Now that temperatures are dropping, you’ve probably switched from cooling to heating to keep your home comfortable.
So when your heater won’t turn on or isn’t warming your home properly, it’s natural to panic. And if you’re reading this, it’s likely you Googled “Why isn’t my heater working?” before calling an HVAC technician.
Good news: you may be able to fix the issue yourself. Below is a simple troubleshooting guide covering the most common reasons a heater won’t turn on. We’ll show you which problems you can handle on your own and when it’s time to call in the pros.
Let’s get that heat working again.
Heating Problems You Can Fix Yourself
The thermostat isn’t functioning properly
This is one of the most common, and most overlooked, issues. Check the following:
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Make sure the thermostat is set to Heat
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Adjust the temperature higher than the current room temperature
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Ensure any on/off switch is set to On
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If the screen is blank, replace the batteries
If the thermostat still isn’t responding, move on to the next step.
Your HVAC or furnace’s circuit breaker was tripped
This is another quick fix. Head to your electrical panel and flip the breaker back on.
If the breaker immediately trips again, stop resetting it. This is a sign of a larger problem, which could include:
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A dirty heat pump condenser drawing too much power
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A severely clogged air filter
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A failing component inside the system
Repeatedly flipping a tripped breaker can be dangerous. Call a professional before continuing.
Your unit is powered off or needs a reset
“Turn it off and on again” is common advice for a reason. Try the following:
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Check the power switch on the unit itself
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If your system has a reset button, press it
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If not, turn the breaker off for five minutes, then turn it back on
If you have a furnace with a pilot light:
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Check whether the pilot light is out
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Follow the furnace’s instructions to relight it
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If it won’t stay lit, the thermocouple may be dirty or damaged
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Clean it carefully (with the furnace and gas off), or call a technician
Also check the indoor blower switch, typically located in the attic. Guests or children sometimes flip it by accident. Turn it back on and consider labeling it for future reference.
Heating Problems You Can’t Fix Yourself
If you’ve tried all the troubleshooting steps above and your heater still won’t turn on, the problem likely requires professional repair. Common issues include:
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A blown fuse
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Motor failure
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A faulty power cord
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Internal electrical problems
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Damaged components inside the furnace or heat pump
These repairs should only be handled by a trained HVAC technician.
We offer AC repair in San Marcos and full heating system diagnostics. You can read more information on our website, or give us a call if the issue persists. We’re here to help get your heat back on.
