The residents of Columbus, GA, may not normally deal with below zero winter temperatures, but the 1985 record of 2 degrees below demonstrates that extremes are possible. The local heating cost index is less than half the national average, but occasional extremes can affect heating activity and energy usage unexpectedly. Unfortunately, the need for furnace repair can become a major household crisis during extreme conditions. Additionally, seasonal extremes can stress your heating equipment, increasing the risk of trouble. However, it is helpful to have some basic steps for troubleshooting so that you may be able to easily re-start your heating system if needed.
Troubleshooting Basics
Be methodical in your diagnostic activities so that you can work your way through the house to eliminate possible explanations for problems with your heater. Common issues that might be resolved without calling for heat pump or furnace repair include:
- Thermostat settings – verify that your thermostat is on and that the temperature setting is greater than the current room temperature. Check the batteries if your system doesn’t respond to proper settings.
- Energy – a power outage or gas outage can affect your equipment. Make sure that there aren’t utility problems, and verify that a gas valve for a furnace is on. You should also check your fuse box and disconnect switches to be sure that your unit isn’t off because of related problems.
- Air movement – restricted air movement can affect your heating system in a portion of the home or throughout the structure. Check vents for blockages, and verify that the air filter isn’t plugged with excessive dirt.
- Reset – if your equipment has a reset button, you may use this to attempt to reboot the system. You may want to check for an error display first, recording the information to provide to a heating professional if necessary.
If Your Heating System Still Won’t Turn On
As you work through your troubleshooting checklist, you may still find that your system is inoperative. At this point, a call for heat pump or furnace repair is appropriate. As you prepare to contact your HVAC contractor, it is helpful to have information about the system and your preliminary findings handy. In some cases, your contractor may be able to provide a simple solution over the phone. In other cases, a service call may be needed. It is helpful to select a contractor who offers emergency support for winter heating repair needs in the Columbus area so that your home comfort levels can be restored promptly.
Preventive Care Can Make a Difference
One of the best ways to minimize your risk of a mid-winter heating problem is to schedule preventive maintenance services during the preceding fall. This includes a safety inspection of your equipment, particularly important for a gas furnace. Additionally, it ensures that your equipment will be adjusted and cleaned for optimum performance throughout the winter. This can reduce your potential need for repairs by approximately 95 percent.
We recommend that you familiarize yourself with Watley Heating & Air Conditioning’s heating repair pages for quick reference in case of trouble. You can also call us at 706-561-6718 to discuss urgent heating questions or service needs.
