It’s a classic Austin scenario: one day you’re basking in the sun, the next a cold front blows in and you suddenly need your heater. But what happens when you flip the switch and…nothing? Don’t panic! TemperaturePro Austin is here to help you troubleshoot those “heater not turning on” moments, especially with the unique challenges our city throws our way.

Why is My Heater Not Turning On? How Austin Weather Can Affect Your Unit

While there are many reasons why your heater might not be working, here are some common issues we see in Austin that are often exacerbated by our unique climate:

Thermostat Troubles:

• Batteries: Yes, it’s simple, but often overlooked. If your thermostat has batteries, try replacing them first.
• Temperamental temperatures: With Austin’s fluctuating temperatures, you may be switching between heating and cooling more often. Double-check your thermostat settings to ensure it’s set to “heat” and the temperature is set higher than the current room temperature.
• Calibration issues: Those temperature swings can also affect your thermostat’s calibration. If it’s not reading the temperature accurately, it may not signal your heater to turn on.

Power Problems:

• Tripped breakers: Frequent cycling due to temperature changes can sometimes trip the breaker for your heater. Check your electrical panel and reset it if necessary.
• Wiring issues: The humidity in Austin can affect the wiring in your heating system, potentially causing corrosion or loose connections.

Furnace-Specific Issues:

• Clogged air filters: Dust and allergens are common in Austin, and a dirty air filter can restrict airflow, causing your heater to overheat and shut down. Change your filter regularly, especially during peak seasons.
• Pilot light problems (for gas furnaces): If you have an older gas furnace, the pilot light may have gone out. Relighting it is usually a simple fix, but if you’re unsure, it’s best to call a professional.
• Ignition issues: Modern furnaces have electronic ignition systems that can be affected by power surges or humidity. A faulty ignitor, flame sensor, or control board can prevent your heater from turning on.

Heat Pump Issues:

• Refrigerant leaks: Heat pumps rely on refrigerant to transfer heat. Leaks can occur due to wear and tear or damage, and they can significantly impact your heat pump’s performance.
• Reversing valve issues: This valve controls the direction of refrigerant flow for heating and cooling. If it gets stuck, your heat pump may not be able to switch to heating mode.
• Clogged outdoor unit: Austin’s strong winds and occasional hail can damage the outdoor unit of your heat pump. Debris, ice buildup, or even overgrown vegetation can also block airflow and hinder its operation.

The Hard Water Factor:

• Mineral Buildup: Austin’s hard water contains dissolved minerals that can form scale deposits inside your heating system, particularly in the heat exchanger. This buildup reduces heat transfer, forcing your system to work harder and potentially causing damage over time.
• Reduced Efficiency and Lifespan: Scale acts as an insulator, hindering your heater’s ability to warm your home efficiently. This leads to higher energy bills and increased wear and tear on components, potentially shortening the lifespan of your system.

Don’t Let Austin’s Weather Win!

When your heater decides to take a break, TemperaturePro Austin is here to help.  Our experienced technicians understand the unique challenges that Austin homeowners face, and we’re equipped to diagnose and resolve any heating issue.

Here’s how we can help:

• Accurate diagnosis: We’ll pinpoint the exact cause of your heating problem, whether it’s a simple fix or a more complex issue.
• Expert repairs: We’ll get your heater back up and running quickly and efficiently.
• Preventative maintenance: Our maintenance plans can help prevent future breakdowns and keep your system running smoothly all winter long.
• System upgrades: If your heater is old, inefficient, or not suited for Austin’s climate, we can recommend and install a new system that meets your needs.

Don’t let a “heater not turning on” situation ruin your day (or night!). Contact TemperaturePro Austin today, and we’ll restore your comfort in no time.

Although Austin winters tend to be mild, you never know when we’ll get hit with a cold front, or worse, a winter “storm”. With highs that suddenly drop from the 80’s to the 50’s, you want to be prepared for anything in Texas. When your furnace starts short cycling, it’s best to address it ASAP to remedy the situation and ensure your comfort throughout the cold (and sometimes hot) winter.

What is Furnace Short Cycling?

Imagine you’re trying to run a marathon, but you’re new to running. Ideally, you should be able to keep a consistent and reasonable pace that you maintain throughout the race. Instead, you end up sprinting for a few minutes, then dragging your feet for several, just to repeat the process all over again. This is similar to how a furnace operates when it is short cycling.

In furnace terms, short cycling means your furnace turns on, runs for a short period (often just a few minutes), shuts off, and then repeats this process frequently. This not only fails to heat your home properly but also puts extra strain on your system, leading to increased wear and tear.

Why is My Furnace Short Cycling?

There are several reasons why your furnace might be short cycling. Here are some of the most common culprits:

• Oversized Furnace: A furnace that’s too big for your home will heat the space too quickly, causing it to shut off prematurely. This is like wearing a winter coat in the summer – you’ll overheat fast!
• Clogged Air Filter: A dirty filter restricts airflow, causing your furnace to overheat and shut down. Think of it like trying to breathe through a straw – it’s much harder to get enough air.
• Thermostat Issues: A malfunctioning thermostat can send incorrect signals to your furnace, leading to short cycling. This could be due to a faulty thermostat or simply an incorrect setting.
• Overheating: Several issues can cause your furnace to overheat, including a blocked exhaust vent, a malfunctioning blower motor, or electrical problems.
• Flame Sensor Problems: The flame sensor ensures that the gas valve stays open only when there’s a flame. A dirty or faulty sensor can cause the flame to shut off prematurely, leading to short cycling.

Austin-Specific Furnace Concerns: Keeping Your Home Cozy in Texas “Winter”

Austin might be known for its warm weather, but those occasional cold snaps can really make you appreciate a reliable furnace.  Here at TemperaturePro Austin, we understand the unique challenges that Austin homeowners face when it comes to heating their homes.

Here are a few things to keep in mind:

• The “On-Again, Off-Again” Climate: Austin winters can be unpredictable, with temperatures fluctuating dramatically. One day it’s sunny and 70 degrees, the next day a cold front blows in and the temperature plummets. This can put extra strain on your furnace as it constantly adjusts to the changing conditions.  Regular maintenance is crucial to ensure your system can handle these temperature swings.
• Protecting Against the Elements: While snow and ice are rare in Austin, strong winds and dust storms can affect your outdoor unit. Make sure your unit is clear of debris and consider a protective cover if you live in an exposed area.
• Humidity and Indoor Air Quality: Even in winter, Austin can experience periods of high humidity. This can affect your indoor air quality and make your home feel stuffy. Consider adding a whole-home humidifier to your HVAC system to maintain optimal humidity levels and improve your comfort.

Is Furnace Short Cycling Dangerous?

While short cycling itself might not be immediately dangerous, it can lead to several problems:

• Increased Energy Bills: Your furnace uses more energy when it constantly starts and stops.
• Reduced Furnace Lifespan: The added stress of short cycling can cause your furnace to wear out faster.
• Uneven Heating: You may experience temperature fluctuations throughout your home.
• Carbon Monoxide Risk: In some cases, short cycling can increase the risk of carbon monoxide buildup, which is a serious safety hazard.

How to Fix a Short Cycling Furnace

Seeing your furnace constantly switching on and off can be frustrating, but don’t worry!  At TemperaturePro Austin, we have the tools and expertise to diagnose the root cause and get your system back on track. Here’s a glimpse into how we tackle short cycling:

• Inspect and clean or replace your air filter: This might seem simple, but a clogged filter is a surprisingly common culprit.  Think of it like trying to breathe through a clogged straw – your furnace struggles to get enough air, overheats, and shuts down prematurely. We’ll make sure your filter is clean and ready to go.
• Check and calibrate your thermostat: Your thermostat is the brain of your heating system. If it’s not calibrated correctly, it might be sending the wrong signals to your furnace, causing it to turn on and off too frequently. We’ll make sure your thermostat is accurately reading the temperature and communicating effectively with your furnace.
• Inspect the furnace for any signs of overheating: Overheating can be caused by various issues, from a blocked exhaust vent to a malfunctioning blower motor. Our technicians will thoroughly inspect your furnace to identify any potential problems and recommend the necessary repairs.
• Clean the flame sensor: This little sensor plays a crucial role in your furnace’s safety. It makes sure the gas valve stays open only when there’s a flame.  If it’s dirty or faulty, it can cause the flame to shut off prematurely, leading to short cycling. We’ll carefully clean the flame sensor to ensure it’s working properly.
• Assess the size of your furnace: Believe it or not, a furnace that’s too big for your home can actually cause short cycling. It heats the space too quickly, causing it to shut off before it can complete a full heating cycle. We can determine if your furnace is properly sized for your home and recommend a replacement if needed.

Why DIY Can Be Risky:

While some furnace problems might seem like easy fixes, attempting DIY repairs can sometimes do more harm than good. You could end up damaging your system further or even putting your safety at risk. It’s always best to leave furnace repairs to the professionals.  Our experienced technicians have the knowledge and tools to diagnose and fix the problem correctly the first time, saving you time, money, and potential headaches.

Don’t hesitate to contact TemperaturePro Austin for expert furnace repair and maintenance. We’ll keep your home warm and comfortable all winter long!