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Top 3 Reasons Your Heat Stops Working on the Coldest Days

Dor-Mar gas furnace replacement and repair

When temperatures plummet, the last thing you want is for your heating system to fail. Unfortunately, the coldest days of the year often put extra strain on your heating system, causing unexpected breakdowns. To help you understand what might be happening, here are the top three reasons your heat stops working when you need it most.

1. Overworked Heating System

On extremely cold days, your heating system has to work harder than usual to maintain a comfortable temperature. If your system is older, poorly maintained, or undersized for your home, it may simply overload and shut down.

Signs of an Overworked System:

  • Inconsistent heating: Some rooms may feel cold while others are warm.
  • Unusual noises: Strange sounds like banging, clanking, or humming often indicate parts are strained.
  • Frequent cycling: The heater turns on and off repeatedly without maintaining a steady temperature.

Quick Fix:

  • Replace your air filter to improve airflow and reduce strain on the system.
  • Schedule a professional HVAC inspection to ensure your system is running efficiently.

Pro Tip: Upgrade to a programmable thermostat to prevent your system from overworking unnecessarily when you’re not home.

2. Frozen Pipes or Components

Extremely cold weather can cause parts of your heating system, particularly in heat pumps and boilers, to freeze. Frozen pipes prevent water or refrigerant from flowing, which stops heat from being generated and circulated.

Common Causes:

  • Lack of insulation on pipes exposed to cold air.
  • Poor drainage, which allows water to accumulate and freeze.
  • Outdoor heat pump components being exposed to ice and snow.

Quick Fix:

  • Thaw frozen pipes carefully using a hairdryer or heating pad (never an open flame).
  • Clear snow and ice buildup from outdoor HVAC units to allow proper airflow.

Pro Tip: Insulate exposed pipes, turn off water supply to external faucets, and schedule regular maintenance to prevent freezing issues during extreme cold snaps.

3. Thermostat or Electrical Malfunctions

Sometimes, the culprit is not the heating system itself but a faulty thermostat or electrical issue. If the thermostat stops communicating properly with the heater, it can cause irregular heating or a complete shutdown.

Common Symptoms:

  • The heater doesn’t turn on despite a cold home.
  • The display on the thermostat is blank or inaccurate.
  • Flickering power or tripped breakers indicate electrical issues.

Quick Fix:

  • Replace thermostat batteries if it’s not hardwired.
  • Reset your circuit breaker and ensure power flows to your heating system.
  • Test your thermostat settings to confirm they’re accurate (set to “heat” mode and above room temperature).

Pro Tip: Upgrade to a smart thermostat that can alert you to malfunctions and monitor energy usage remotely.

Preventative Steps to Avoid Heating Failure

While these issues are common, most can be avoided with regular HVAC maintenance performed by the pros at Dor-Mar Heating & Air Conditioning:

  • Schedule annual inspections with us. We’ll send one of our certified technicians.
  • Replace filters every 1–3 months for optimal airflow, depending on factors like pets in the home, dust in the home, or nearby construction.
  • Insulate your home to reduce strain on the heating system.

By staying proactive, you can ensure your heating system operates efficiently and keeps you warm—even on the coldest days of the year.

Final Thoughts

If your heat stops working, don’t panic! Understanding these top three causes—overworked systems, frozen components, and thermostat malfunctions—can help you troubleshoot and find quick solutions. For lasting peace of mind, invest in professional HVAC maintenance before winter strikes to prevent unexpected breakdowns.

Stay warm, stay safe, and let your heating system do what it does best: keep you cozy all season long.

Need professional help? Contact your trusted local HVAC Contractor Dor-Mar Heating, Air Conditioning and Plumbing, to diagnose and repair your system before the cold gets worse. Use the BOOK NOW button or call one of our convenient local office numbers.

Call Today for Service Today

If you’re experiencing any plumbing or HVAC issues, don’t wait for the problem to get worse. Contact Dor-Mar Heating & Air Conditioning for expert HVAC or plumbing service in Central Ohio. Our professional team is ready to help you get your plumbing, heating and cooling systems in top shape. Call us today to schedule a service call or click the BOOK NOW button on this page to secure your appointment. We’re here to keep your home’s plumbing running smoothly!

Picture of Steven Brewer<br/>HVAC Expert & Owner

Steven Brewer
HVAC Expert & Owner

I started in the HVAC business as a young man, with my father putting me in crawl spaces to run ductwork while on summer vacation from school; I began full time in our family HVAC business at the age of 19. I obtained my state commercial HVAC license at 25. I'm married with three kids, and I love boating, fishing and hunting.

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