If your heater goes out, there are literally hundreds or reasons for what the cause may be. However, some issues are more common than others, and are a good place to start if you are getting your system diagnosed.
1. Ignoring Maintenance
Think about how much money you invested in your HVAC unit, just to have it sit in the weather day in and day out without proper maintenance. Just like your car, your heating unit needs to be checked yearly to make sure everything is working properly. By taking this affordable precaution you can save yourself hundreds or thousands of dollars in repair caused by neglect.
2. Clogged Filters
As mentioned in a previous blog, replacing your filters is paramount. You don't need the expensive fluted versions, but replace using the cheap version on a monthly basis to keep your system breathing properly. Once clogged it forces your system to work harder than usual to continue working, putting undue strain on the system.
3. Pilot and Ignition Issues
Most modern systems use one of two ignition systems. Either Hot Surface Ignition or Intermittent Pilot. If the ignition is malfunctioning it could be causing intermittent heat, or none at all.
4. Mechanical Issues
Wear and tear on any of the mechanical parts necessary for the proper operation of your heater can cause performance issues.
5. Thermostat Problems
This is the most common issue with heaters. Your thermostat is the small device that controls whether the heat is on and how high it is set. A problem with your thermostat can result in no heat, over running, no fan or intermittent heat among other issues. It is typically where we start when we diagnose problems with your system.