While a well-maintained furnace or heat pump should operate without incident throughout our Louisiana winter, problems may arise, and this is why it’s important that you know some basics of troubleshooting heating systems. Check out some of the more likely problem areas first, so you can either fix the issue yourself or at least know what to tell your HVAC technician.
Thermostat Trouble
If your heating system has conked out entirely, the thermostat might be the culprit. Check to see if there’s power and that the thermostat is set properly. If your thermostat is battery-operated, inspect the battery. If it’s hardwired to your HVAC system or household electricity, check the circuit-breaker box to make sure the circuit hasn’t tripped. Make sure the thermostat is set to “heat” with the setting higher than the temperature in the house.
Dirty Air Filters
If your central heating system is struggling to maintain comfortable temperatures, your air filter might be clogged. Find the furnace or air handler’s filter slot, remove the air filter and if it looks dirty, replace or clean it. You should check the filter monthly during the heating season. Depending on how dusty your home is, how much you’re using your central heating and other factors, you might need to change the filter as often as monthly. A clean filter will also reduce your energy bills, put less stress on your heating equipment and improve indoor air quality.
Furnace Ignition/Pilot Light
If you can’t get your gas or propane furnace to come on, and you’ve already ruled out the thermostat as the culprit, the issue could be in the ignition system. In an older furnace, this is called the pilot light, while newer furnaces are equipped with electronic igniters. Follow instructions to relight the pilot, or if you have an electronic igniter, follow instructions to reset the igniter.
If these troubleshooting heating steps don’t work, it’s time to call a trusted HVAC technician. For superior heating and cooling assistance in the metro New Orleans area, please contact us at Bryans United Air Conditioning.
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