An HVAC technician talks with a homeowner beside an outdoor heat pump unit

Heating help near you

Heat Not Working Like It Should?

Whether something's wrong or you'd just like your system checked before colder weather, tell us what's going on. It takes about a minute.

You don't need to know exactly what's wrong.

What's going on with your heat?

Something's wrong

Service or a check, even if it's working

  • No obligation
  • You decide whether to hire

Sound familiar?

Most heating requests start one of two ways. Either one is a good reason to reach out.

Air conditioning or another HVAC problem? See HVAC help.

Problems often show up when the heat comes back on.

After months of warmer weather, a heating system sits mostly idle. The first stretch of regular use is often when homeowners notice something that wasn't obvious before.

That doesn't mean something is about to fail. The first cold days are simply a natural time to notice how your system is behaving.

If something seems off, getting it checked can help you understand what the system needs before you depend on it more heavily.

Things homeowners commonly notice

  • Slow or delayed startup when the thermostat calls for heat
  • Heat that feels weaker than you remember
  • Cool or lukewarm air from the vents
  • The system turning on and off more often than usual
  • New rattling, banging, squealing or humming
  • A thermostat set to heat with little or no response
  • Some rooms or vents getting less airflow than before
  • Maintenance that's overdue, or you can't remember the last visit

You don't have to diagnose it yourself.

Most people can tell something is wrong without knowing why. It could be the furnace, the thermostat, the heat pump or airflow, and you don't need to know which. Working that out is a technician's job.

Just describe what you're noticing. That's enough to get started.

For example, you can just say

  • “No heat”
  • “Cool air from the vents”
  • “The heat feels weak”
  • “It's running strangely”
  • “It's making a noise”
  • “It's due for maintenance”

Getting ready for colder weather?

Even if your heat is still working, you can request seasonal service, maintenance, a tune-up or a system check before colder weather.

A seasonal visit gives a technician the chance to clean components, check how the system is running and look for worn parts, so you know where it stands before you rely on it every day.

You can ask for

  • Seasonal furnace service
  • Furnace tune-up
  • A heating-system check
  • Routine maintenance
  • Heat pump service
  • A check if it hasn't been serviced recently

In the form, choose Seasonal maintenance or tune-up or I want my system checked, then pick I'm planning ahead if there's no rush.

Check Service Options

How it works.

  1. Tell us what's going on

    Pick a problem, or choose maintenance or a check. No technical terms needed.

  2. Confirm your location and timing

    Add your ZIP code and when you'd like help.

  3. Send your request

    It takes about a minute, start to finish.

  4. Move forward on your terms

    You stay in control, and you're never obligated to hire.

You don't have to wait for a complete breakdown.

A few things homeowners often say before they reach out.

  • “I don't know what's wrong.”

    That's normal. Describe what you're noticing, like no heat, cool air or a strange noise. Working out the cause is a technician's job.

  • “My heat still works, but something seems off.”

    That's a reasonable time to ask. A system that runs but behaves differently is worth a look before you rely on it every day.

  • “I only want maintenance.”

    Choose “Seasonal maintenance or tune-up.” You don't need a problem to request service.

  • “I'm planning ahead.”

    That's a good time to ask. Pick “I'm planning ahead” or “This week” when you get to timing, with no need to wait for a breakdown.

  • “I just want someone to take a look.”

    That's what “I want my system checked” is for. Ask for a look and decide from there.

Smell gas or hear a carbon monoxide alarm? Leave the house and call your gas utility or 911 from outside. Never use a gas oven or stove to heat your home.

Heating questions.

Straight answers about furnace repair, maintenance and what to expect.

Looking for cooling, airflow or a new system? See HVAC help.

Do I need to know exactly what's wrong with my heating system?

No. Choose the option closest to what you're noticing, or “Something else.” Figuring out whether it's the furnace, thermostat, heat pump or something else is a technician's job.

Can I request furnace maintenance or a tune-up?

Yes. Choose “Seasonal maintenance or tune-up” and pick the timing that suits you, including “I'm planning ahead.” Nothing needs to be wrong for you to ask.

Can I request help if my system still works but doesn't seem right?

Yes. Weaker heat, new noises, short cycling or uneven rooms are all reasonable reasons to ask. Choose “I want my system checked” or the option closest to what you're seeing.

Can I request heat pump service?

Yes. Choose “Heat pump problem” for a heat pump that isn't heating properly, or “Seasonal maintenance or tune-up” for routine service.

What if my furnace won't turn on?

A few safe checks first: make sure the thermostat is set to heat and above room temperature, replace its batteries if it uses them, check for a tripped breaker, make sure the furnace's power switch is on and its front panel is fully closed, and look at the air filter. If it still won't start, choose “Furnace won't turn on.” If you smell gas, leave the house and call your gas utility or 911 from outside.

What information do I need to provide?

What's going on, the ZIP code where the work is needed, your timing, your name, a phone number and an email address. Extra details are optional.

How long does the request take?

About a minute. You'll answer a few short questions, and your contact details come last.

What happens after I submit?

You'll see a confirmation right away, and your request and details are on file with Home Service Pros Now. You're never obligated to hire anyone.

A homeowner and a service professional shake hands at the front door

Tell us what's happening with your heat.

Describe what you're noticing. You don't have to diagnose the problem yourself.

Get Heating Help