Living in Maine I’m sure we are all aware how unpleasant of an experience it would be to discover that your heating system wasn’t working all of sudden. The truth is that heating systems are complex and have a lot of moving parts, which means there could be a number of different reasons why it stopped working. Even though these systems are very complex, there are a couple quick checks that you can do to try and figure out what might be going on. Or at least help you rule out some of the most likely culprits.

The first thing I would recommend checking is your thermostat, your heating system could be working file, but it is your thermostat to blame. Your thermostat is the center of your heating system, is it what tells your heating system it needs to turn on, and how long it needs to stay running. If your heating system isn’t turning on, doesn’t stay on or is blowing cold air, give these trouble-shooting tips a try before calling your repair company:

• Double check to make sure that the thermostat is set to heat and not cool. This can often get switched around during cleaning, children and many other unpredictable circumstances.
• Make sure that the thermostat is auto and not just on.
• Double check that the thermostat fan is set to auto and not on.
• Turn the thermostat up by 5 degrees to make sure it kicks on.
• If applicable, replace the batteries.
• If it is a programmable thermostat, double check the programmed settings. Ensure that the date and time are correct to make sure it isn’t turning off due to timer settings.
• Open the thermostat’s front panel and gently blow out any dust buildup.
• Is your thermostat old? It might just be time to replace the thermostat.

It may seem silly, but it does happen. Double check to make sure that your heating system is turned on. Make sure that your emergency switch hasn’t accidentally turned off as well. Anything great thing to check is the electrical panel. The next thing I would move on to checking would be the filter. If you have a heating system that is forced hot air, a dirty filter could be the culprit. Having a dirty air filter is much like putting a blanket over your face and trying to breathe normally. Having a dirty filter can cause a number of different problems for your heating system. A clogged air filter will force your furnace to work harder. An over worked furnace will overheat the heat exchanger, forcing your furnace to shut off automatically. It is recommended that you check your air filter every one to three months. Always remember to turn off your furnace and set your thermostat to off before attempting to change the filter.

Like mentioned before, heating systems are complex and there are number of different types of systems. A forced hot water boiler is more complex than your standard forced air furnace heating system, it has many more parts. The introduction of water as the heating source naturally involves all types of plumbing related science that isn’t for the inexperienced. Most heating issues when it comes to a forced hot water systems, if you have checked the items above and it is still not working, please leave it to the professionals.

I hope these tips were helpful, but if you’ve checked the things above and you’re still having issues with your heating system, call a professional! If it has come to this point, you’re in luck that 207 Plumbing and Heating repairs all types of heating systems, from hot air furnaces, forced hot water boilers and heat pumps. They are here to help you every step of the way. Don’t spend a night in the cold, call 207 Plumbing & Heating today!