend. Being without heat in cold weather is risky and can cause hypothermia. A pro can quickly find and fix the problem to warm your home up again.

What are some common heating system problems I may experience?

You might see your system not turning off, uneven heating, or cool air from the vents. These problems can come from thermostat issues, airflow problems, or fuel supply issues. A pro HVAC technician can figure out and fix the issue for you.

HVAC Technician installing a electric heat pump
About Crossville Heating and Cooling, Inc.
Crossville Heating and Cooling, Inc. is a locally owned heating and air conditioning company that provides sales, service, and installation of any type of heating or cooling in your home or light commercial building.

Although the name Crossville Heating and Cooling, Inc. is new, Mr. Richard Gilmer has been in the business of keeping his neighbors comfortable since 1998. As our presence in the HVAC contractors industry has evolved, we decided to change the name of our business to better reflect our commitment to the Middle TN area.

Our core values include implementing economically friendly products and practices to better contribute to the health and home of our customers. We are EPA certified and ensure that all refrigerant is recycled and all equipment is disposed of as per environmentally-safe standards. Our service techs and installers are trained to conduct business with minimal disruption to your daily lifestyle so that the only impact we make is a positive one

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