Is your home not as warm as it should be? If your heat isn’t working, you may be wondering what the cause could be. Common causes of poor heating can range from heat loss through old windows to something more complex such as a malfunctioning blower motor. If you find yourself constantly adjusting your thermostat or experiencing a complete system shutdown, there are several areas you might consider. Hiring a quality heating repair service could help you get back on track as soon as possible. Keep reading to learn more common causes of heating system issues.
Equipment Malfunction
A number of different issues, including poor maintenance, a mechanical failure, or a power outage, can cause equipment malfunction. Poor maintenance can be caused by a lack of regular cleaning or servicing of the heating system, which can cause dust and dirt to build up on the system, leading to a decrease in the efficiency of the system. Mechanical failure is another common cause of equipment malfunction, and this can happen due to a variety of reasons, such as a broken part, worn-out components, or improper installation. Power outages can also lead to heat not working, as the system can be affected by power loss.
Heat Loss
If you are experiencing a decrease in your home heating efficacy, your HVAC system might be suffering from heat loss. Heat loss in homes can often be attributed to two primary causes— leaky ductwork and outdated windows. Cracks or openings in the air ducts of a home’s HVAC system allow heated air to escape, thereby reducing its efficiency. Additionally, outside air may also enter through leaky ducts, which further reduces performance.
Similarly, older window frames are usually less insulated than modern ones, and seals around them may have deteriorated, allowing cold drafts. While cold air is coming in, however, warm interior is also escaping out of the windows. This leads ultimately to reduced heating system efficiency as well as diminished warmth inside the house itself.
Malfunctioning Thermostat
One of the most common causes for heat not working is a malfunctioning home thermostat. A thermostat is a device used to regulate and control the temperature within your home. It senses the temperature of the air within the home and can be set to a specific temperature. When the temperature reaches the set point, the thermostat will switch on the heating system. If the thermostat malfunctions, it will not be able to read the temperature accurately and, therefore, will not switch on the heating system, resulting in no heat.
There are several potential causes for a malfunctioning thermostat. One of the most common causes is a dead battery. If the thermostat uses batteries, then the batteries can become depleted over time, which will cause the device not to function properly. Another common cause is a loose or disconnected wire. If the wiring is loose, then it will not be able to read the temperature accurately and will not switch on the heating system.
Finally, a thermostat can malfunction if it is set incorrectly. If the thermostat is set too low, it will not reach the temperature required to switch on the heating system.
Clogged Air Filter
A clogged air filter is one of the most common causes of your heat not working. Various things, including dust and pet hair, can cause this. When the air filter becomes clogged, it restricts the airflow to the heater, preventing it from functioning properly. This can lead to poor indoor air quality, decreased fuel efficiency, poor performance, and even complete failure of the heating system. Most HVAC professionals suggest that you change out your air filters at least every 90 days.
Overall, common causes for home heating not working are important to diagnose and repair as soon as possible in order to ensure a safe and comfortable living environment. Failure to do so can result in uncomfortable indoor temperatures and costly repairs.
