As temperatures begin to drop in Orange County, the last thing you want is for your heating system to suddenly stop working. At 20th Century Air, we understand how stressful it can be when your home or business isn’t warm and comfortable. That’s why we’ve created this simple guide to help you troubleshoot some of the most common heating issues before they turn into costly repairs.
1. Heater Won’t Turn On
One of the most common complaints we hear is that the heater simply won't start. Before assuming the worst, check your thermostat settings—it may have been accidentally switched to cooling or turned off. Also, verify that the circuit breaker hasn’t tripped and that the furnace switch is in the “on” position.
If everything looks fine and your system still won’t power up, it’s time to call the professionals at 20th Century Air. You could be dealing with a faulty ignition system, control board issue, or broken motor.
2. Cold or Weak Airflow
If your heater is running but not blowing warm air—or airflow feels weak—there may be a clog in your air filter or ductwork. A dirty air filter restricts airflow and can cause your system to overheat, leading to short cycling and inefficiency.
Replacing the filter is a good place to start, but if the problem persists, you might have a blower motor or duct obstruction issue that requires expert inspection.
3. Unusual Noises
Banging, rattling, or screeching sounds coming from your heater aren’t normal. These noises could indicate loose parts, a cracked heat exchanger, or a worn-out blower belt. Strange sounds should never be ignored, as they often signal that components are wearing out or breaking down.
To avoid further damage, shut off your unit and call 20th Century Air right away for a thorough diagnostic.
4. Frequent Cycling On and Off
If your system is turning on and off more frequently than usual, it may be short cycling—often caused by a dirty filter, thermostat issues, or an oversized unit. This problem not only reduces efficiency but also puts unnecessary wear and tear on your system.
Professional maintenance and thermostat calibration can often resolve this issue and restore proper performance.
5. Uneven Heating
If certain rooms feel warmer than others, your system might have airflow imbalances, blocked vents, or zoning issues. Proper ductwork design and system balancing are key to achieving consistent comfort throughout your space.
Get Help from Heating Experts in Orange County
While some heating problems can be solved with basic troubleshooting, others require a trained eye. At 20th Century Air, our team has been serving Orange County, Riverside, and Los Angeles for over 35 years with reliable heater repairs and maintenance. Call us at (714) 430-8006 for trusted service and lasting warmth.