It always happens when you need it most.
You’re bundled under five blankets, thermostat cranked, and still—your house feels like the inside of a walk-in freezer. The furnace is humming, or maybe clicking, or worse… doing absolutely nothing.
If you’ve ever found yourself frantically searching “heating repair near me” while your toes slowly go numb, you’re not alone.
Let’s break down the top five heating problems homeowners face—and how to know when it’s time to call in the pros like Anton’s Plumbing, Heating, Cooling, & Energy Experts before your HVAC system takes the winter off completely.
1. The Furnace Won’t Turn On
You twist the thermostat… and nothing. No fan. No ignition. Just cold silence.
This could be due to something as simple as a tripped circuit breaker, dead thermostat batteries, or a clogged filter. But it could also be a failing ignitor, a broken blower motor, or a safety shut-off due to overheating.
What to try: Check the thermostat, reset the breaker, replace the filter.
When to call: If those don’t work, it’s time to search “heating repair near me”—especially if you hear clicking but no ignition, which may signal a faulty flame sensor or gas valve issue.
2. Uneven Heating in Different Rooms
One room is balmy. The next feels like an icebox. What gives?
This common issue often points to ductwork problems—leaks, blockages, or poor insulation. In multi-level homes, it could also stem from improperly balanced dampers or zoning issues.
What to check: Make sure vents are open and unobstructed. Change the air filter to ensure proper airflow.
When to call: If the problem persists or affects entire zones, it may be time for a professional to assess your system’s airflow and duct layout.
3. Strange Noises Coming from the Furnace
Clanks, bangs, rattles, or high-pitched squeals—none of these are normal.
Loud noises may signal loose components, worn-out belts, motor issues, or even delayed ignition (which can be dangerous). Think of it as your furnace’s way of crying for help.
What to listen for:
- Banging = potential gas ignition problem
- Squealing = belt or motor bearing issue
- Rattling = loose components or duct vibration
When to call: Don’t wait. Noises are an early warning. Catching the problem early can prevent bigger—and pricier—repairs.
4. Cold Air Instead of Warm
The system is running. The vents are blowing. But the air is freezing. That’s a pretty major problem in, say, January.
This could be caused by a dirty flame sensor, pilot light issues, low refrigerant (in heat pumps), or a malfunctioning thermostat.
What to check: Make sure the thermostat is set to “heat” and the fan setting isn’t just “on” (which blows air regardless of temperature). Check your air filter, too.
When to call: If warm air doesn’t return, it’s time to bring in an expert—especially if you smell gas or suspect ignition problems.
5. Frequent Cycling or System Won’t Shut Off
Your system turns on… then off… then on again—over and over. Or it just runs nonstop without reaching the set temperature.
This could signal a dirty filter, thermostat issue, or overheating components triggering safety shut-offs. Poor insulation or undersized systems may also be to blame.
What to look for: Watch your thermostat behavior. Is it reaching the set temperature? Are cycles lasting less than a few minutes?
When to call: Rapid cycling causes long-term wear and tear. If a quick filter change doesn’t help, schedule professional diagnostics before it leads to system failure.
See also: Common Compensation Claim Mistakes a Lawyer Can Help You Avoid
Final Take: Know When to DIY—and When Not To
Some heating issues can be solved with a filter change or a thermostat reset. Others? Not so much. If your system is making strange sounds, pushing out cold air, or refusing to turn on altogether, that’s your cue to stop guessing and start Googling “heating repair near me.”
In St. Louis and surrounding areas, Anton’s Plumbing, Heating, Cooling, & Energy Experts deliver fast, honest, and expert heating repairs—so you’re not left freezing in your own home.
Because when winter hits hard, comfort shouldn’t be a maybe. It should be a guarantee.
