Most Common Heating Repair Issues and What to Do

Winter temperatures in Florida may not dip as low as in other parts of the country, a heating unit is still essential for those chilly nights and mornings. But as with any appliance, it can experience malfunctions or breakdowns. Maybe your unit isn’t producing enough heat or making strange noises. Heating repairs are some of the most common calls HVAC technicians receive during winter.

To help troubleshoot your heating issues, we’ve compiled a list of 8 of the most common problems, along with information on what could be causing them and how to fix them. Keep this list handy, so you can reference it the next time you need a heating repair Manatee, FL.

1. Thermostat is blank or reading incorrectly.

There are a few different reasons why your thermostat might be blank or reading incorrectly, such as:

• The batteries need to be replaced. Most heating thermostats use AA or AAA batteries, so check those first. Are they corroded or low? Replace them to see if that solves the issue.
• There is loose wiring. Check for any loose or disconnected wires and tighten or reconnect them.
• The fuse needs to be replaced. Your thermostat may have a fuse that needs replacement if it is not working properly.
• The circuit breaker needs to be reset. Do you have a tripped circuit breaker? Resetting it may troubleshoot the problem.

If none of the above solutions work, your furnace could be an issue. Contact a heating repair Manatee, FL technician to conduct an inspection and recommend the best course of action.

2. Pilot light is out or won’t stay lit.

The first and most common reason your pilot light keeps going out is that the area around it is too dirty. Dust and debris eventually build up around the pilot light opening, causing it to go out when it tries to ignite. The solution here is to clean the area around the pilot light opening with a brush or other object that can reach into the small space.

The thermocouple could be to blame too. It is a metal rod that sits next to the pilot light flame – with the job of detecting when the flame is lit and turning on the gas flow to keep the flame going. If the thermocouple is loose, damaged, or corroded, it may not be able to do its job properly. Replacing the thermocouple should solve the issue.

If neither of these solutions works, the problem might be with the gas valve or other furnace components, such as the control module or ignition system. It is best to call a heating repair Manatee, FL contractor for further assistance.

3. Heating system is making strange noises.

A strange noise coming from your heating system can be an indication of a larger problem. But before calling in an HVAC technician, try to narrow down what type of noise it is and where it is coming from. Is it a screeching, grinding, or rattling noise? Is it coming from the furnace or the ducts?

One possible issue could be a loose part, such as a screw or belt. Tightening it may solve the problem. It could also be a clogged burner or dirty air filter, in which case cleaning or replacing it may do the trick. In some cases, it might be a sign of a more serious issue, such as a cracked heat exchanger. Experts do not recommend attempting to fix this yourself as it can be dangerous.

4. Not enough heat is being produced.

The first step in troubleshooting this problem is to check the thermostat settings and ensure it is set to a temperature high enough for the heat to be produced. If the settings are correct and there still isn’t enough heat, the issue lies in a clogged air filter or a dirty burner. Simply clean or replace them.

It could also be a sign of low levels of fuel or refrigerant, in which case you’ll need to have it refilled by a heating repair Manatee, FL expert. Sometimes, a blower motor or fan may require replacement if it is not functioning properly. If you’ve tried these possible solutions but there’s still no heat, you might be facing a larger issue, such as a cracked heat exchanger, which an HVAC expert should inspect and fix.

5. Furnace won’t turn on or keeps shutting off.

Other than checking the thermostat settings, a possible cause for this problem could be a tripped circuit breaker or a blown fuse. Reset the circuit breaker or replace the fuse, and you’re good to go.

If that doesn’t work, the problem might be with a faulty or dirty igniter or flame sensor. Clean or replace it, and see if that solves the issue. It could also signify a faulty or dirty gas valve, so cleaning or replacing it may do the trick. If none of these solutions work, the problem might be with the furnace itself, like a malfunctioning control module or faulty gas valve, which will require the assistance of an HVAC technician.

6. Blower motor is not working or is working intermittently.

A heating unit’s blower motor is responsible for circulating air throughout the home. If it’s not working or is only operating intermittently, your unit may not be able to heat your house properly and require urgent heating repair Manatee, FL. Check out the following possible issues and solutions:

• The power supply to the motor has been interrupted. Check to make sure that the circuit breaker has not tripped and that there is power to the outlet the motor is plugged into.
• The motor itself may be defective. Try resetting the motor by unplugging it from the power source and then plugging it back in. If the problem persists, you may need to replace the motor.
• The blower wheel could be damaged or obstructed. Inspect the blower wheel for potential damage or obstructions that might be causing it not to rotate properly. If necessary, clean or replace the blower wheel.
• The fan belt could be damaged or worn out. Check the fan belt for damage or excessive wear. Replace it if necessary.
• There could be something wrong with the furnace control board or wiring harnesses. If this is the case, contact a qualified HVAC technician for further diagnosis and heating repair Manatee, FL.

7. Burning smell coming from the heating unit.

There are three common reasons for a burning smell from the heating unit:

Dirty filters: When air filters become clogged with dirt and dust, it restricts airflow and puts extra strain on the heater. As a result, it has to work harder to heat your home, which can cause overheating and produce a burning smell. Always check and clean your air filters, preferably once a month.

Overheating: It can happen when the unit is not getting enough airflow or working too hard to heat your home. Turn it off immediately and call a professional heating repair Manatee, FL for quick assistance.

Electrical problems: This is particularly true if the smell is accompanied by sparks or smoke. If you suspect an electrical problem, do not attempt to fix it yourself—call an electrician immediately. Otherwise, you could be dealing with a serious injury or even death.

8. Heat pump isn’t working in cold weather.

If you have a heat pump, you may be wondering why it’s not working in cold weather. After all, it is designed to work in all kinds of weather, right? Well, sort of. Heat pumps can struggle in very cold weather because they rely on the outside air to heat your space.

When the temperature drops below a certain point, it will switch to an auxiliary heating source, like a backup electric heating element. If your heat pump is not switching to the auxiliary heating source in cold weather, here are some possible issues to consider:

• The outdoor unit is covered in snow or ice. This can happen if the unit is located under a tree or if snow has blown into the area around the unit. When the outdoor unit is covered in snow or ice, it can’t transfer heat properly, which means your heat pump won’t work as well as it should. A simple solution is to clear away any snow or ice from the outdoor unit.
• The refrigerant level is low. Refrigerant helps transfer heat from one place to another, so if the level is low, the heat pump won’t be able to transfer heat as efficiently. Call a heating repair Manatee, FL contractor to refill the refrigerant level to fix this problem. 
• There might be “short cycling.” It usually happens when the heat pump turns on and off too frequently because it can’t keep up with the demand for heating. Short cycling puts a lot of strain on the unit and can cause it to break down completely. You can insulate your home better so that less heat escapes or upgrade to a larger heat pump if your current one is too small for your home. 

Get Your Heater Fixed Fast with Our 24/7 Emergency Repair Service

Don’t let the cold weather catch you off guard—if your heater breaks down this winter, call our emergency heating repair Manatee, FL service! We are available 24/7 to help you get your heat back on as quickly as possible. Our technicians are certified and experienced, so you can be confident that your home is in good hands – call (941) 216-2028!