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Boring Home Ownership Stuff...

More Boring Home Ownership Stuff:  No Heat?  Try this

11/9/2018

5 Comments

 
Did we just get snow? Temperatures are dropping and there’s no heat in your house. The furnace worked fine last year.  Did you try to google it or ask Siri?  Before you spend money on a service call, check these.
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All heating appliances have an electrical disconnect switch on or near the unit.  If you have young kids like I do, they seem to always shut the furnace off (and the hot water too)?   Make sure the switch is in the ON position.  The switch is a perfect height for a three-year-old to reach.  Next, check the furnace’s electrical circuit breaker in the main panel. Make sure it’s in the ON position.
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Set the thermostat Heat-Off-Cool switch to Heat. Check the fan switch – it should be set to Auto. Move the thermostat setting to a few degrees above room temperature. Normally the thermostat will display the room temperature, not the setting. Be sure the setting is above the room temperature, and give the furnace a few minutes to start.
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If the furnace does not start, adjust the setting below the room temperature, wait a few minutes, then move the setpoint back above room temperature. This may reset the furnace’s controls so that it operates properly.

Still no heat? Change the battery.  Never mind what your thermostat says.  Change your battery every year!  And while your at it, change your batteries in smoke detectors and Carbone Monoxide sensors.   If you call for service, the first thing the tech does is change the batteries.  Isn't this kinda the same as IT telling you to turn your computer off and turn it back on, when your having a problem.
5 Comments
Certified Chimney Sweep link
3/24/2026 05:10:29 am

Great checklist for homeowners dealing with a sudden loss of heat, especially the basics like thermostats, breakers, and batteries, which are often the real culprit. One thing many people overlook is that heating performance can also be affected by venting or flue issues, where a blocked or poorly maintained chimney can prevent safe and efficient operation of your system. That is where regular maintenance from a professional Chimney Sweep becomes important. At Chimney Restoration of Kansas City in Kansas City, KS, we help homeowners ensure their chimneys and venting systems are clean, safe, and functioning properly so heat can flow as it should during cold weather. A quick inspection or sweep can sometimes reveal hidden buildup or airflow restrictions that mimic furnace problems, saving you from unnecessary service calls and keeping your home safer and warmer all season long.

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Shenandoah Valley Chimney Sweep link
4/1/2026 05:01:40 am

Really appreciate you sharing these straightforward troubleshooting steps, especially since many homeowners overlook how often small issues like a switched-off unit or dead thermostat batteries are the real culprit. We see similar situations with fireplaces and wood-burning systems, where a quick inspection can prevent a cold night. At Flue Pros Chimney, we regularly help homeowners across Harrisonburg, Waynesboro, Staunton, and the wider Shenandoah Valley stay safe and warm by addressing issues that go beyond the furnace, like draft problems, blockages, or creosote buildup. If those basic troubleshooting steps do not solve the issue, it may be time to consider a professional Chimney Sweep in Shenandoah Valley that homeowners can trust, ensuring your system is operating efficiently and safely throughout the heating season.

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Sixpenny Chimney Sweeps link
4/2/2026 04:24:08 am

It’s easy to overlook how much a clean, well-maintained chimney contributes to a warm and safe home. At Sixpenny Chimney Sweeps, we offer expert chimney services in Woodbridge, VA, as well as Alexandria and Fairfax, VA, including inspections, cleanings, and repairs. Combining simple furnace troubleshooting with professional chimney care ensures your heating system runs efficiently and safely, helping you avoid costly problems and stay cozy all winter long.

Reply
Chimney Repair Services in West Texas link
4/7/2026 04:35:38 am

Great tips on troubleshooting a non-working furnace! Another important aspect homeowners sometimes overlook is the condition of their chimney. At Shane's Chimney Care, we specialize in chimney repair in Abilene, TX, ensuring that your fireplace and venting systems are safe and fully functional, especially during the colder months. Regular inspections and maintenance can prevent blockages, creosote buildup, and draft issues that may affect your home’s heating efficiency. If your furnace is running but you still feel chilly, a professional chimney check could be the solution to keep your home warm and safe this winter.

Reply
Chimney Service Sanford, ME link
4/17/2026 05:29:29 am

Great practical checklist, especially the simple things like switches, breakers, thermostat settings, and batteries that often get overlooked before calling for service. From our experience at Frechette Chimney Sweeping in Sanford, ME, we also see many “no heat” situations linked to chimney draft issues, blockages, or heavy creosote buildup that can prevent wood and fuel-burning systems from operating safely and efficiently, which is why regular chimney inspection and cleaning are so important going into the cold season. For homeowners using or considering a wood-burning stove installation, proper venting and maintenance are just as critical as the appliance itself to ensure reliable heat and safety throughout winter.

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