How Do I Fix the Heating in My Home?
When your heating system isn’t working correctly and is giving you heating problems in your residence, it can quickly transform your cozy home into an uncomfortably cold space — especially during the frigid Northeast winters. A reliable heating system is essential for keeping your family warm and safe, so it’s natural to feel frustrated when something goes wrong. The good news is that, even if you’re asking “Why is my heating not working?”, some common heating issues can be easily resolved with a simple DIY fix.
Here, the heating experts at GEM Plumbing & Heating explore the most frequent problems for various heating systems and how you can address them before calling for professional repair.
Common Heating System Issues & How to Fix Them
Before jumping into fixes, knowing your system’s type and symptoms is important. Central heating, ductless HVAC systems, heat pumps, furnaces, boilers, and water heaters all have unique components and potential issues. By following these tips, you might be able to restore warmth to your home without needing an immediate service call:
Central Heating
One of the most common issues with central heating not working is uneven heating, leaving some rooms colder than others. Check the thermostat setting to ensure it’s set to “heat” and at the desired temperature. In some cases, you may notice that there is no air coming from the vents. This could be because the vents are blocked or closed, which can prevent proper airflow, so ensure these areas are open and unobstructed. Additionally, if you have hot water radiators, bleed them to remove trapped air and improve heat distribution.
Ductless HVAC
Yes, even ductless HVAC units can experience HVAC dysfunction. Ductless HVAC units can often struggle with not blowing warm air. Dirty filters can block airflow, so remove and wash them if they’re reusable or replace them. If the outdoor unit is frozen, turn it off and let it thaw. Clear any debris around the unit. Lastly, a simple reset can sometimes solve minor operational glitches, so try resetting the unit before calling for repairs.
Heat Pumps
When heat pumps don’t heat effectively, there are several things you can check before contacting a specialist for heat pump repair. First, ensure it’s on the correct heating setting, as these systems can both heat and cool the home. Clear the outdoor unit of leaves, dirt, and snow obstructing the system’s airflow. If ice persists, verify that the defrost function is working properly.
If the heat pump compressor is not turning on, this could indicate that the refrigerant levels are not correct. Double-check that the refrigerant level is not too low. If you notice liquid pooling near the heat pump unit, this could indicate that refrigerant is leaking from the unit.
Furnaces
Common heater problems include a furnace that doesn’t produce sufficient heat, which is common when the pilot light is out. Relight it following the manufacturer’s instructions. Clogged filters are also common culprits, which can cause the furnace to overheat and shut off for safety purposes, as well as cause a burning smell in your home. Clean and replace filters as needed, and make sure the furnace has power by resetting the breaker if it’s tripped.
Boilers
Boilers not heating water or radiators is a common problem. Low pressure can hinder boiler operation, so use the filling loop to top it up to the recommended level. Air trapped in the system can reduce heating efficiency, and using a radiator key can release the air. Small leaks in the system can also lower pressure and should be addressed promptly by a professional.
Water Heaters
When water heaters fail to provide adequate hot water, you may need to adjust the thermostat to a sufficient temperature (ideally 120º F). Other water heater issues include sediment buildup at the bottom of the tank that can reduce efficiency, so follow the manufacturer’s instructions to drain and flush the tank safely. Electric water heaters may need replacement heating elements if they’ve burned out.
Schedule Heating Repair Today
While these DIY solutions can help resolve minor issues, some problems require professional expertise. If your heating system is still not functioning correctly after trying these tips, or if you’re unsure about tackling the problem yourself, it’s time to call the experts at GEM.
Our team specializes in comprehensive heating repairs for all types of systems. From furnaces and boilers to heat pumps and water heaters, our skilled technicians have the experience to restore comfort to your home quickly and efficiently.
Schedule heating repair services in Rhode Island or Massachusetts by calling GEM today.
