Troubleshooting heating systems is necessary, even for homeowners in Melbourne.

On winter days, you need to know what to do if there’s a problem.

Winter is on full swing now and the heating systems are indispensable to brave the chill. It is important to maintain the comfort provided by heating systems throughout the colder months. Use the following tips to troubleshoot heating systems, regardless of what heating system you use. The tips can be applied equally to a furnace or a heat-pump system.

Tips focussing on the thermostat for your furnace or heat pump:

• The thermostat should be set to the “heat” mode.
• The setting on the thermostat must be higher than the indoor temperature for your furnace or heat pump to cycle on.
• If the thermostat is battery operated, try replacing the batteries.
• If your thermostat has a button to power the furnace blower, make sure it’s set to “on.” If it doesn’t cycle on, check the power at the furnace or heat pump itself. If the system is powered on and the fan doesn’t run, the capacitor or blower motor could be damaged.

If none of the above tips work for your furnace system, you could have a disconnect between your furnace and its power source. If you suspect that the gas source to the furnace is the problem, contact an HVAC expert immediately.

For furnace, check the electricity sources to the system:

• The main power control to the furnace should also be “on.” This switch should be located on the unit itself.
• There is another power switch inside the service panel or blower door.
• Check the circuit breaker to ensure that electricity is running to the furnace.

Your heat pump could have a similar problem. Because heat pumps operate solely on electricity, you’ll need to ensure that power from the following locations is working:

• There’s a power switch on the heat pump’s indoor unit, either on or beside the unit.
• There’s a second switch inside either the blower door or service panel.
• Check for a tripped circuit breaker on the main panel.

With a little knowledge to help you with troubleshooting, you have the tools you need to assess the problem. But remember to call in the professionals before matters go out of control. To schedule a maintenance appointment, or if you need service, contact StayCool Heating and Air Conditioning.