Troubleshooting Common Home Heating Issues
Get your furnace or boiler running this winter.
The coldest temperature recorded in Long Island last year was a frigid 3 degrees Fahrenheit. In inhospitable conditions like that, you need to have a furnace or boiler that can keep you and your loved ones reliably warm. Even if you’ve escaped Suffolk County for warmer climates this winter, it’s crucial to have an operational heating system to prevent your plumbing from freezing and potentially bursting, leading to expensive water damage.
In Wading River and throughout Long Island’s North Fork and East End, Burt’s Reliable is honored to help homeowners keep their heating equipment running dependably and efficiently. If your furnace or boiler is giving you problems, try these simple troubleshooting tips to try to get it running. Burt’s is here if you need to bring in the pros.
Heating Equipment Not Coming On
There are several easy-to-remedy causes for a boiler or furnace not coming on when you need it to. Here’s how to fix them yourself:
- Thermostat Issues. Confirm your thermostat is set to “heat” and its temperature is five degrees higher than the current room temperature. If the screen is blank on a battery-powered thermostat, it’s probably time for new batteries.
- System Power Interruptions. Make sure your system’s power switch is set to ON. Also, confirm that there isn’t a blown fuse or tripped breaker cutting off power to the equipment.
- Fuel Run-Out. Check your oil tank and confirm that it’s not empty. If your tank is below 1/8, contact Burt’s Reliable immediately for more fuel
- Burner Reset. If all else fails, you can try pushing the reset button on your furnace and holding it for three seconds. Do not do this more than once.
Your Furnace is Blowing Weak Air
When was the last time you looked at your HVAC air filter? If it’s dirty or clogged, it might be stopping your furnace from working properly. Take a peek at the filter and clean or swap it out if needed. Also, check to see if any vents are blocked by furniture, rugs or houseplants.
There’s a Burning Smell from Your Vents or Furnace
If you notice a burning smell when you turn on your furnace this fall, don’t worry. It’s likely just dust accumulated in the burners over the summer. Like any equipment left unused for months, a heating system collects dust, which can burn off when the flames reignite. Usually, this odor dissipates after about 10 minutes.
Your Radiators Won’t Warm Up
This issue comes up with boiler-heated homes. If a radiator won’t warm up, we recommend that you confirm its knob is set to the fully open position. Radiators have only two settings: open and closed.
If the heat isn’t spreading evenly throughout your home, trapped air might be the issue. You might need to bleed the radiators to get rid of it. It takes just a minute to bleed the air out. Locate the bleed point on top of the radiator, open it, and let the air escape. Once water starts to flow out, close the bleed point.
Burt’s Reliable Can Solve Your Heating System Woes!
Did you try all these troubleshooting steps, and they didn’t fix your heating issue? Burt’s Reliable’s crew of highly-trained HVAC technicians are always available to make heating system repair calls. We are 100% dedicated to your winter comfort in Suffolk County.
It’s also not too late to schedule a heating maintenance visit from Burt’s Reliable. We’ll ensure your equipment is working efficiently and dependably in the cold months ahead. Contact us today to request service.