The Metro East, South St. Louis, and Jefferson County, MO, are no strangers to unpredictable Midwest cold. When those temperatures drop, a reliable furnace or heat pump isn't just a comfort—it's a necessity. At Heritage Heating & Cooling, we understand the stress of a heating system that just isn't performing. With nearly 15 years of dedicated service experience, our licensed and insured HVAC experts have seen every issue under the sun. Before you panic and reach for the emergency service number, here is a guide to some of the most common heating problems you can troubleshoot yourself. A little check can often save you time and money.
Simple Fixes for Low or No Heat
Sometimes, the issue is not a major breakdown but a simple oversight. Our team, which is trained to adhere to the highest standards of service, always starts with these basic checks. Addressing these points can restore warmth quickly, avoiding the need for an immediate service call.
Check Your Thermostat
This is often the number one culprit. Is your thermostat actually set to “Heat”? It’s a common mistake, especially when transitioning from cooling to heating seasons. Ensure the temperature is set higher than the current room temperature to signal the system to start a heating cycle. Also, check the fan setting. If it’s set to “On” instead of “Auto,” the system’s fan will run constantly, often blowing unheated air and making you think the heat is broken.
Inspect the Air Filter
A clogged air filter is the silent killer of HVAC efficiency, forcing your furnace or heat pump to work harder, which can lead to overheating and, ironically, a reduction in heat output. For our customers in O’Fallon and Edwardsville, a quick check of the filter for dust and debris buildup is essential. If it’s dirty, replacing it immediately with a new, clean one can instantly restore proper airflow, improve efficiency, and potentially fix your low-heat problem.
Review the Power Supply
A furnace or heat pump relies on a continuous electrical supply. Go to your circuit breaker panel and check the breaker dedicated to your heating system. It may have simply tripped due to a power surge or a minor electrical hiccup. If it is tripped, reset it once. If it trips again immediately, do not attempt to reset it a second time—this signals a serious electrical fault, and you should call our professional technicians immediately.
When to Call the HVAC Experts
While simple troubleshooting can fix minor issues, there are certain signs that indicate a more complex problem requiring the knowledge and tools of our EPA-certified, background-checked technicians. As a family-owned company, your safety is our top priority, and these signs should prompt you to call for professional service.
Hearing Unusual Noises
Your furnace should typically hum quietly. If you suddenly hear loud banging, rattling, or screeching coming from the unit, it’s a warning sign. Banging can indicate a dirty burner or expanding metal ductwork, while squealing often points to a worn blower motor belt. These noises mean a component is failing or loose and needs expert attention to prevent further damage.
Noticing a Yellow or Flickering Pilot Light
For homeowners with a gas furnace, the pilot light should burn with a steady blue flame. If you see a yellow or flickering flame, it can signal improper combustion, which may produce dangerous carbon monoxide. If you notice this, turn off the system and evacuate your home immediately. This is a critical safety issue that our technicians are trained to handle with urgency.
Experiencing Frequent Cycling or Cold Air
If your heating system is turning on and off constantly (short-cycling) without properly heating your home, or if it starts blowing cold or lukewarm air, it suggests an internal component failure. This could be a faulty flame sensor, a damaged heat exchanger, or a problem with the blower motor. Trying to fix these complex issues yourself can lead to more costly repairs down the line.
At Heritage Heating & Cooling, we're committed to the comfort of the communities we serve. If your troubleshooting steps don't resolve the issue, don't hesitate to reach out. We offer same-day, weekend, and after-hours emergency services to fix any make or model. Let our nearly 15 years of experience take the stress out of your HVAC repair. Call us at (618) 356-2781 for a repair or to schedule an inspection today.