What it is
A no-heat situation means your home's heating system isn't warming the space as it should. It might not start at all, run without producing warm air, or shut off soon after it starts. Furnaces, boilers, heat pumps and ductless mini-splits can all be affected.
Causes vary widely. Some are simple, like thermostat settings, a clogged filter or a tripped breaker. Others involve parts inside the equipment, such as ignition, airflow, controls or a heat pump's refrigerant system. Those need a trained professional.
Many companies that handle air conditioning repair also handle heating. Some offer after-hours or emergency visits. Because systems and local rules differ, the right kind of pro depends on what you have and where you live.
How it’s traditionally been approached
Homeowners have usually started with the basics. They check that the thermostat is set to heat and has fresh batteries if it needs them. They make sure the filter isn't badly clogged and look at whether a breaker has already tripped.
If those checks don't help, the usual next step is to call a licensed heating technician. The technician inspects the system, finds the likely cause and explains the repair options. Some homeowners choose a repair. Others, especially with older equipment, compare repair and replacement.
Heat pumps and ductless mini-splits are often serviced by technicians trained in those systems. Outdoor units may need clearing of leaves, snow or ice buildup around them. That is a visual check only, and anything beyond it is best left to a pro.
How the right HVAC pro may help
The right heating pro may help by narrowing down why the heat is off and explaining it in plain language. A visit generally starts with questions about what you noticed, such as noises, error codes, smells or when it stopped. The technician then inspects the equipment and tells you what they found.
Good questions to ask include whether they are licensed and insured, whether the diagnosis and repair are quoted in writing before work starts, and whether parts or labor are warrantied. You can also ask what the options are if the system is older. Costs depend on the equipment, the part, the time of day and your area, so written quotes from more than one company can help you compare.
If you have an emergency, ask about availability and any after-hours fees up front. Confirm the contractor's license and insurance with your state or local licensing board. Work with refrigerant must be done by EPA-certified technicians. Permits and codes vary by location.
The bigger picture
Being without heat affects more than comfort. It can disrupt sleep, worry you about children, older relatives or pets, and add money stress on top of it. Taking a few calm steps, such as warming one room safely and writing down what you've noticed, can help you feel more in control.
Choosing a repair path is also a personal decision, and no approach is wrong. Repairing, replacing or waiting for a scheduled visit each suit different situations and budgets. If the stress feels heavy, leaning on friends or family helps, and Providers.plus can point you to wellbeing resources.
Keep in mind
- If you smell gas or a carbon monoxide alarm sounds, leave the home immediately and call your gas utility's emergency line or 911 from outside.
- Safe homeowner checks include thermostat settings, filters, breakers that have already tripped, and clearing debris from around an outdoor unit.
- Never work on gas lines, burners, valves, pilots, refrigerant, wiring, capacitors or electrical panels yourself. Those jobs are for qualified professionals.
- Don't use an oven, grill or outdoor-rated heater to heat the home. Get written quotes and verify licenses, since this directory doesn't guarantee any provider's work.
Home service pros who often help
Get matched privatelyFrequently asked questions
What should I check first if I have no heat?
Start with the thermostat. Confirm it is set to heat, above the room temperature, and has working batteries if it uses them. Then check that the filter isn't badly clogged and that no breaker has already tripped. If none of that helps, a licensed pro is the safer next step.
Is it safe to keep trying to restart my furnace?
Repeated restarts are not recommended if the system keeps shutting off. Following the thermostat and breaker checks is fine, but don't open panels or touch gas, burner or wiring parts. If you smell gas, leave the home and call the gas utility or 911 from outside.
Who do I call for no heat?
A licensed heating technician is usually the right call. Many companies that offer heating and air conditioning repair also offer emergency visits. Ask about their license, insurance and availability, and get a written quote when you can.
Do air conditioning repair companies also fix heat?
Many do. Companies that handle air conditioning repair often service furnaces, heat pumps and mini-splits too. It's worth asking whether they work on your specific type of equipment before you book.
Why is my heat pump blowing cold air?
There are several possible reasons, including thermostat settings, a defrost cycle, airflow problems or a system issue. You can check the settings and look for ice or debris around the outdoor unit. A qualified technician should handle anything involving refrigerant or electrical parts.
How much will a no-heat repair cost?
It depends on the equipment, what's wrong, the parts needed, the time of day and your area. We can't give prices. Ask for a written quote before work begins, and consider comparing more than one company if the situation allows.
Educational resource. HVAC Marketing 360 shares general information and connects people with independent home service pros. It is not professional advice. Talk with a qualified professional about your own situation.