What to Do When Your Heater Stops Working in the Middle of Winter
Tom Markley • January 8, 2025
A heater breaking down during winter is every homeowner's nightmare. Beyond the discomfort, freezing temperatures can pose serious health risks. If your heater stops working, don’t panic—follow these steps to troubleshoot the issue and keep your home safe and warm.
1. Check Your Thermostat Settings
Make sure your thermostat is set to “Heat” and that the temperature is higher than the current room temperature. If your thermostat runs on batteries, check and replace them if necessary.
Pro Tip: Smart thermostats may lose connection to Wi-Fi. Reconnect them if needed to ensure accurate settings.
2. Inspect the Power Source
- Electric Heaters: Check your circuit breaker box for tripped breakers and reset them if needed.
- Gas Furnaces: Ensure the pilot light is lit. If it’s out, follow your system’s manual to relight it carefully.
- Oil Furnaces: Verify there’s enough oil in the tank. If it’s empty, schedule a refill immediately.
3. Replace Dirty Air Filters
Clogged air filters can block airflow, causing your heating system to shut down or work inefficiently. Replace your air filter if it looks dusty or clogged, and keep a schedule to check it monthly during heavy use.
4. Inspect Vents for Blockages
Ensure vents and registers throughout your home are open and unobstructed by furniture, rugs, or debris. Restricted airflow can overwork your heating system.
5. Look for Error Codes
Modern heating systems often display error codes on their control panels. Refer to your system’s user manual or look up the code online to identify the issue.
Not sure how to interpret the code? Call us for assistance! Our technicians are experts in troubleshooting HVAC systems.
6. Use Temporary Heating Solutions Safely
If the heat can’t be restored immediately, use these alternatives carefully:
- Portable space heaters: Keep them on a flat surface, away from flammable materials.
- Fireplaces: Ensure proper ventilation to avoid carbon monoxide buildup.
- Blankets and layers: Bundle up and use extra bedding to stay warm.
7. Call a Professional HVAC Technician
If you’ve tried these steps and your heater still isn’t working, it’s time to call the pros. At ALPINE, we provide 24/7 emergency heating repair services to restore comfort to your home quickly and safely.
Prevent Heater Breakdowns with Routine Maintenance
The best way to avoid sudden heater failures is through regular maintenance. Schedule a professional HVAC tune-up at least once a year to keep your system running efficiently and catch potential issues early.
Why Choose ALPINE?
- ✅ Fast Emergency Service: We’re available when you need us most.
- ✅ Experienced Technicians: Our team has the expertise to fix any heating issue.
- ✅ Transparent Pricing: No surprises—just honest, upfront quotes.
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As the long summer days begin to shorten and cooler evenings start to settle in, it's a clear sign that fall is just around the corner. While most people are still focused on back-to-school shopping or squeezing in one last vacation, savvy homeowners know now is the perfect time to get ahead of the season—especially when it comes to your furnace. At Alpine Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Refrigeration, we’ve seen it too many times: the first cold snap hits, and suddenly the phones are ringing off the hook with emergency furnace repairs. Don’t wait until you’re left in the cold. Here’s why getting a jump on fall by scheduling a furnace tune-up now is a smart move. 🔧 Why Early Furnace Maintenance Matters 1. Avoid the Fall Rush Once the temperatures drop, we get flooded with calls. By booking your maintenance now, you avoid the waitlist and ensure your system is ready when you need it most. 2. Improve Efficiency A well-maintained furnace runs more efficiently, using less energy to heat your home. That means lower energy bills and less wear and tear on your system. 3. Catch Problems Early Routine inspections can uncover small issues before they turn into expensive repairs. Whether it’s a dirty burner, a loose wire, or a worn-out ignitor, it’s better to find it in August than on a freezing November night. 4. Extend Your System’s Lifespan Your furnace is one of the most expensive pieces of equipment in your home. Annual maintenance helps ensure it lasts as long as possible, delaying the need for a costly replacement. 5. Keep Your Family Safe Furnaces that aren’t properly maintained can develop carbon monoxide leaks or combustion issues. Our certified technicians check all safety mechanisms to protect your home and your family. 🍂 What’s Included in a Fall Furnace Tune-Up? When you schedule a fall furnace inspection with Alpine, our trained professionals will: *System Check & Cleaning *Voltage Check *Gas Pressure Check *Airflow Check *Replacement of 1" Filters (If Applicable) This comprehensive service helps guarantee your furnace is running safely and at peak performance before the heating season starts. ✅ Don’t Wait—Book Your Furnace Tune-Up Today Fall is coming whether we’re ready or not. Getting your furnace serviced now means one less thing to worry about when the leaves fall and the temperatures drop. At Alpine Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Refrigeration, we’re here to help you stay ahead of the seasons. If your near Wooster, Ashland or Mt. Eaton give us a call or shoot us a message today to book your fall furnace tune-up. Your comfort—and your peace of mind—are worth it.
Late summer in Ohio can be unpredictable—some days bring crisp, fall-like mornings, while others feel just as hot and humid as July. This back-and-forth weather can put extra strain on your HVAC system, making late summer a critical time to ensure everything is running efficiently. 1. Watch for Signs of Wear By August, your air conditioner has likely been running for months. Listen for unusual noises, check for weak airflow, and monitor your utility bills for sudden spikes. These can be early indicators that your system needs attention before fall. 2. Maintain Proper Airflow Late summer pollen and dust can clog your air filter faster than expected. A fresh filter not only improves indoor air quality but also keeps your AC from overworking. 3. Manage Humidity High humidity in late summer can make your home feel warmer than it is. Consider a whole-home dehumidifier or have your current system checked to ensure it’s properly removing moisture from the air. A little end-of-summer care goes a long way in extending the life of your HVAC system and keeping your home comfortable year-round. Serving Wooster, Ashland & Mt. Eaton, and surrounding communities since 1993, we are a locally owned and operated HVAC contractor working with a variety of heating , cooling , refrigeration & plumbing systems. If you are in need of service on your current AC system please give us a call and we'd be glad to begin the process of evaluating your needs along with your budget and coming up with a plan for your heating, cooling & air quality needs. Wooster: (330) 263.0013 Ashland: (419) 289.1616 Mt. Eaton (330) 359.7114
