As with the rest of the equipment in your Bayou State home that is regularly used, your central heating might eventually fail or have problems. Nonetheless, should there be little heat or if the thermostat isn’t responding well, there are some things you can do to troubleshoot your heater before you call on the services of a reliable Haughton, LA heating contractor.
No Heat
If your central heater just completely stopped functioning, even if you try turning the switch on and off a couple of times, you might have an electrical problem on your hands. Check for tripped fuses or cut lines somewhere between your heater and the electrical source—be sure to call an electrician afterwards. Check the pilot light; if it doesn’t turn on, the problem might be with the gas supply.
Thermostat Problems
Sometimes, the thermostat itself becomes faulty, as it keeps the temperature going in extremes from one moment to the next. This typically means that your thermostat is misreading the actual temperature within your home. If you have a programmable thermostat, reset it, otherwise, you will have to call up a professional for recalibration.
Duct Problems
Redbeacon contributor Kathy Hatter has this to say about the possibility that your central heat problems might be stemming from faulty ductwork:
Because the ductwork system is so extensive throughout your home, there are many places where blockages can occur from rodents or insects. A ductwork blockage will generally require the service of an expert, who can diagnose and fix the issue. Ductwork leaks, resulting in heat escaping from the ducts and not expelling where you want it, also requires expert service to repair.
Filters
It’s important to regularly check your air filters’ condition—keep in mind that they will need replacement or cleaning at least twice a year, or more frequently if you use the AC often. A dirty filter significantly decreases the efficiency of your heating system, and it could even cause undue strain and damage to the unit.
Igniter
Aside from the thermostat, the pilot light or igniter is one of the most troublesome component of a typical central heater. This equipment ignites the gas or propane, but sometimes it even fails to do this much. In this case, check that your thermostat is in fact running. If the pilot light is working, the light should be a strong blue, not a faint yellow.
If, after the basic troubleshooting methods above, you still find that your heater is having problems, it might be time to call on the services of reputable contractors like Accutemp Cooling and Heating. Whether it’s a heating or AC contractor in Haughton, make sure that you only hire reliable and trustworthy professionals.
(Source: Top 5 Central Heating Problems, Redbeacon)