Key Points
- Some common reasons your furnace isn’t heating your home could include incorrect heater sizing, fuel issues, and thermostat problems.
- To troubleshoot poor furnace performance, you can try changing the air filters, checking your thermostat, or learning to read your furnace’s error codes.
- Ricky Heath offers Georgians high-quality furnace services, including inspections, repairs, and replacements.
The Macon, GA, area experiences cool winters, with lows that often reach below-freezing temperatures. If your furnace is not heating enough, it can leave you at risk of serious problems beyond feeling chilly, including frozen or bursting pipes and severe cold-weather-related health risks, such as hypothermia, especially in infants and the elderly.
At Ricky Heath Plumbing, Heating, and Cooling, we serve communities throughout central Georgia, offering heating repair and replacement services in:
- Kathleen, GA – 31047
- Perry, GA – 31047, 31069
- Warner Robbins, GA – 31028, 31008, 31047, 31095, 31093, 31099
- Bonaire, GA – 31005
- And other nearby communities
Our HVAC technicians take pride in being able to keep our community warm and cozy when it’s cold outside. We’ll find the reason why your furnace is struggling to meet your needs, and give you the upgrades or repairs required to restore your comfort, fast.
Common Reasons a Furnace Isn’t Keeping Up With the Cold
The following are some of the most common reasons your furnace is not keeping up with the cold weather:
- Incorrect furnace size: Your heater needs to be the right size for your home. If it’s too small, it may run constantly without fully heating your home, or you might notice heat in some areas, but cold spots in others.
- Thermostat problems: One of the reasons your heater won’t turn on, or can’t meet your heating demands, could be a malfunctioning thermostat. It may be as simple as improper settings, or you may have an electrical issue inside the thermostat that needs professional repair.
- Dirty air filters: Impeded airflow can stop your heater from working efficiently. When your air filter gets clogged with dust, hair, and other debris, the air can’t flow freely, and the system has to work harder to do its job.
- Pilot light or flame sensor problems: Gas furnaces require a working pilot light and sensors to be able to light when heat is needed. If the furnace can’t ignite, it can’t produce the heat you need.
- Maintenance or repairs are needed: Anything from a malfunctioning blower motor to duct leaks could make it more difficult for your heater to work properly. Book a heater inspection with Ricky Heath, and we’ll find a solution to your heating issue.
- No fuel: If you have a gas furnace, there could be an issue with the gas supply. This may mean a blockage in the fuel line or a gas leak.
How to Troubleshoot a Furnace That Isn’t Heating Enough
As a homeowner, there are a few troubleshooting steps you can take if your furnace is working but not heating the house properly. These include:
- Checking the thermostat: Make sure your thermostat settings are correct, and replace the batteries. Sometimes, all it takes is a thermostat reset to get the heat back on.
- Change the air filters: Dirty air filters are an easy DIY fix. Make sure you have the correct type of filter for your heater (it should say in your owner’s guide). If you’re not sure how to change the filter, we can help.
- Make sure your vents are open: If your vents are closed, or if they’re blocked, heated air can’t circulate properly through your home. Check all the vents, and move any rugs, furniture, or other items away from them.
- Make sure the furnace has power: Check that the furnace is turned on, and that it has power. If it doesn’t, check your electrical panel. A tripped breaker may be the culprit. If the breaker trips more than once, there could be an underlying electrical problem that needs professional repair.
- Read the error codes: When there’s a problem, your furnace may display numbers or flashing lights on the control panel. Technicians read these error codes to determine what the issue is. You can troubleshoot by checking common error codes yourself.
Professional Solutions to Fix the Furnace That’s Not Keeping up with the Thermostat
There are several solutions available to Bibb County-area residents. After a comprehensive evaluation, we’ll go over the best options for your unique situation. Some of the solutions we may recommend include:
Maintenance
Sometimes, all your furnace or heat pump needs is a tune-up. At Ricky Heath, a maintenance appointment includes a thorough cleaning, inspection, filter change, and thermostat check. We’ll lubricate moving parts to prevent friction, conduct a thorough safety check, and check every aspect of the heating system to ensure every component works properly.
Zoning installation
Zoning systems are a great solution when your home has warm and cold spots, or when your heater can’t reach your desired temperature. An HVAC zoning system divides your home into different “zones”, each with its own thermostat. Zoning is more energy efficient, as you only heat the areas that need it, which may save you money on your energy bills.
In homes with central heating, this is achieved through dampers in the ductwork that direct the warm air where it needs to go. In homes with ductless mini-splits, you can add zones by adding more indoor components where you need them most.
Professional repairs
Malfunctioning heaters can cause inefficient operation, making it more difficult for your heater to meet your needs. A Ricky Heath technician will find the source of the heating issue, and, if necessary, provide expert repairs to solve the problem.
Heater upgrades
Furnaces typically last between 10 to 30 years depending on the type, and how well they’re maintained over the years.If your furnace or heat pump is getting older and is having frequent problems, or can no longer meet your home heating needs, you may want to consider an upgrade.
If you want to speak with an expert about updating your home heating system, or schedule a new heater installation, call Ricky Heath today. We’ll perform a load calculation, and speak to you about your options after we learn more about your needs and your budget.
Upgrading your furnace will give you the opportunity to explore modern options like:
- Zoning capabilities
- Smart thermostats
- Programmable thermostats
- Energy efficient systems
- Updated safety features
- Quiet operation
- Space-saving designs
Contact Ricky Heath For All Your Heating and Cooling Needs
Heating your house from 50 to 70 degrees should only take a few hours maximum. If your furnace isn’t keeping up with your thermostat, won’t turn on, or is struggling to heat your home, book an appointment with a licensed Ricky Heath HVAC technician today.
At Ricky Heath, we truly care about our community, offering high-quality parts and service to homeowners in the Macon, GA, area. From expert heating repair jobs to duct cleaning and sealing, we’ll keep your heater running efficiently, so you can enjoy whole-home comfort no matter how cold it is outside.
Contact us today using our online form, or give us a call at 478-312-6402 to book your next heating service.
