As the days get shorter and colder, one of the last things that you want to worry about is an issue with your heater. However, if you notice that it is about the same temperature outside as it is inside, it is a good idea to remember that there are steps you can try before requesting a service call from a heating repair technician.

#1-When The Gas Heater Is Not Producing Warm Air...Check The Thermostat First

If your gas heater has been on for a few minutes, but you cannot feel any warm air from the vents, it is easy to erroneously assume that it will be a big problem. Before stressing too much about it, be sure to check the thermostat. Adjust the temperature up and wait to see if the unit starts to work. If it comes on and stays on, you may have had the temperature set lower than the home was, so there was no reason for the heater to start working.

If the problem persists and you have a non-digital thermostat, the contacts may need to be cleaned. Take a barely damp rag or tissue and clean the contacts. If you are still in a cold home with no warm air, it is time to turn your attention to the pilot light.

#2-If At First You Don't Succeed...Check The Pilot Light

The pilot light is a small item that is essential for the functioning of your gas heater. If can extinguish due to drafts, repairs, non-use or many other reasons and it provides the fire that is necessary for producing heat.

Relighting the pilot light is usually fairly easy and you will first need to check the tip to make sure it is clean and in good condition. If you are unsure, take an old toothbrush to its tip, to remove any old soot that may be causing the problem.

Then use a long, lit match to light the pilot light. Immediately after, check the flame itself, referring to the illustrated directions and your manufacturer's guide to determine a safe level for the flame. Finally, adjust it to the appropriate level suggested by those sources. You may have just solved the problem and if not...keep reading.

#3-And If You Are Still Cold...Check The Circuit Breaker

If you blew a fuse that impacted the heater, it is very possible that other parts of your home were not affected. Therefore, just reset the circuit breakers throughout your home, after securing any electronic items appropriately. With luck, your home will soon be warm. If not, it is probably a good time to call a repair company like Cape Fear Air Conditioning & Heating Co., Inc.

In conclusion, heating repairs can easily cause a lot of problems for everyone in your household. Fortunately, by using the above trouble-hooting ideas, it is possible to determine whether the time and expense of professional assistance is necessary or if it was a minor problem you can easily fix yourself.