What to Do When There’s No Heat in Your Home

Coming inside on a cold day should feel like a relief, not a disappointment. But if your house is just as cold as the outside air, there’s a problem. A heating system that won’t turn on — or one that’s running but not warming things up — can make for a miserable day.

Before you start layering every blanket in the house, there are a few things you can check to get your heat working again. Let’s discuss what to do when there’s no heat in your home.

No Heat Checklist: Simple Fixes to Try First

Some heating issues are easy to solve, so it’s worth running through this no-heat checklist before making a service call.

1. Check the Thermostat

Thermostat problems are more common than you’d think.

• Make sure it’s set to heat mode, not cooling or fan-only.
• Adjust the desired temperature higher than the current room temperature.
• If you have a programmable thermostat, see if it’s in vacation mode or a preset schedule that’s keeping the heat off.
• If your thermostat uses batteries, replace them. Dead batteries can make it look like it’s working when it’s not.

2. Make Sure the Furnace Has Power

Your heating system won’t do much if it’s not getting power.

• Check the circuit breakers or fuse box to see if a tripped circuit breaker or blown fuse is the problem.
• Locate the furnace power switch (usually near the unit) and make sure it’s flipped on.
• If the system suddenly shut off, the blower motor could have overheated. Try turning it off for a few minutes, then restarting it.

3. Look at the Fuel Supply

If you use heating oil, propane, or gas, check the fuel source.

• For liquid propane heating equipment, check the fuel storage tank level. If it’s low, you may need a refill.
• If you have a gas furnace, make sure the gas valve is open.
• If you smell gas, leave the house immediately and contact your gas company.

4. Inspect the Pilot Light or Ignition System

Older gas furnaces have a pilot light that can go out. If yours is off, follow the instructions on the unit to relight it.

Newer systems use electronic ignition. If yours won’t start, the issue could be a faulty ignition switch, blower motor, or another internal component.

5. Check for Blocked Airflow

Restricted airflow can cause your system to shut down or stop blowing hot air.

• A dirty air filter can slow airflow and overheat the system. Replace it if it’s clogged.
• Make sure vents and return air grills aren’t blocked by furniture, rugs, or other objects.
• Open the blower compartment and check for loose panels — some systems won’t turn on if the access panel isn’t fully closed.

When to Call for Heating Repair

If you’ve gone through the no-heat checklist and nothing has worked, it’s time to bring in an expert. Some problems require tools and expertise that go beyond a quick DIY fix.

Common heating issues that need professional attention:

• A blower motor that won’t turn on
• Problems with refrigerant lines in a heat pump
• A furnace that starts but doesn’t complete a heating cycle
• A system that’s blowing hot air inconsistently

At Zenner & Ritter, our NATE-certified technicians handle heater repair in Buffalo, NY, and can diagnose the problem quickly.

Time for a Heater Replacement?

Sometimes, no amount of repairs can bring an old system back to life. If your furnace is on its last legs, a replacement might be the better investment.

Signs it’s time to upgrade:

• Your furnace is over 15 years old
• You’re paying for frequent repairs
• The system runs constantly but never reaches the desired temperature
• Certain rooms stay cold no matter how high you turn up the heat

If you need a new heating system, Zenner & Ritter offers professional heater replacement services in Buffalo, NY, and the surrounding communities.

Still No Heat? Give Zenner & Ritter a Call!

If your heating system isn’t working, start by checking the basics, like the thermostat settings. A dirty air filter, tripped circuit breaker, or blocked vents could also be the problem. Knowing what to do when there’s no heat in your home can save you time, but some issues need expert repair.

If you’ve gone through the no-heat checklist and troubleshooting steps but still don’t have heat, don’t tough it out in the cold. Zenner & Ritter is here to help. Our technicians provide expert heating services throughout Western New York and can diagnose and fix the problem quickly. No matter the issue, we’ll make sure your home stays warm and comfortable.

Now that you know what to do when there’s no heat in your home, why wait? Give us a call today to schedule your service in Buffalo, NY, or one of the nearby areas!