If your heater has been working fine and suddenly stops, here are a few potential causes to look for.
Technical Problems
Furnaces built in the past few decades have a safety switch or safety shut out which helps detect technical problems, such as a hot system or a carbon monoxide leak. A triggered safety switch will make it impossible to turn on the HVAC system until it has been checked professionally.
If the thermostat is working properly but there’s no heat coming from the vents, the cause may be:
- Dirty evaporator coils
- Clogged pipes
- Clogged air filters
- Broken wires
- Burned control board
- Dead blower motors
Problems With The Gas Source
Most home heating systems are powered by natural gas, through a line running from the city. Though the HVAC system uses multiple power sources, including electricity and water, sometimes the furnace stops working because it can’t find a gas source. This may occur because the gas valve is stuck or the control board isn’t communicating.
The best way to check if the gas line is working is to turn on the stove. If the burner turns on without a problem, then the cause of a malfunctioning heater isn’t a problem with the gas source.
Poor or Inadequate Maintenance
Routine maintenance is critical to the long-term health of the home’s HVAC system. Homeowners should schedule two tune-ups every year — one before spring and one during the fall season.
A professional HVAC inspection will help ensure motors spin without resistance, burners are using gas properly, the furnace isn’t overburdened, and the motors and wires aren’t damaged.
Forgetting to change the air filter could make it difficult for air to flow freely through the HVAC system. A dirty air filter could also force the heater to work harder than necessary and make monthly electrical costs skyrocket.
Short Cycling
An HVAC system that is constantly turning on and off without effectively heating the home could be caused by overheating, a dirty air filter, or a malfunctioning flame sensor.
Ultimately, an HVAC technician is trained to identify the root cause of a broken heater. Call Blue Apple Electric to schedule an inspection or repair.