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What to Do If Your Heater Stopped Working

By: Megan

Content Writer

7 min read

With colder weather just around the corner, it's time to start planning for lower temperatures. While there are many ways to help keep you and your loved ones warm during the winter months, such as curling up with some hot chocolate and a warm blanket, nothing is worse than waking up to find that your heater stopped working. Fortunately, several troubleshooting steps can be taken to potentially fix the appliance before calling in the professionals. Remember, if you’re concerned that there may be a bigger issue or if you don’t feel comfortable performing any of the steps below, contact our maintenance team. Each member of our HVAC team is highly trained to ensure you receive the best service possible and get your heater up and running quickly.

Double Check the Thermostat

If your heater stopped working, one of the most common causes is the thermostat. When the temperatures drop, you might need to manually switch your thermostat from "Cool" to "Heat.” If your thermostat is battery-powered, the current set of batteries could also be dead. As you replace them with fresh ones, take the time to clean the internal components. Over time, dust accumulates around the sensor, which causes inaccurate readings. Once these steps are completed, adjust the temperature to the desired level and wait a few minutes for the heat to kick in. Unfortunately, if you notice that the thermostat itself is broken, then you'll need to replace it.

Take a Look at Your Circuit Breaker

If your thermostat is working properly and your heat still won't turn on, then it's time to look at your circuit breaker. Situations where your heater stopped working are occasionally caused by a lack of power. Assess each breaker to see if any of them have been tripped or blown. If one or more of them have, reset the breaker. It’s also worth noting that circuit breakers should be replaced after approximately 30-40 years or when the breaker trips regularly. If you have a fuse box instead of a circuit breaker, then carefully check each fuse to see if any are broken or damaged. If you need to replace a fuse, make sure that each connection is correct and secure before turning it back on.

Check the Filters, Vents and Ductwork

When’s the last time you replaced the filter? If your heater stopped working and you haven’t replaced the filter in a while, then it’s likely time for a replacement. Regardless of where you live, dust, dirt and other debris tend to build up in the filters as the heater operates. When these particles accumulate in the filter, air flow is restricted and becomes less smooth. Additionally, a clogged filter means your appliance is working harder than necessary, leading to increased wear and tear.

As you replace the filter, take time to clean out the vents and inspect your ducts. Debris gathers on the vents just as much as filters, which can restrict airflow. Meanwhile, holes or leaks can appear on your ductwork over time and be the reason why your heater stopped working. To avoid filter, vent or ductwork issues, keep up with regular cleaning and maintenance. This not only keeps steady airflow, but also helps promote more efficient heating and cooling throughout your home.

Reach Out for Professional Assistance

If our troubleshooting tips don’t work, then it’s time to contact a professional maintenance team to come and either repair or replace your heater . Thankfully, no matter when you notice that your heater stopped working, Abt’s team of HVAC experts can help local customers. Just give us a call at 800-860-3577 or navigate to our services page and fill out the request form. Once submitted, our team will get back to you ASAP so you can go back to enjoying a warm, cozy home. While it might take a few days to get your heater up and running again, our team can bring several space heaters to help keep the space warm. If you would prefer to purchase one of these personal heaters on your own, explore our selection of space heaters to ensure each room of your home remains warm and comfortable during colder temperatures.