1. Furnace Not Producing Heat

It's the middle of winter and your heat suddenly stops working - This is a scenario that no homeowner wants to be in, but it happens more often than people may think.

Possible Causes

• Dirty or clogged air filter is restricting airflow
• Thermostat set incorrectly or malfunctioning
• Pilot light out (older systems) or ignition failure (newer systems)
• Tripped circuit breaker or power interruption

What You Can Try

• Confirm the thermostat is set to “heat” and the temperature is above room level
• Replace the batteries in the thermostat
• Check the air filter and replace it if it is dirty
• Make sure the furnace power switch and breaker are on

When to Call a Professional

• The pilot light won’t stay lit
• The furnace turns on but blows cold air
• The system repeatedly shuts off
• You smell gas, burning, or sulfur-like odors

Gas-related or ignition issues should always be handled by a licensed HVAC professional for safety reasons. Never try to handle these on your own.

2. Uneven Heating Throughout the Home

If some rooms feel warm while others remain cold, your HVAC system may be struggling to distribute heat properly.

Possible Causes

• Blocked or closed vents and registers
• Dirty air filters reducing airflow
• Leaky, poorly insulated, or improperly sized ductwork
• Inadequate insulation in certain areas of the home

What You Can Try

• Make sure all vents and registers are open and unobstructed
• Replace the air filter
• Keep interior doors open to improve airflow
• Check for any drafts near windows and doors

When to Call a Professional

• Certain rooms remain consistently cold
• Airflow feels weak or uneven
• You suspect duct leaks or insulation problems
• Issues persist after basic troubleshooting

3. Furnace Running Constantly

A furnace that runs nonstop is a sign that something is preventing it from reaching the desired temperature, leading to increased energy costs.

Possible Causes

• Poor insulation or excessive heat loss
• Dirty filters forcing the system to work harder
• Thermostat set too high or programmed incorrectly
• Aging or undersized heating equipment

What You Can Try

• Replace the air filter
• Lower the thermostat by a degree or two
• Seal drafts around doors and windows
• Use a programmable or smart thermostat

When to Call a Professional

• The furnace never shuts off
• Heating bills increase unexpectedly
• The system short-cycles or overheats
• Your home never reaches the set temperature

4. Heat Pump Freezing or Icing Over

Heat pumps are efficient in cold weather, but ice buildup can be a serious issue.

Possible Causes

• Restricted airflow due to snow, ice, or debris
• Defrost cycle malfunction
• Low refrigerant levels
• Mechanical or sensor failure

What You Can Try

• Carefully remove snow and ice from around the outdoor unit
• Maintain at least 18–24 inches of clearance
• Check that nothing is blocking airflow
• Switch the system to defrost mode if available

When to Call a Professional

• Ice buildup does not melt
• The system blows cold air indoors
• The heat pump repeatedly freezes
• You notice reduced efficiency or frequent shutdowns

5. Strange Noises from Your Heating System

Unusual sounds often indicate mechanical stress or airflow problems.

Common Sounds and What They Mean

• Banging or popping: Expanding ductwork, loose components, or sediment buildup
• Whistling: Restricted airflow or clogged filters
• Grinding or screeching: Worn bearings, belts, or motor components

What You Can Try

• Replace the air filter
• Check vents and registers for obstructions

When to Call a Professional

• Loud, persistent, or worsening noises
• Grinding or metal-on-metal sounds
• New noises you’ve never heard before

Ignoring these sounds can lead to major mechanical failure.

6. Rising Energy Bills During Winter

Higher heating costs are common in winter—but sudden increases may signal that your HVAC system is having issues.

Possible Causes

• Aging or inefficient heating system
• Dirty filters or restricted airflow
• Heat loss through air leaks or poor insulation
• Malfunctioning thermostat

What You Can Try

• Change air filters regularly
• Use a programmable or smart thermostat
• Seal drafts and improve insulation

When to Call a Professional

• Energy bills spike without increased usage
• The system struggles to maintain temperature
• Your HVAC system is 10–15+ years old
• Efficiency continues to decline

7. Thermostat Not Responding Properly

Your thermostat is the control center of your HVAC system—when it fails, your comfort suffers.

Possible Causes

• Dead batteries
• Poor placement near drafts or heat sources
• Wiring issues
• Calibration problems

What You Can Try

• Replace thermostat batteries
• Check settings and programming
• Make sure the thermostat is level and unobstructed

When to Call a Professional

• Thermostat doesn’t communicate with the system
• Indoor temperature doesn’t match settings
• System turns on and off erratically
• You’re upgrading to a smart thermostat