When the chill sets in across Montgomery and surrounding areas, your furnace or heat pump becomes your best friend. But what happens when that reliable warmth suddenly flickers? A heating malfunction can be frustrating, especially when you’re relying on your system to keep your home cozy.

Don't worry, we're here to help! At Clark Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing, we understand that not every hiccup requires a professional visit. Sometimes, a few simple troubleshooting steps can get your heat back on track. This guide will walk you through common heating issues and empower you to identify and potentially resolve them, saving you time and discomfort.

Experiencing persistent heating issues? Don't shiver through it! For immediate assistance with any complex heating problem, contact our expert team for reliable heating repair in Montgomery.

Understanding Your Heating System: Furnace vs. Heat Pump

Before diving into troubleshooting, it's helpful to understand the basic differences between the two most common heating systems in our area:

Furnaces: These systems generate heat by burning fuel (natural gas, propane, or oil) or using electricity to warm air, which is then distributed throughout your home via ductwork. They are known for providing quick, intense heat.
Heat Pumps: These versatile systems move heat rather than generating it. In cooler months, they extract heat from the outside air (even cold air contains some heat) and transfer it indoors. In warmer months, they reverse the process, moving heat from inside your home to the outside. Heat pumps offer both heating and cooling in one unit, and they are generally more energy-efficient for moderate climates like ours.

Knowing which system you have can help you narrow down potential problems and solutions.

Initial Checks: Your First Line of Defense

When your heat isn't working, start with these fundamental checks. You might be surprised how often a simple oversight is the culprit.

Check Your Thermostat Settings: It sounds obvious, but ensure your thermostat is set to "Heat" and the temperature is higher than the current room temperature. If you have a programmable thermostat, check its schedule to make sure it's not set to a lower temperature during the time you're trying to heat your home.
Verify Power Supply: For furnaces, check the circuit breaker dedicated to your furnace in your electrical panel. For heat pumps, check both the indoor and outdoor unit breakers. A tripped breaker is a common cause of no heat. Simply flip it firmly to the "Off" position and then back to "On."
Inspect Your Air Filter: A clogged air filter is one of the most frequent causes of heating problems. A dirty filter restricts airflow, forcing your system to work harder, which can lead to overheating and even system shutdown. Locate your filter (usually in the return air duct or at the furnace/air handler) and check its condition. If it’s dirty, replace it with a clean one. We recommend checking your filter monthly and replacing it every 1-3 months, or more frequently if you have pets or allergies.

Common Furnace Troubleshooting Steps

If you have a furnace and the initial checks didn't resolve the issue, consider these specific troubleshooting steps:

Pilot Light (for older furnaces): If you have an older furnace with a standing pilot light, check to see if it’s lit. If not, follow your furnace's instructions for relighting it. This usually involves holding down a button while lighting the pilot with a match or lighter. Be sure to follow all safety precautions outlined in your furnace’s manual.
Gas Supply (for gas furnaces): Ensure the gas valve leading to your furnace is open. It’s usually a yellow handle parallel to the gas pipe when open and perpendicular when closed. Sometimes, during other home renovations or if the gas was shut off for maintenance, this valve might have been accidentally closed.
Ignition System: Modern furnaces typically use an electronic ignition system (either a hot surface igniter or an intermittent pilot). If your furnace cycles on, you hear the blower fan, but there's no heat, the ignition system might be faulty. This is generally a repair best left to professionals.
Drain Pan/Condensate Line (for high-efficiency furnaces): High-efficiency furnaces produce condensation, which drains away through a condensate line. If this line becomes clogged or the drain pan overflows, a safety switch can shut down the furnace. Check the pan for water and clear any blockages in the drain line if you can safely access it.

Common Heat Pump Troubleshooting Steps

For heat pump owners, these specific issues might be the cause of your heating woes:

Outdoor Unit Frost/Ice Buildup: In colder temperatures, it's normal for some frost to form on your outdoor heat pump unit. However, excessive ice buildup can impede its operation. Your heat pump has a defrost cycle to manage this. If you notice a significant amount of ice and the system isn't defrosting, there might be a problem with the defrost control.
Auxiliary/Emergency Heat: During very cold weather, your heat pump might engage its auxiliary or emergency heat (often electric resistance coils) to supplement its heating capacity. If your heat pump is running but not providing enough heat, check if your thermostat indicates "Auxiliary Heat" or "Emergency Heat." If it's constantly relying on auxiliary heat, it could be less efficient, indicating an issue with the heat pump's primary function.
Refrigerant Leaks: If your heat pump isn't producing adequate heat, a low refrigerant level due to a leak could be the culprit. This is a complex issue that requires a trained technician to diagnose and repair.
Outdoor Fan Operation: Observe if the fan on your outdoor unit is spinning when the system is supposed to be heating. If it's not, there could be an electrical issue or a problem with the fan motor.

When to Call the Professionals

While these troubleshooting steps can help you resolve many minor heating problems, there are times when calling in the experts is essential for your safety and to prevent further damage to your system. You should contact a qualified HVAC technician if:

You smell gas. Immediately turn off your gas supply and evacuate your home.
You hear unusual noises (grinding, banging, squealing) coming from your furnace or heat pump.
Your system is frequently cycling on and off.
The circuit breaker keeps tripping repeatedly.
There's no visible flame or indication of heat, and you've checked the power and thermostat.
You've tried the troubleshooting steps, and the problem persists.
You're uncomfortable performing any of the troubleshooting steps yourself.

Don't hesitate to reach out to us! Our experienced technicians at Clark Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing are here to provide reliable heating services for homeowners in Montgomery and the surrounding communities. We’re committed to ensuring your home stays warm and comfortable throughout the colder months.

Regular Maintenance: Your Best Defense Against Breakdowns

Many common heating problems can be prevented or caught early with regular professional maintenance. Scheduling annual heating tune-ups with Clark Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing ensures your system operates efficiently and safely. During a tune-up, professionals may:

Clean and inspect all components.
Check electrical connections and controls.
Lubricate moving parts.
Test safety controls.
Identify potential issues before they become major breakdowns.

This proactive approach not only extends the lifespan of your heating system but also helps keep your energy bills in check and provides you with peace of mind.

Stay Warm with Clark Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing

We hope this guide has empowered you to tackle some common heating problems in your home. Remember, your comfort is our priority. If you've tried these troubleshooting tips and your heating system is still giving you trouble, or if you simply prefer the peace of mind of professional service, our team at Clark Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing is ready to help.

We’re committed to providing reliable service to keep your home warm and cozy. Don't let a chilly home get you down – reach out to us! You can schedule a service or get in touch through our online contact form or by calling us directly at (334) 310-5164.

How to Troubleshoot Common Heating Problems