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Common HVAC Heating Problems and How to Fix it?

As the temperatures drop, your heating system becomes one of the most important parts of your home. But what happens when it’s not working as it should? At Cool Season Heating & Cooling, we know how frustrating it can be to deal with heating issues, especially during the coldest months. That’s why we’ve put together this guide to help you understand some of the most common HVAC heating problems, their causes, and what you can do to fix them—or when it’s time to call in the pros.

1. No Heat Coming from the Furnace

What’s happening? Your furnace is running, but no warm air is coming out.
Possible causes:

  • The thermostat might be set incorrectly.

  • The pilot light or ignition system could be malfunctioning.

  • Clogged air filters could be blocking airflow.

  • The blower motor might be faulty.
    What you can do:

  • Double-check your thermostat settings and adjust if needed.

  • Inspect the pilot light (if you have one) or the ignition system.

  • Replace or clean your air filters.

  • If the blower motor is the issue, it’s time to call a professional.

2. Uneven Heating Throughout Your Home

What’s happening? Some rooms are warm, while others feel like a freezer.
Possible causes:

  • Your ductwork might be improperly balanced.

  • Leaky or poorly insulated ducts could be losing heat.

  • Vents might be blocked or closed.

  • Your HVAC system could be the wrong size for your home.
    What you can do:

  • Make sure all vents are open and unobstructed.

  • Check for leaks in your ductwork and seal them.

  • If the problem persists, contact us to evaluate your system’s balance and sizing.

3. Strange Noises from Your Furnace

What’s happening? You hear banging, rattling, squealing, or other unusual sounds.
Possible causes:

  • Loose or broken components inside the furnace.

  • Dirty burners or a malfunctioning blower motor.

  • Ductwork expanding and contracting as it heats up.
    What you can do:

  • Tighten any loose parts if you feel comfortable doing so.

  • Clean the burners or inspect the blower motor.

  • If the noise continues, it’s best to call a professional to diagnose the issue.

4. Furnace Keeps Turning On and Off

What’s happening? Your furnace is cycling on and off more frequently than usual.
Possible causes:

  • A dirty or clogged air filter.

  • A thermostat that’s not working properly.

  • An oversized furnace that heats your home too quickly.
    What you can do:

  • Replace or clean your air filter.

  • Check your thermostat settings and recalibrate if needed.

  • If the problem persists, we can help determine if your furnace is the right size for your home.

5. High Energy Bills

What’s happening? Your heating costs are skyrocketing.
Possible causes:

  • An inefficient or aging furnace.

  • Poor insulation in your home.

  • Leaky ductwork wasting heat.

  • A thermostat set too high.
    What you can do:

  • Lower your thermostat setting and consider using a programmable thermostat.

  • Seal and insulate your ductwork.

  • If your furnace is old, it might be time to upgrade to a more energy-efficient model.

6. Pilot Light or Ignition Issues

What’s happening? Your furnace won’t ignite, or the pilot light keeps going out.
Possible causes:

  • A dirty or faulty pilot light.

  • A malfunctioning thermocouple.

  • Issues with the gas supply.
    What you can do:

  • Clean the pilot light or replace it if necessary.

  • Check the thermocouple and replace it if it’s faulty.

  • Ensure your gas supply is turned on.

  • If you’re unsure, it’s always safer to call a professional.

7. Cold Air Blowing from Vents

What’s happening? Cold air is coming out of your vents when the heat is on.
Possible causes:

  • The thermostat might be set to “cool” instead of “heat.”

  • The pilot light or ignition system could be malfunctioning.

  • Clogged air filters might be restricting airflow.
    What you can do:

  • Check your thermostat settings and adjust them.

  • Inspect the pilot light or ignition system.

  • Replace or clean your air filters.

8. Furnace Won’t Turn On

What’s happening? Your furnace isn’t starting at all.
Possible causes:

  • Thermostat issues.

  • A tripped circuit breaker or blown fuse.

  • Problems with the power supply or ignition system.
    What you can do:

  • Check your thermostat and ensure it’s set correctly.

  • Inspect your circuit breaker and reset it if needed.

  • If the furnace still won’t start, it’s time to call a professional.

When to Call the Pros

While some heating problems can be fixed with a little DIY effort, others require the expertise of a trained HVAC technician. If you’re unsure about the cause of the issue or don’t feel comfortable making repairs yourself, don’t hesitate to reach out to us at Cool Season Heating & Cooling. Schedule Your Heating Tune-Up Today!

Prevention is the best way to avoid heating problems. Regular maintenance can help catch small issues before they become big headaches. Contact us today to schedule a heating system tune-up and ensure your furnace is ready to handle the cold weather.

Common HVAC Heating Problems and How to Fix it?