Why Isn't My Heat Working?

Is it almost as cold inside your house as it is outside? If so, you’re likely one of the many people that have to ask, “Why isn’t my heat working?”

There are many factors that can affect your HVAC system, and we’ll cover some of the most common reasons for a broken heater today. Find out why your heat isn’t working right and what you can do about it.

Lack of Maintenace

The thermostat says heat is on, but no heat is circulating through the house. If the central heat is not working, one common reason could be that the furnace is too dirty to work properly.

A lack of maintenance can lead to equipment failure and heating repairs. For example, the heat exchanger doesn’t work right unless enough cool air moves across it. Dirty blower motors can result in the heat exchanger overheating.

Another common problem caused by a lack of maintenance is dirty air filters. Dirty filters restrict airflow, which means your system has to work harder. When your furnace works too hard, it can break down faster.

Dirty flame sensors mean the system can’t light the burners. Dirty burners also make your system work harder than it needs to. Neglecting maintenance can lead to higher energy bills as well.

Check the Thermostat

Although it seems obvious, check to make sure the thermostat is set to heat mode. Someone may have changed or bumped it, resulting in a lack of heating in the home.

If you have a battery-powered thermostat, the issue might be as simple as changing the batteries. You also might want to consider the age of your thermostat.

Most home thermostats last about ten years. If your thermostat is around this age or older, you might want to upgrade to a more efficient choice, such as a smart thermostat.

Low Refrigerant

If you heat your house with a heat pump, a lack of heat could be due to low refrigerant levels. Contact an HVAC technician to take a look at your refrigerant levels. If they’re low, it could indicate a leak that needs repairing.

Only a trained professional can handle a refrigerant leak. If you suspect one, it’s important to contact a heating and cooling company as soon as possible.

Improper Ductwork

The problem may not lie with your heater but with your ductwork. Improperly installed ductwork means you can’t get the right amount of airflow through the house. Your furnace can short cycle and even overheat.

In some cases, you may need an air duct balancing service to avoid extreme variations in temperature throughout the house.

Why Isn’t My Heat Working?

There’s nothing worse than your heater breaking down in the middle of a cold winter. If any of these signs seem like they might be the culprit, you need to call heating services immediately.

Don’t get left in the cold! If you’re wondering, “Why isn’t my heat working properly?” then it’s time to contact Above & Beyond Heating and Cooling. We offer heating and cooling services to the Edmond, Guthrie, and Oklahoma City, OK areas.