No Heat? Here's What To Check

When the cold weather arrives in the Roanoke area and it’s time to switch on the heat, will your furnace be ready? If you turn on your furnace and there’s no heat, there are few things you can check before calling Ostrom for help.

1. Check That the Power Is On – Even if you have a gas furnace or heat pump, remember that it needs electricity to operate, so first check the power at the circuit breaker panel. If a circuit has tripped, switch it back to the ON position. If the circuit trips again, DO NOT RESET IT MORE THAN ONCE, this is an important safety feature designed prevent an electrical fire in the event of an electrical malfunction. Call us and we will inspect the system.
2. Check the Thermostat Is Turned To the HEAT Position. Then try turning the temperature up a couple degrees.
3. Check the Furnace Condensate Pan (Drain Pan)- During normal operation, water will drain from the air conditioner or furnace into a pan. If the drain for the pan is clogged the pan will fill up and trigger a float switch, preventing the operation of the furnace. If the float switch is up (activated), you will need to clear the obstruction to allow water to empty and then reset the switch.
4. Check the Furnace Filter. A clogged filter will cause the furnace to overheat, which in turn will cause it to shut down as a safety precaution. Install a new filter at least once a month.
5. Check the Pilot Light. This only applies to older generation gas furnaces. Most newer units have electric ignition. If your pilot light is out checked your owner’s manual for the correct way to light the pilot or call us for assistance.
6. Check the Fuel Supply. If there are other gas appliances in the home, such a gas range or fireplace, check that they are working normally.

If none of the above steps works and the furnace still won’t turn on, call Ostrom, we can repair all makes and models of the furnace, including natural gas, propane and electric.