Basic Tips for Troubleshooting Your Central Heating Unit

At any time, it's possible for your heating system to stop functioning as normal. When this happens, there are some simple steps that you can follow to try and pinpoint the issue. This can help to keep maintenance costs down, if you can identify and fix the problem yourself. Although, there may be some issues that are beyond your scope of knowledge and require the assistance of a heating contractor. The information provided below offers some tips on how to troubleshoot your heating unit. 

Troubleshooting The Thermostat

Check over the thermostat to verify that the setting it's on, corresponds with the current temperature in your home. If your home is already at the desired temperature, then it's possible that the thermostat has turned itself off. However, if it doesn't come back on after turning it up or down, then there may be another issue. Locate the circuit breaker and verify that the switch in the thermostat is operating correctly. The circuit breaker switch may have been tripped. For this reason, you should turn it off and then switch it on again. If you have a battery-operated thermostat, you may need to change the batteries.

Troubleshooting The Filters

There are cold air returns affixed to the heating unit. In order to check the filter, you will need to remove it from blocking the cold air returns. It's possible that airborne dust could also float through the air in your home, if it's left untreated. For this reason, the filter should be cleaned or replaced regularly.

Troubleshooting The Igniter Or Pilot Light

There are two different types of mechanisms that work to light the furnace, which is the electronic igniter or a pilot light. If your heating unit doesn't power up after turning on the thermostat, you may need to shut off the gas reset valve located in the unit to try and jumpstart the furnace again. However, if the reset doesn't start the igniter, the gas will have to be checked. To do this, you will need to verify that the igniter or pilot light works by following the instructions in your furnace manual. However, if it doesn't work, you may have to contact a contractor to have it fixed or replaced.

In addition, if you are uncertain about checking over any of the other steps, you should consult with a heating contractor. They should be able to look over your heating system, to provide you with the next steps.