It’s usually a point of pride among Wisconsinites to see how long they can go without turning on their heat. But at this time of year, there’s no getting around it—homeowners have to turn on their furnaces to keep them warm through the winter. But what happens when you turn it on and it’s not blowing hot air? Follow our “no heat checklist” before calling in a professional to help.
Start With the Thermostat
As simple as it sounds, your thermostat can actually prevent your furnace from functioning. Make sure that:
- The thermostat is switched into heating mode
- The batteries still work—change them if need be
- You set the temperature higher than room temp
- The fan is set to “On” and not “Fan”
Check Vents and Filters
If the thermostat isn’t to blame, inspect the air filter. It catches dust, dirt, and other contaminants and prevents them from circulating through your home. If the filter is dirty, it could prevent air from flowing at all. The experts at Martens Plumbing & Heating recommend changing standard filters every one to three months and high-efficiency filters once every six to 12 months.
Closed vents and air ducts can prevent air flow, too. In fact, closing vents—even in rooms you don’t use that often—can put more strain on your heating system, as it works harder to try to heat the room you just closed off. Opening all vents in your home should make a difference.
Give the Furnace Area a Once-Over
Sometimes a non-working furnace is caused by something as simple as a tripped breaker. Check the circuit box and ensure the furnace breaker is set in the “On” position. Similarly, for gas models, check to see that the pilot light is lit. If not, you can re-light it yourself.
Still No Heat? Time to Call in Our Professionals
If you followed our checklist and you’re still experiencing no heat, call our experts immediately—a broken furnace during a Wisconsin winter is no joke. We proudly repair and service all makes and models of heating systems, including Bryant® furnaces. Don’t wait for heat—call us today at 262-363-7146 or contact us online.
