What Should I Do If My Heater Is Not Working in My House?

If your heater is not working, start with basic checks to restore heat safely before you call for service. Most no-heat calls come down to thermostat settings, power to the unit, or a tripped safety switch. If quick checks don’t help, it likely needs professional diagnostics; treat gas smells, burning odors, or water near the unit as urgent. We service older homes across Chicago’s North Shore, including those near Fort Sheridan, and handle furnaces, boilers, radiant systems, and heat pumps. Our team is available for 24/7 emergency repairs when needed.

Try these quick steps:

• Set thermostat to Heat and raise 3–5°F; replace batteries if present.
• Check the furnace/boiler switch is on and reset any tripped breakers.
• Ensure the equipment door is closed; door switches kill power if ajar.
• Replace a dirty filter; restricted airflow can trigger safety lockouts.
• Confirm the gas valve to the appliance is on; if you smell gas, leave and call the utility.
• For boilers, verify system pressure is in the normal range shown on the gauge.

If the system short-cycles, smells odd, or still won’t run, turn it off and schedule service.

Updated: 2026-04-05

Need help in Fort Sheridan, IL? Call (847) 440-5642 or book online.