Ask the Expert: What to Do If Your Heat Stops Working
Q: What first should I do if my heat stops working?
A: First and foremost, stay calm. There are many simple and fixable reasons why your heating system might stop working. You might even be able to resolve the issue yourself and save the cost of an emergency technician.
Here are some common culprits behind a loss of heat and what you can do:
- Check Your Circuit Breaker or Fuse:
A tripped circuit breaker or blown fuse could be the issue. Reset it and see if your system powers back on. - Ensure Your Oil Tank Isn’t Empty:
No fuel, no heat! If your oil tank is empty, consider switching to automatic delivery to prevent future interruptions. - Inspect Your Thermostat:
Make sure it’s set to the correct mode and temperature. If the display on your digital thermostat is blank, it may just need fresh batteries or has lost power. - Power Switches May Be Off:
Sometimes, the switches that control your heating system are accidentally turned off. Check all power switches connected to the system. - Use the Reset Button—Once:
If none of the above works, try pressing the reset button on your oil burner. Only press it once. If your furnace or boiler starts and then shuts down, avoid pressing it again, as this could flood the system with oil and lead to costly repairs.
The No-Heat Checklist
For added peace of mind, bookmark our No-Heat Checklist for a step-by-step guide to troubleshooting before calling us for emergency service.
If you’ve tried everything and your heat still isn’t working, it’s time to call the professionals:
Delaware: 302-738-4144
Maryland: 410-398-2146
When our technician arrives, be sure to explain everything you’ve done so far and mention any unusual noises, smoke, or strange odors you’ve noticed. This helps us diagnose and fix the problem faster.
Pro Tips to Prevent Heating Problems:
- Clearly mark the circuit breaker (or fuse) for your heating system.
- Familiarize yourself with the location of your system’s power switches.
- Regularly check the condition of your furnace filter or water gauge if you have a boiler.
At Hillside Oil Heating & Cooling, we’re always here to keep you warm and stress-free, even when winter throws a curveball!
