Close

5 Star Heating & Air

Heater Malfunction: What You Need to Know and How to Fix Them

Heater Malfunction: What You Need to Know and How to Fix Them

Is your heater failing? Or, are you preparing in the event of a heater malfunction? It’s essential to stay warm and keep your system in check during the cold months. But, what if your heater fails?

Common Causes of Heater Malfunction


Even with maintenance, your heater can still malfunction sooner or later. It’s a machine, after all. However, many common causes of heater malfunction can be prevented by properly maintaining your heating system and the heater itself.

Here are some common causes:

Dirty Filters

A dirty filter impedes airflow, the most valuable resource for a heater. In addition to decreasing air circulation, a dirty filter can also damage your heating system by amplifying the risk of clogs and malfunctions. Check your filter monthly and clean or replace it as necessary.

A clean filter will ensure unobstructed airflow, allowing your heater to operate at its maximum performance level.

Ducts and Vents

A clogged duct or vent restricts airflow, just as a dirty filter does. Ensure that your intakes, returns, and vents are clean for maximum system performance.

If you have a forced-air heating system, you’ll want to ensure that the exterior air intake is free from blockages. Making sure that your ducts and vents are clear will prolong the life of your heating system by allowing it to function at its peak performance level.

Clogged Burner Orifices

Clogged burner orifice impedes airflow through the heater core. In addition to restricting airflow, clogs can cause malfunctions, such as white smoke coming from your heater’s outlet vent. Check your owner’s manual for cleaning instructions.

Inspect the nozzle every year and replace it when necessary. A new burner orifice will help your heater run smoothly and efficiently by allowing proper airflow to reach your heating system’s burner.

Cracked Heat Exchanger

On the other hand, a cracked heat exchanger can be more severe than clogs or dirty filters. If you’ve ensured that everything is clean and free from blockages but still notice some problems with your heater, look for a cracked heat exchanger.

It may be time to schedule some professional maintenance for your heating system. A qualified technician can inspect and repair any existing issues that could lead to further malfunctions down the line.

Malfunctioning Thermostat

Malfunctions can occur in your thermostat, too. A malfunctioning thermostat might not allow your heater to come on or stay on. If you suspect that your thermostat is malfunctioning, replace it as soon as possible.

Having an operational thermostat will ensure the accuracy of your heat settings and make sure that you’re warm when you need to be.

Blown Fuses

Blown fuses are often simple to fix. The first step is identifying why the fuse blew. Is your heater’s motor overloaded? Or, do you have a loose wire that could cause further malfunctions if not repaired?

If you’ve determined that your problem is with one of the components listed above, make sure everything is cleaned and free from blockages or damage before replacing your fuse (if necessary).

You can also ask for professional help from your local technicians for better results with their heater repair service in Ooltewah, TN.

What To Do If Your Heater Malfunctions?


A heater failure is never fun. You’ll have to deal with cold weather and a cold house. What do you do if your heater malfunctions?

Don’t panic!

The end of the world is unlikely to occur just because your heater isn’t working. First, you’ll want to determine why it’s not working. Is it a clog? If so, remove it. Does your thermostat need to be replaced? Do you have excess wires that may cause trouble later on?

The first step in fixing any heating malfunction is identifying what’s wrong with your system and correcting the problem at its source. You can also seek help from an expert for a better and sure solution to the problem.

Don’t touch anything you don’t know how to operate.

If something seems off about your heater, don’t mess with it. Even if you’re 99% sure you know how to fix it, don’t do anything without a second opinion. Call a professional for heater troubleshooting and repairs.

Making blind guesses at what’s wrong with your heating system can worsen the problem or cause further malfunctions down the line.

Turn your heater off.

If your heater is malfunctioning, you’re going to want to turn it off. If the heat exchanger is cracked or the fuses are blown, there’s a risk of fire or electrocution if your unit isn’t turned off. Even if you’ve determined that the problem is simple, safety first! Turn your heater off and keep it off until you can have someone come out to fix it for good.

Call an expert!

Cold temperatures can be uncomfortable, but dealing with them shouldn’t be dangerous. If you’ve identified the cause of your heater malfunction and taken measures to fix it, but still don’t feel safe about using your heating system again, call a professional.

When in doubt, always opt for a professional heating repair service in Ooltewah, TN. They’ll know what to do without making you worry.

Schedule a regular maintenance.

If you decide to go the professional route, ensure that you’re proactive about your heater’s maintenance. There’s no one better suited for this job than a qualified team of professionals from your local heating and cooling company.

Regularly scheduled furnace service can identify any problems before they become more significant issues and maintain an ideal level of comfort all winter long.

Keep your unit clean.

Proper repairs are likely if you have a clean unit. This means keeping everything free from blockages and debris so that your airflow runs smoothly through the various components that control it. It also means replacing or cleaning out filters regularly so that air quality remains high and contaminants don’t clog your system.

Let’s admit it. We want to save money, especially on things that cost us a lot. However, there are countless benefits when hiring an expert for heater repair service in Ooltewah, TN. Continue reading to learn more.

Reasons Why You Should Hire an Expert for Heater Repair


Your faulty heater needs an expert’s attention. Here are a few reasons you should hire an expert for your heater repair service in Ooltewah, TN.

A Professional Will Get Your Heater Back to Optimal Performance

Your heating system is likely one of the most important causes of comfort in your home. If it’s not working or doesn’t work as well as it used to, you may be uncomfortable, leading to other problems like clogged ducts and high-stress levels. When you need heater services, opt for a professional team that will get your unit back into top condition at any cost.

You Can Rest Assured That Your Repair is Reliable

If the technicians who service your heater are professionals, you can rest assured they have everything to fix your system. This means that they’re more likely to provide you with a heater repair service that is both reliable and efficient, keeping your system working for years on end.

You Can Forget Having No Heat or Inconsistent Temperatures

Going without consistent heating can lead to humidity throughout your home. As humidity rises, so will your home’s likelihood of mold growth. This can have serious health consequences not only for you but also for anyone in your household with allergies or respiratory problems.

When you need repairs done on your heating unit, always opt for a professional who will ensure consistent heat output by correcting the cause at its source.

Your Heater Will Be Fixed Properly

Professionals know how to handle a variety of heater problems. From voltage issues to water damage, any problem that is affecting the efficiency and consistency of your heating unit will be diagnosed promptly and fixed cost-effectively with minimal downtime in your home. This means that you can always stay warm without having to worry about persistent problems when it comes time for repairs.

Professionals Can Diagnose Your Heater Before It’s Too Late

When you need heater services, make sure that you opt for professionals specializing in furnace maintenance. It’s better than general contractors or handymen who try to sell you on unnecessary repairs during an inspection.

Any qualified technician will be able to pinpoint the cause of your malfunctioning heater. Still, only a professional who specializes in furnace repairs will be able to do so before it’s too late.

Professionals Can Help Lower Your Energy Consumption

Another advantage of hiring a professional is that your energy consumption can decrease in the long run.

When you need heater repair service in Ooltewah, TN, always opt for professionals who will spot any problems or issues with airflow and readjust things to maximize efficiency.

This small change can help save money by decreasing your monthly heating bill and also reducing environmental strain because of reduced greenhouse gas emissions.

Call Ryan Heating & Air for Heater Repair in Ooltewah, TN


If your heater is in bad condition, it needs immediate attention from a licensed technician. At Ryan Heating & Air, we provide comprehensive heater repair service in Ooltewah, TN.

Contact us today at (423) 799-3749 and we’ll send a technician to your home or office immediately!

Share this post