Reasons Why My Heating System Isn’t Working

My Heating Unit Stopped Working, Now What?

When temperatures are low in Virginia, we rely on our heating unit to keep us warm and cozy. However, heating systems can break down like any other appliance. If you come home to a chilly and uncomfortable environment, we have you covered! Your heating system may be malfunctioning for a variety of reasons, with some being simple fixes and others requiring professional attention. It is important to identify the reason your heating unit stopped working to save time and money. Additionally, understanding the issue can help prevent the problem from happening again in the future. Below are six reasons your heating unit quit working.

• Low Refrigerant
• Dead Blower Capacitor
• Thermostat Issues
• Lack Of Maintenance
• Clogged Air Filter
• Cracked Heat Exchanger

Low Refrigerant

Depending on the type of heating unit your home utilizes, it may be malfunctioning due to low refrigerant levels. Refrigerant is a chemical used in heating units such as heat pumps to help heat a room. The chemical is required for the unit to function and without it the unit will not produce heat. Ways to identify if refrigerant levels are low include:

• Lack of heating
• Little/no airflow
• Water leaks
• Ice forming on the unit
• Hissing or bubbling noise

Refrigerant is a toxic chemical and should only be handled by professionals. If you suspect your refrigerant levels are low in your heating unit, give us a call to restore your comfort and protect your health.

Dead Blower Capacitor

Blower capacitors are an essential component of a furnace heating system. The blower capacitor provides a steady electrical current for the furnace blower to distribute heated air. If this component is dead or malfunctioning, it can result in no heat for your home. During every maintenance appointment, a Roger’s technician will inspect the blower capacitor and ensure it will adequately perform throughout the winter season. If the blower capacitor is the reason your heating system isn’t working, it will likely need to be replaced by one of our trained technicians.

Thermostat Issues

If your heating system isn’t working, we always recommend ensuring the thermostat is on and in the correct settings. The thermostat is the brain of your heating system and must be working properly to communicate with the heating unit. Your thermostat may be malfunctioning due to wiring issues, which should be handled by a Rogers technician. We can quickly identify the issue and suggest an efficient replacement, such as a programmable thermostat.

Lack Of Maintenance

The best way to ensure your heating unit will have minimal repairs and breakdowns is by regularly scheduling heating maintenance. Our heating maintenance service in Southside VA allows a Rogers technician to inspect and repair all components of your heating system. Heating units can operate with underlying, internal issues that are hard to catch until it is too late. If your system is not working, it may have issues such as a dirty blower or flame sensor. Both of these heating parts will be inspected by a technician and regularly cleaned to avoid future issues.

Clogged Air Filters

Air filters are one of the most important parts of your heating system and one of the easiest to maintain! Air filters catch dust and other pollutants before they can enter your home and affect your air quality. Over time, the air filter will fill up with allergens and need to be cleaned or replaced. If your heating system is operating with a clogged air filter, it struggles to push air through the dirty filter pores. This results in the heating unit working harder and using more energy until it eventually gives out. To avoid a heating breakdown, we strongly suggest maintaining clean air filters every 90 days!

Cracked Heat Exchanger

Heat exchangers are responsible for transferring thermal energy from one medium to another, such as gas or liquid. In most cases, heat exchangers crack due to being overheated. When the heating unit can not get enough airflow due to a situation such as a clogged air filter, it causes extreme stress and leads to cracks and bends. This result can cause the whole heating system to stop functioning and could be the source of your problem.

How To Prevent A Heating Breakdown

Heating breakdowns can be an uncomfortable and frustrating experience, which is why we hope to help prevent the situation altogether. Below are four ways to prevent your heating system from a breakdown or needed repair.

• Schedule Regular Maintenance
• Maintain Clean Air Filters
• Keep Air Vents Open
• Regularly Clean Unit

If you are experiencing issues with your heating system in Southside VA, give us a call! You can kick back at your favorite local coffee shop, such as The Busy Bean, while we repair your heating unit. No matter the malfunction, we can find the perfect solution for your home with our HVAC services.