How Do You Diagnose a Heater Problem?

If you're a homeowner, chances are you've had to deal with a heater problem at some point or another. Whether it's a faulty thermostat, a clogged filter, or something more serious, heater problems can be a real pain.

In this post, we'll show you how to diagnose a heater problem so you can get your home back to being cozy and comfortable in no time.

Step 1: Check the Thermostat

The first step in diagnosing a heater problem is to check the thermostat. If the thermostat is set too low, the heater won't kick on. Likewise, if the thermostat is set too high, the heater will run continuously without ever reaching the desired temperature. So, before you do anything else, make sure that the thermostat is set to the correct temperature.

Make sure that the thermostat is set to "heat" and that the temperature is turned up high enough. If the thermostat is set correctly and the heater still isn't working, try replacing the batteries.

Step 2: Check the Filter

If the thermostat is set correctly and the heater still isn't working properly, the next step is to check the filter. A clogged filter can restrict airflow and cause the heater to overwork itself, which can lead to all sorts of problems. So, if you haven't changed your filter in a while (or can't even remember when the last time was), now would be a good time to do that.

Step 3: Check for Obstructions

Another possible reason why your heater isn't working properly is because there's something obstructing the flow of air. This could be anything from furniture placed in front of the vent to a buildup of lint and dust inside the vents themselves.

Take a look around and see if there's anything blocking the flow of air. If there is, move it out of the way and see if that solves the problem.

Step 4. Check the Pilot Light

If your furnace has a pilot light, check to see if it is lit. If it is not lit, follow your owner's manual instructions to relight it. If you can't find your owner's manual, search for it online. Once the pilot light is lit, wait a few minutes to see if the furnace kicks on.

You may need to call for a professional in heating repair Germantown MD to work on this issue for safety purposes. 

Step 5. Check the Power Source

With the furnace turned off, go to your breaker box and make sure that the switch for your furnace is in the "on" position. If it is flipped to "off," simply flip it back on and wait a few minutes to see if that does the trick.

Step 6: Inspect the Blower Motor

If none of these tips do the trick, it may be time to call in a professional heating contractor who can check it thoroughly. The blower motor could be defective or may just need to be cleaned or oiled per manufacturer’s recommendations.

Heating Repair Pros in Germantown, MD

Your home is your castle, and you should be able to enjoy it in perfect comfort all year long. But when your heater breaks down in the middle of winter, it can feel like your home is more of a frozen tundra than a cozy refuge.

If you're in need of heating repair Germantown MD, don't despair. The experts at Don Hoffacker’s Air Conditioning & Heating are here to help. They have a team of experienced and certified HVAC technicians who can quickly diagnose and repair any problem with your furnace, heat pump, or other heating systems you have at home. 

Schedule an appointment with them by calling (301) 255-1845 today!