When you need dependable heater repair in Nashville, TN, the licensed technicians from MJ Frick Co. are ready to help. Cold winter nights in Middle Tennessee are no time to deal with a heater broken unexpectedly. When the temperatures drop, you depend on your heating system to keep your home warm, safe, and comfortable. So, when your unit stops working, knowing what to do if your heater breaks can make all the difference, both for your comfort and for preventing expensive long-term damage.
At MJ Frick Co., we understand how stressful winter heating issues can be. Below, we outline some helpful troubleshooting steps you can take before calling a professional, along with when it is time to bring in the experts:
Start With the Basics: Check Your Thermostat
It may sound simple, but thermostat issues are one of the top reasons homeowners believe their heater has failed. Before assuming something serious is wrong, take a moment to:
- Make sure the thermostat is set to HEAT
- Increase the temperature by at least 3–5 degrees
- Check for dead or low batteries
- Verify that the thermostat display is on
If the thermostat is not communicating properly with your heater, the system will not engage. Correcting a thermostat setting or replacing batteries may bring your heating system right back to life.
Inspect Your Breaker Panel
During the winter, electrical circuits can trip due to overload. A tripped breaker may make it seem like your furnace or heat pump is completely nonfunctional. Head to your electrical panel and look for any breakers that are off or in the middle position. Reset them once, but do not keep resetting a breaker that repeatedly trips; this can indicate an electrical or mechanical problem that needs professional attention.
Replace or Check Your Air Filter
A clogged air filter is one of the most common reasons a furnace or heating system struggles to run. When the filter is extremely dirty, your heater can overheat or shut down to protect itself. If your system is running but not heating effectively, or if it frequently cycles on and off, a dirty filter could be the culprit.
Remove the filter, hold it up to light, and if you cannot see through it, it is past time for a replacement. Swapping in a clean filter may restore airflow and allow your unit to heat properly again.
Listen for Unusual Sounds
If the system is still running but you notice new noises like grinding, banging, rattling, or squealing, it can be a sign that something inside the unit is failing. Even if heat is still coming out, unusual sounds indicate components that may be loose or worn out.
Turn off the system and call MJ Frick Co. right away. Continuing to run a heater in distress can lead to more severe and costly problems.
Check Your Vents and Airflow
Poor airflow can make it seem like your heater is broken when the issue is actually with your home’s ventilation. Make sure:
- All supply vents are open and unobstructed
- Furniture or curtains are not blocking return vents
- No debris is covering the exterior unit (for heat pumps)
Improper airflow forces your heater to work harder than necessary and may cause it to shut down or fail to warm your home effectively.
If You Smell Gas, Take Immediate Action
If you suspect a gas leak, marked by a sulfur or “rotten egg” smell, leave the home immediately and contact your gas utility provider. Do not try to turn on the heater, adjust the thermostat, or investigate the problem yourself. Once safety has been restored, MJ Frick Co. can perform the necessary repairs to help ensure your system is running safely.
When Your Heater Still Won’t Work, Call MJ Frick Co.
If you have gone through the basic troubleshooting steps and your heating system is still failing to run, blowing cold air, or making alarming noises, it is time to call in a professional. Modern heating systems are complex, and the longer a malfunctioning unit is pushed, the more damage it can incur.
At MJ Frick Co., our HVAC technicians are trained, licensed, insured, and experienced in repairing virtually all makes and models of furnaces, heat pumps, and hybrid systems. We offer rapid response times throughout Nashville, so your home can get warm again as quickly as possible.
When you need reliable heater repair in Nashville, TN, you can count on our team to diagnose the issue accurately, provide honest recommendations, and fully restore your comfort. We can also perform new heater installation if necessary.
Stay Warm This Winter – Contact MJ Frick Co. Today
Contact MJ Frick Co. today for fast, dependable, and professional heater repair services in Nashville, TN. We are here to keep your home warm, comfortable, and safer all winter long. Dealing with a heating issue during a Tennessee winter can be overwhelming, but you do not have to face it alone. If your heater situation is not solved by simple troubleshooting, let our experts step in.
