What to Do When Your Heat Won't Turn On: A Troubleshooting Guide

It's a cold winter morning, and you've just realized your heat isn't working. Before calling for emergency service, there are several simple checks you can perform that might resolve the issue quickly and save you money.

Warning: Do not do anything you’re not comfortable with

It is incredibly important that you do not play around with your heating system. If you’re not comfortable with the system, call a professional. We offer 24/7 service support around Massachusetts to help our customers feel safe and warm. If you have any hesitations or just want to get a professional in as soon as possible, call Tango Home Services immediately: 781-944-8043.

If you’re comfortable taking a look at your heating system, these are the first places you should check:

1. Check the thermostat

Maybe someone in your house accidentally pressed the thermostat (kids do love twisting those around and seeing what happens…), or it could be the first place to find any errors or problems with your heating system.

1. Verify the thermostat is set to "Heat" mode

2. Make sure the temperature setting is at least 5 degrees above the current room temperature

3. Replace batteries if your thermostat is battery-powered

4. Check if the display is blank or showing error codes

2. Power to your heater

If there’s no power, there’s no heat. Check to see if the power has been somehow turned off to your furance

1. Inspect your circuit breaker

   1. Locate your electrical panel

   2. Look for any tripped breakers related to your heating system

   3. If you find one, switch it completely off before resetting it to the "On" position

2. Examine Your Furnace Switch

1. Look for a switch near your furnace that resembles a regular light switch

2. Ensure it's in the "On" position

1. This switch is sometimes accidentally turned off during cleaning or maintenance

4. Check your air filters

A clogged filter can cause your system to shut down. It’s one of the easiest things to forget, but can cause so many problems down the line.

1. Locate your furnace filter

2. If it's dirty or hasn't been changed in over three months, replace it

3. Mark your calendar for regular filter changes every 1-3 months

5. Look at your fuel source

For Gas Systems:

1. Verify the gas valve is open

2. Check if other gas appliances are working

3. If you smell gas, leave immediately and call your gas company

For Oil Systems:

1. Check your oil tank level

2. Look for any visible leaks around the tank or fuel lines

When to Call a Professional

Contact a licensed HVAC professional if:

• You've tried the above steps and your heat still won't turn on

• You hear unusual noises from your heating system

• You smell burning odors

• Your carbon monoxide detector is alerting

• Your system is repeatedly turning on and off

• You smell gas

• Leave your home immediately, call 911 and your gas company

Preventing Future Issues

Regular maintenance is key to preventing heating system failures:

• Schedule annual professional maintenance before winter

• Replace filters regularly

• Keep vents and returns clear of furniture and debris

• Monitor your system's performance throughout the season

We recommend you schedule your heating system inspection in the early fall to catch any potential problems before the first frost. You can reach out to Tango Home Services to schedule your free home inspection.

Safety First

Remember: Your safety is paramount. If you're ever unsure about performing these checks or encounter any concerning symptoms, don't hesitate to call a professional. It's better to be safe than sorry when dealing with heating systems.

Contact Tango for help when your heat doesn’t turn on

We are here, 24/7, to help you get the heat on, running efficiently and keeping your family safe and warm. Give us a call or use our Emergency Callback form to hear from us right away.