How to Troubleshoot a Heating System

Problems with modern heating systems are rare, but when they occur, you want to fix them quickly, before your household's population freezes in place. You can usually troubleshoot and correct the most common ones yourself; contact a professional for other problems. Always consult the manuals for your heating system and thermostat when you're making repairs yourself.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. If there isn't any heat coming out, set the thermostat switch to the heat setting or to the desired temperature for electric heat.

2. Repair and replace a defective thermostat or faulty connections. Relight the pilot light and press the reset button on the heating unit.

3. Turn on the furnace or boiler power switch or check the fuse. In a low-voltage system, test the transformer and its wiring connections.

4. Increase the amount of time the furnace is turned on to reduce excessive cycling by turning the anticipator lever counterclockwise. Decrease time to reduce the temperature swings by turning lever clockwise.

5. Test the thermometer with another thermometer to make sure it isn't out of calibration. Re-calibrate any inaccuracies according to manufacturer instructions. If the thermometer is correct, re-calibrate the thermostat.

on 8/15/2006 If your heater is rattling when the fan is on, buy a cheap, oven-proof silicone pot-holder and cut it up into strips. Then fold the strips and make little wedges to push in between the rattling parts. You can't buy the silicone in hardware shops - get a pot holder or other bakeware item instead.

on 3/20/2006 In newer installations check the Firematic plug. It is a red box on the ceiling above the furnace. It acts like a circuit breaker in case there is a fire, the plug melts and breaks the electrical connection. In my house I had my tile removed and in the process the plug got knocked out. $90 later I found out about what a firematic plug is.

on 11/22/2005 Get a glass of ice water (lots of ice) and put your thermometer in it. Let it set for 5 minutes. It should read 32 deg F (0 deg C). If not, adjust it to said temperature. If it's non-adjustable, get a new thermometer.