We have everything you need to ensure your indoor comfort regardless of the season.

5-STAR HEATING AND AIR

HVAC EXPERTS DISCUSS CHANGES IN HVAC EFFICIENCY STANDARDS IN 2023

What Should You Do If Your Heating System Is Not Working?

What should you do if your heating system is not working?

Maybe you’ve noticed your energy bills spiking recently. Or, perhaps it’s finally starting to feel like winter in your neck of the woods, and your home is still as chilly as ever. No matter the reason, if your heating system is on the fritz, you need to take action. 

Lucky for you, we’ve created a step-by-step guide on what to do when your heating system is kaput. Check it out below!

Why Do Heating Systems Stop Working?

Before anything else, you may want to know why heating systems stop working.

While modern heating systems are sophisticated and reliable, they are not immune to problems. When a heating system breaks down, it can be a major inconvenience, and in some cases, it can even be dangerous. 

The good news is that you can minimize the risk of your unit going out by familiarizing yourself with the most common reasons why heating systems stop working. By getting to know the signs of trouble and knowing when to call an expert in heating repair in Nutley, NJ, you can keep your unit running smoothly for years to come.

Here are four of the most common reasons heating systems stop working:

1. Lack of Maintenance 

Like any other type of mechanical equipment, heating units need to be properly maintained in order to function properly. Over time, parts will degrade and break down, which can lead to a host of problems.  

To avoid this, it’s important to have your heating system serviced by a licensed technician on an annual basis. This will ensure that any potential problems are caught early on before they have a chance to cause major damage.

2. Dirty Filters 

When the filters in your unit are clogged with dirt and debris, it can restrict the flow of air and cause your unit to work harder than it needs to. This not only decreases the efficiency of your unit but can also lead to premature wear and tear. It also causes a lot of problems that requires immediate heating repair in Nutley, NJ.

While routine system maintenance include filter cleaning or replacement, it’s still important to check them monthly because most of them does not last for a year. If you have a reusable filter, be sure to clean it according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

3. Thermostat Issues 

If your heating unit is not providing enough heat, it could be due to a problem with the thermostat. Thermostats can become inaccurate over time, which can cause your unit to cycle on and off more frequently than necessary. In some cases, the thermostat may need to be replaced entirely. 

If you suspect that your thermostat is not working properly, check the battery and connections. It’s something you can fix yourself. But if you are not confident, you can always call an expert in heating repair in Nutley, NJ.

4. Dead blower capacitor

The blower capacitor gives the fan motor in your furnace the power it needs to start up. If this component fails, the fan will not be able to turn on, and your furnace will not be able to heat your home.

If you suspect that your furnace is not working because of a dead blower capacitor, you will need to contact a qualified technician for repairs.

While these are some of the most common reasons heating systems stop working, other potential issues could be to blame. If you are having trouble with your unit, the best course of action is to contact a licensed heating repair technician in Nutley, NJ for assistance. They will be able to diagnose the problem and recommend the best course of action for repairs.

The Do-it-yourself Approach

Before you panic, call a heating repair contractor in Nutley, NJ, or start tearing apart your heating system, check the following items: 

The thermostat

Make sure it’s turned on and that the batteries aren’t dead. If the batteries are dead, simply replace them and see if that does the trick. 

If the thermostat is on and the batteries are fine, then the next step is to check the settings. If it’s set to “cool,” then obviously that’s not going to do much good in terms of warming up your home! Set the thermostat to “heat” and see if that makes a difference. 

The furnace filter

A dirty air filter could be restricting airflow and causing your furnace to overheat. It can also lead to health problems because it can circulate dirty air throughout your home. To clean or replace your furnace filter, consult the unit’s manual for specific instructions. 

The circuit breaker

It’s possible that an electrical problem is preventing power from reaching your furnace. Locate your home’s circuit breaker box and see if any of the switches are in the “off” position or appear damaged in any way. If so, reset the switch (by flipping it to the “on” position) or replace it with a new one as needed—again, if you’re not comfortable doing this yourself, call an electrician for assistance. 

The gas valve

If your furnace is powered by natural gas, then a problem with the gas valve could be to blame for your heating woes. Locate the valve (it should be near the furnace) and make sure it’s in the “on” position. 

The condensate drain

If your heating system has a condensate drain, it’s possible that it’s clogged. A heating system may turn off automatically if the condensate drain is blocked to prevent water damage. To clear a clog, locate the drain and use a wet/dry vacuum to suction out the clog. If that doesn’t work, you may need to call a professional to clear the drain for you.

If none of these things seem to be the problem, or if you’re not comfortable troubleshooting on your own, it’s time to give your local heating repair contractor in Nutley, NJ a call. 

Schedule a Heating Repair in Nutley, NJ

If you’ve tried all of the above and your home is still not warming up, it sounds like you might need to schedule a heating repair appointment in Nutley, NJ.  But before you do, you should keep a few things in mind. 

First, knowing the difference between an emergency and a non-emergency repair is important. An emergency heating repair is one that should be addressed immediately in order to avoid further damage, like a gas leak. It is often more costly than a repair done during regular business hours. Non-emergency repairs can wait a day or two and are often less expensive. 

If you think you might have an emergency repair on your hands, it’s important to turn off your heating system and call a professional right away. If you have a gas furnace, be sure to open all the doors and windows in your home to ventilate the area before evacuating.  

For non-emergency heating repairs in Nutley, NJ, you have a little more leeway in terms of scheduling. However, it’s still important to act fast; the longer you wait, the more extensive (and expensive) the repairs are likely to be. 

How to Survive When Your Heating System Goes Out

If the basic troubleshooting tips do not work, here are a few tips to stay warm while waiting for the experts in heating repair in Nutley, NJ and your unit to work.

1. Layer Up

The first thing you should do when your heating system goes out is to layer up. Put on a cozy sweater, some comfortable pants, and some warm socks. 

If you have a fireplace, light it and curl up next to it with a blanket. You might not be able to heat your whole house this way, but at least you’ll be comfortable!

2. Close Off Unused Rooms

If you have rooms in your house that you don’t use very often, close the doors to them so that you can focus the heat on the rooms where you spend most of your time. That way, you won’t have to heat your whole house and waste precious resources (and money!).

3. Make Some Soup

There’s nothing quite like a hot bowl of soup on a cold day. Not only will it warm you up from the inside out, but it’ll also give you something to do while you wait for your heating system to be fixed! So fire up the stove (or microwave) and get cooking.

No one likes dealing with a broken heating system. But by following these tips, you can stay warm and comfortable until help arrives. So layer up, close off unused rooms, make some soup—and find an reliable heating repair expert in Nutley, NJ who can get your system back up and running soon!

Heating Problems? Call Integrate Comfort Systems Today

If your heating system is giving you trouble, call Integrate Comfort Systems. We’re a leading provider of heating repair in Nutley, NJ, and we’re here to help. We have a team of experienced technicians who can troubleshoot any problem, big or small. And we’re available 24/7 for emergency repairs. So don’t wait—give us a call at 866-749-6331.