If you come home to a cold house after a long day, or your house feels colder than your thermostat says it is, don’t wait for the problem to fix itself. When the heat is on but the house is cold, it’s time to launch an investigation, especially if you’re still paying for that heat. 

We’ll dig into some of the possible answers to the question, “Why is my house not heating up?” and run through a few of the solutions.

If Your House Feels Colder Than the Thermostat Says

If you’re bundling up in several sweaters and your fuzziest socks but the thermostat says it’s a balmy 72 degrees, then your first step should be to investigate your thermostat. In some cases, the discrepancy between the temperature and the reading on your thermostat could be due to some needed maintenance on the thermostat itself.

When was the last time you changed the batteries, or had your thermostat recalibrated? If it’s been a while, now is a good time to try it out. It might be an easy fix, and your home can be warm and toasty again in no time.

If you change the thermostat batteries or recalibrate it and you’re still wondering, “Why won’t my house heat up?” you might be facing a different issue. It’s time to dig a little deeper.

Reasons Why Your House May Be Cold

1. Your Heater Isn’t Providing Enough Heat

Your home’s airflow system could be the problem. If your HVAC unit is running but your house isn’t heating up, then it could be an issue with the heat delivery. It’s possible your vents or radiators aren’t giving off enough heat, or there’s something impacting the way the heat circulates throughout the rooms of your house.

Here are some steps you can take to try and correct the problem:

• Have your ductwork checked for leaks. Leaky ducts are one of the main causes of poor heat delivery. Leaky ducts are inefficient and can lead to cold home temperatures despite a functioning heating system. 
• Ensure vents are open, radiators are on, and heat sources are unobstructed. Move furniture, boxes, and decorations away to help the air circulate properly. Anything that interferes with the airflow could prevent your home from warming correctly.
• Keep doors open between rooms to help improve airflow, allowing warm air to circulate throughout your home. This could be especially helpful if you feel that there are certain rooms that are always colder than others.

2. Your Furnace Needs an Inspection or Repair

In some cases, the issue may run deeper than your ducts or vents. It’s possible your furnace isn’t functioning properly and needs an inspection or repair. If it’s been a while since you’ve had your HVAC unit inspected or serviced, now is a great time to schedule a maintenance service with a trusted professional. 

3. Poor Insulation

If your home’s insulation is outdated, inefficient, or insufficient, it’s possible that cold air can seep inside your home. Not only that, but warm air could be seeping out. Have your home’s insulation checked to see if it needs to be replaced or if you need to add more to ensure your home is comfortable in the winter.

4. Clogged Air Filters

Over time, your home’s air filters can become clogged with dust, debris, and other particles. When this happens, it prohibits your HVAC unit from functioning properly and efficiently, reducing airflow and sometimes forcing your HVAC unit to expend unnecessary energy. In some cases, your HVAC unit can overheat. 

Checking your air filters and replacing or cleaning them if they’ve become clogged can prevent further issues and restore top functionality to your HVAC unit.

Let’s Bring Comfort Back

Stop wondering, “Why is my house not staying warm?” and free up some time to enjoy yourself this winter. If you’re still having trouble with the heat in your home, schedule a heating service with CroppMetcalfe. Our highly-skilled HVAC professionals can have your home warm again in no time. We can assist with thermostat issues, HVAC repairs, duct cleanings, furnace inspections, and more. 

Reach out today to schedule your service visit.