As a homeowner, one of the last things you want to deal with is a broken heating system during the winter. Despite this, HVAC systems sometimes breakdown, and repairs need to be made. Below, this heating and cooling company in Downers Grove, Illinois is going to explain the steps you should take to troubleshoot your heating system:

STEP 1: Check the Thermostat

The first thing you should do is check the thermostat controls. Often, when dealing with programmable thermostats, it can get quite complicated — especially ones with a lot of buttons or settings. So, when trying to assess the problem, take note of these helpful tips:

• First, check if the switch is on “Heat” and not on “Cool.”
• Then, check the temperature.
• Compare the temperature on the thermostat to the temperature in the room.
• Set the temperature on the thermostat to five degrees higher than room temperature and see whether the furnace has turned on.
• Check the date and time settings. Make sure that they’re set correctly according to Downers Grove, Illinois time.
• Trace the wires back to the furnace and check if there are any breaks along its length. This may be a possible reason for a broken heating system if your house has undergone a recent remodel. So, if you find a break in the wires, simply connect the broken wires together using electrical tape.
• Another possible reason is a dead battery. Some thermostats run on batteries, while others are connected to the house’s electrical system. If your thermostat runs on battery, you need to change them every year.

STEP 2: Check the Switches and Breakers

If the thermostat isn’t working altogether, it’s possible that the main power switch is turned off.  However, if your furnace doesn’t turn on after you’ve turned on your power switch, chances are, the fuse has been blown or tripped.

To test home breakers, here’s what you need to do:

• First, go to the breaker panel and search for the switch for the furnace.
• Once you find it, try to flip it back and forth, then leave it in the “On” position. This should reset your breaker.
• If this still doesn’t work, it means you have a problem with the wiring or the breaker itself. We recommend calling a reputable Downers Grove heating and cooling company to assess the unit.

STEP 3: Change the Furnace Filters

In some instances, the thermostat and the circuit breaker are not the problems. Rather it’s the filter.

A dirty filter is one of the most common causes of heating problems in Downers Grove, Illinois. When the furnace filter it’s clogged, it can cause the furnace to automatically shut off. Too much dust and dirt will restrict the airflow, overheat the heat exchanger, and ultimately reduce the efficiency of your heating system.

One sign that tells you that you have a dirty filter is if your blower is running as normal, but there is no heat. When this happens, you need to immediately replace the filter.

With that said, regularly replacing the filter can be the essential step you need to take to protect your heating system and improve indoor air quality. If you need help changing the filter, your local heating and cooling company in Downers Grove, Illinois can help.

STEP 4: Clear the Drain Lines

Most high-efficiency heating systems in Downers Grove, Illinois drain several gallons of water during the heating season. However, due to mud, dust, bacteria, and mold buildup over time, the drain lines can be clogged, thereby preventing proper drainage. When this happens, the furnace tends to shut down. So, be sure to clean the drain lines with a mixture of water and 25% bleach to flush out all the accumulated gunk.

Looking for the Top-Rated Heating and Cooling Company in Downers Grove, Illinois?

If your heating system still doesn’t work properly after following the steps mentioned above, it’s time to contact the experts at Hearthstone Heating & Air Conditioning. As the most trusted heating and cooling company in Downers Grove, Illinois, our HVAC technicians can inspect your heating system thoroughly, identify the problem, and propose an efficient solution. Contact us today at (630) 435-9800 to schedule an appointment.