{"id":3325,"date":"2024-12-02T11:00:00","date_gmt":"2024-12-02T17:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.peaden.com\/blog\/?p=3325"},"modified":"2024-11-30T08:14:44","modified_gmt":"2024-11-30T14:14:44","slug":"troubleshooting-when-your-hvac-system-wont-work-in-winter","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.peaden.com\/blog\/heating-service\/troubleshooting-when-your-hvac-system-wont-work-in-winter\/","title":{"rendered":"Troubleshooting When Your HVAC System Won&#8217;t Work in Winter"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignright size-medium\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.peaden.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/woman-shivering-in-blanket.jpeg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" width=\"300\" height=\"200\" src=\"https:\/\/www.peaden.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/woman-shivering-in-blanket-300x200.jpeg\" alt=\"woman-shivering-in-blanket\" class=\"wp-image-3326\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.peaden.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/woman-shivering-in-blanket-300x200.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/www.peaden.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/woman-shivering-in-blanket-768x512.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/www.peaden.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/woman-shivering-in-blanket.jpeg 800w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>As the temperatures drop, the last thing you want is for your HVAC system to stop working. If your heater suddenly fails, there are some simple troubleshooting steps you can take before calling in the professionals at Peaden for heater and <a href=\"\/baldwin-county\/air-conditioning\/ac-repair\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">AC repair<\/a>. However, remember: it\u2019s critical not to attempt actual repairs yourself. HVAC systems are complex, and untrained repairs can lead to bigger issues or even safety hazards.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<!--more-->\n\n\n\n<h3><strong>1. Check the Thermostat Settings<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Sometimes, the problem starts with the thermostat. Ensure it is set to \u201cheat\u201d mode and that the temperature is set higher than the current room temperature. If your thermostat runs on batteries, replace them, as low power can cause malfunctions. For smart thermostats, ensure they\u2019re connected to your home\u2019s Wi-Fi and functioning properly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Additionally, double-check the thermostat\u2019s schedule settings. A misconfigured schedule could make it seem like your heater isn\u2019t turning on when, in fact, it\u2019s just following an incorrect programming setting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3><strong>2. Inspect the Power Supply<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Your HVAC system needs power to operate, even if it uses gas for heating. Head to your circuit breaker panel and ensure the breaker for your heating system hasn\u2019t tripped. If it has, reset it once. Be cautious\u2014if the breaker trips again, it could signal an electrical issue that needs professional attention.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For systems with an emergency switch, confirm it hasn\u2019t accidentally been turned off. This switch is often located near the unit or on the wall by your furnace.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3><strong>3. Examine the Air Filter<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>A dirty or clogged air filter can severely restrict airflow, causing your heater to malfunction or overheat. Check your HVAC system\u2019s air filter and replace it if it\u2019s dirty. Most filters need to be replaced every one to three months, depending on usage and household factors like pets or allergies<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3><strong>4. Check the Pilot Light or Ignition System<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>For gas furnaces, the issue might lie with the pilot light or ignition system. If your furnace has a pilot light, check to see if it\u2019s lit. A blown-out pilot light might need to be relit, but proceed with caution\u2014follow the manufacturer\u2019s instructions carefully to avoid safety hazards.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For newer systems with electronic ignition, an issue with the igniter could prevent your furnace from working. Since this involves sensitive components, it\u2019s best to leave repairs to the pros.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3><strong>5. Ensure Vents and Registers Are Clear<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Blocked or closed vents can disrupt airflow and put strain on your heating system. Walk around your home to ensure that all vents and registers are open and free from obstructions like furniture, rugs, or curtains.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3><strong>6. Inspect the Outdoor Unit<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>If you have a heat pump, check the outdoor unit for signs of ice, debris, or other blockages. Heat pumps can freeze over during winter, especially in humid climates. While mild frost is normal, thick ice could prevent your system from functioning. Never attempt to remove ice with sharp objects\u2014this could damage the unit. Instead, call a professional for assistance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you\u2019ve tried these steps and your HVAC system still won\u2019t work, it\u2019s time to contact Peaden for <a href=\"\/service-areas\/daphne-al\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">AC repairs in Daphne<\/a>. Attempting DIY repairs on your heating system can lead to costly damage or even pose safety risks, such as gas leaks or electrical fires.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\"><a href=\"\/contact\/send-a-message\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>Call today to discover The Peaden Way: Service Is Our Passion, Safety Is Our Priority, Satisfaction Is Our Promise.<\/strong><\/a>&nbsp;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>If your heater suddenly fails, there are some simple troubleshooting steps you can take before calling in the professionals at Peaden.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[95,76],"tags":[147,50],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.peaden.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3325"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.peaden.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.peaden.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.peaden.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.peaden.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=3325"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/www.peaden.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3325\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":3346,"href":"https:\/\/www.peaden.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3325\/revisions\/3346"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.peaden.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=3325"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.peaden.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=3325"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.peaden.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=3325"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}