Most heating system failures are caused by thermostat malfunctions—a tripped circuit breaker, blown fuse, or, in the case of combustion furnaces, a pilot light that has gone out. If the heat doesn’t come on even when you adjust the thermostat to a setting above room temperature, try the following:
1) Be sure the thermostat is set to “Heat,” if yours is a heating and cooling system. If it isn’t, turn it to ”Heat.” 2) Be sure the air handler’s circuit breaker is on or that its fuse has not blown. Check both the main electrical panel and any secondary subpanels that supply power to the unit. If the circuit has blown or tripped, reset the circuit breaker or replace the fuse. If the circuit blows again, there is probably a short in the electrical system providing power to the furnace. Call an electrical contractor.
3) Be sure the heat pump’s power switch is turned on; it is usually located next to or inside the furnace cabinet. If it isn’t on, turn it on and wait a few minutes for the air handler to engage.
4) The motor may need to be reset because of an overload. Look for a “Reset” button near the blower motor’s housing and, if you find one, press it. If nothing happens, wait about 30 minutes for the motor to cool and then try the “Reset” button again.
5) Turn off the power to the heat pump at the main electrical panel or subpanel. Look for a fuse in the power switch. If there is one there, it may have blown. Replace the fuse, following the instructions in your owner’s manual.
6) Check the heat pump’s ignition according to the instructions in your owner’s manual. If it still doesn’t work, be sure the thermostat isn’t faulty.
7) If none of this works, call a heating contractor or heat pump repair technician.
If your heat pump runs and provides some heat but not enough, be sure nothing is blocking the flow of warm air. Then try this:
1) Make sure the thermostat is set properly. Try raising the set temperature 5 degrees and waiting a few minutes.
2) Be sure the room heating registers are open.
3) Check the heat pump filter. If it’s dirty, change it.
4) If these simple steps don’t work, have a heat pump repair technician check out your system—either the blower isn’t working properly or the system is out of balance.
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