The Heater Broke: 3 Things To Check While You Wait For Repairs

Imagine that it's your first winter in your new home and you just found out that you're heater isn't working. You've already called the heater repair company, but they can't get out to your home right away. While you wait for the heater repair technician, here are a few things you can do to locate the problem.

Replace the Filter

If you haven't inspected the filter in your home, you should do that now. This may seem like an overly simple solution, but a clogged filter can interfere with airflow, which can prevent your heater from working properly. If the filter is dirty, you should replace it with a new one. If you don't have access to a new filter, you can clean the old one as a temporary fix.

Take the filter outside and vacuum both sides with the upholstery attachment. Hold the filter up to the light. If you can see through the filter, it's clean enough to be placed back in the filter compartment. If you can't see through it, vacuum it for a few minutes longer and then place it in the filter compartment.

Clean the Ducts

If you can hear the heater working but there's no air flowing through the vents, you may have dirt and debris clogging the airways. Using a screwdriver, remove the vent covers. Attach the vacuum hose extensions on your vacuum and reach as far into the vents as you can. Repeat this process on each one of the vents inside your home. It's a good idea to do this at least twice a year to keep the vents clean and prevent problems with your heater.

Check the Thermostat

If your thermostat operates on batteries, a simple battery change may fix the problem you're experiencing. This is particularly true if you've never replaced the batteries before. Take the cover off your thermostat and remove the old batteries. While the batteries are out of the thermostat, see if you can find any loose wires. If you find loose wires, place the cover back on the thermostat and leave the repairs for the technician.

You never know when your heater is going to break-down. If it's broken down during the coldest part of the winter, it may be a few days before the repair technician can get out to your home. While you're waiting, use the list provided above to do some troubleshooting of your own.  For more information, contact a local company like Cydcom Services Ltd. – Heating & Air Conditioning HVAC services. 

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