What to Do If Your Heat Stops Working on a Cold Night
Southern winters are usually mild… until they’re not. One minute, you’re bringing back your summer clothes, and the next, you’re wrapped in blankets wondering why your heat decided to quit right when a cold front moved in. When temperatures suddenly drop, HVAC systems in South Carolina often get pushed harder than usual, revealing small issues that have been hiding since last winter.
If you find yourself shivering and your heat isn’t working, here’s a quick troubleshooting guide before you panic.
1. Check Your Thermostat Settings
It might sound simple, but thermostat mix-ups are one of the most common ways to get your heater to stop working properly. Make sure it’s set to “heat” and not “cool,” and confirm the temperature is set higher than the current room temperature. If your thermostat runs on batteries, replace them. Low power can cause it to malfunction.
Pro Tip: Smart thermostats can lose Wi-Fi connection during outages or power surges. If yours looks blank or unresponsive, try resetting it before moving on.
2. Inspect Your Air Filter
A dirty or clogged air filter can cause your system to overheat and shut down automatically as a safety precaution. In fact, the Department of Energy estimates that regularly replacing filters can lower your energy consumption by up to 15%and help prevent breakdowns. You should be replacing your air filters every 3 to 4 months, meaning it might be time to replace your old ones for the start of a new season.
However, even if it’s only been a few weeks, if your filter looks dusty, gray, or clogged — replace it. You can never be too safe.
3. Check Your Circuit Breaker or Power Supply
Power surges or tripped breakers are another reason your heating system might stop running. Head to your electrical panel and make sure the HVAC breaker hasn’t tripped. If it has, reset it. However, if it trips again immediately, that’s a sign of an electrical issue that needs a technician’s attention.
It might be time to give the professionals a call. While an HVAC technician can let you know if there is a problem with your heating unit, it may also be an electrical issue. If you have other breakers that trip, be sure to contact an electrician to fix the issue before the real cold fronts hit.
4. Make Sure the Outdoor Unit Is Clear
Fall brings debris like leaves, weeds, and branches that will definitely end up in your yard at some point. For homes with heat pumps (common in coastal and southern regions), outdoor units can sometimes freeze up or get blocked by leaves, debris, or even ice buildup during a sudden cold snap. A frozen or obstructed unit can’t pull in enough air to function properly.
There is a quick fix you can try before calling a professional, though. Turn the system off for a bit to let it defrost naturally, and make sure nothing is blocking airflow around it. If your unit still does not function as it should after resetting, then it’s time to give Beach Air a call!
5. Listen for Unusual Sounds or Smells
If your system hums, rattles, or emits a burning odor, turn it off immediately. Those are warning signs that something more serious is happening. Everything from loose parts to rusted pieces can blow a motor or cause electrical components to overheat.
When Your Heat Stops Working, Call Beach Air HVAC
Even in the South, a chilly night without heat is no fun. Don’t wait for your system to fail when the next cold snap rolls in. Beach Air offers fast, reliable heating repair and maintenance to keep your home comfortable all winter long.
Whether your home is decades old or newly renovated, our experts can help you stay comfortable while keeping energy costs in check this winter.
Learn more about how we can help or give us a call at 843-796-3798 for a consultation.