When the cold hits Central New York, a failing heating system is the last thing you want. Before reaching out to a company like Holbrook Heating & Air Conditioning for a full repair, there are a few simple, routine checks you can perform yourself to address the most common issues. These quick troubleshooting steps can save you time, and often, the expense of a service call for a minor fix.
Quick Checks for No Heat or Low Heat
The most frustrating heating problem is when your system fails to produce heat or the warmth is insufficient. Start with these easy fixes:
The Thermostat: Your System's Command Center
A surprising number of heating issues stem from incorrect thermostat settings.
Check the Mode: Ensure your thermostat is set to "Heat" and not "Cool" or "Off."
Check the Temperature: Is the current temperature setting at least a few degrees above the actual room temperature? If it's set too low, the system won't activate.
Check the Fan Setting: The fan setting should typically be on "Auto." If it's set to "On," the fan will run constantly, even when the heat isn't on, blowing cool, unheated air through the vents.
Check the Power: For digital thermostats, replace the batteries if the display is blank or blinking.
The Power Source: Ensuring the Furnace is On
Sometimes the issue is simply a lack of power to the unit.
Furnace Power Switch: Look for a standard light switch near your furnace (often on the wall or on the unit itself). Ensure it's in the "On" position. This is a common culprit if someone accidentally turned it off.
Circuit Breaker: Check your home's main electrical panel. A dedicated circuit breaker for your furnace may have tripped (moved to the middle or "Off" position). Reset it by fully flipping it to the "Off" position first, then back to "On."
Gas Valve (Gas Furnaces): If you have a gas furnace, ensure the gas shut-off valve near the unit is in the "On" position (typically parallel with the gas pipe).
Addressing Airflow and Efficiency Issues
If your furnace is running but the heat feels weak, the problem is often related to airflow restriction.
Inspecting and Changing the Air Filter
A clogged air filter is the number one cause of inefficient heating and system breakdowns.
Check for Dirt: Turn off the system and pull out the air filter. If it is visibly coated in a thick layer of dust, dirt, and pet hair, it's blocking airflow.
Replace It: Replace a dirty filter with a clean one. This simple step immediately improves system efficiency and airflow. Holbrook Heating & Air Conditioning recommends checking or changing filters every one to three months, especially during heavy use.
Clearing Blocked Vents and Registers
Good airflow depends on an unobstructed path for the warm air to enter your rooms.
Clear Obstructions: Walk through your home and ensure that furniture, rugs, curtains, or other household items are not blocking or covering any air vents or cold air return registers. Blocked vents can cause pressure imbalances and lead to inconsistent heating.
When to Call the Certified Professionals
While the steps above cover many routine fixes, some symptoms are a clear call to action for a certified HVAC technician. As a family-owned company with over 40 years of service, Holbrook Heating & Air Conditioning stresses that these signs should never be ignored, as they can indicate complex or dangerous issues:
Loud or Strange Noises: Hearing grinding, scraping, persistent rattling, or repeated loud banging (sometimes called "delayed ignition") means a mechanical component is broken or severely damaged.
Persistent Yellow Pilot Light: For older gas furnaces, the pilot light should be a steady blue. A yellow, flickering, or frequently extinguished pilot light can be a sign of incomplete combustion, which poses a serious carbon monoxide hazard. Turn the system off immediately.
Smell of Gas or Rotten Eggs: If you detect a strong odor of gas, leave your home immediately and call your utility company and Holbrook Heating & Air Conditioning for emergency service.
Blower Runs Constantly: If your blower motor never turns off, even when the system is not actively heating, there may be an issue with the limit switch or the control board.
Water or Leaks Around the Furnace: Any liquid pooling around the unit, especially for high-efficiency condensing furnaces (which produce water), can indicate a blocked condensate line, which needs professional clearing.
If you’ve performed the simple troubleshooting steps and your heating issue persists, it's time to rely on the licensed, bonded, and insured experts at Holbrook Heating & Air Conditioning. Don't risk costly damage or your family's safety by attempting complex repairs. For prompt, guaranteed service on all makes and models, call our team at (315) 610-7858 and let us ensure "Your Comfort is Our Business."