When the heat stops working, start with safe checks: thermostat mode and setpoint, batteries, the breaker and furnace switch, the filter and the furnace door panel. Heat pumps also run normal defrost cycles. If the simple checks don't fix it, or you see an error code, book a CASC heating repair visit.
What should you check first?
Start at the thermostat. Make sure it's set to Heat, the setpoint is a few degrees above room temperature and the display isn't blank from dead batteries.
- Mode set to Heat, not Cool or Off, and fan on Auto.
- Setpoint a few degrees above the current room temperature.
- Fresh batteries if the display is dim or blank.
- Any schedule or hold setting that might be overriding you.
What can you safely check at the furnace?
Check the breaker, the furnace power switch, the filter, the door panel and the status light. Don't open the burner compartment or work on gas parts.
If other gas appliances aren't working either, the gas supply to the house may be off. Contact your gas utility rather than working on valves yourself. If you smell gas at any point, leave the home and call your gas utility from outside.
- Breaker: reset a tripped HVAC breaker once. If it trips again, leave it off and call.
- Furnace switch: it often looks like a light switch near the unit and can be bumped off.
- Filter: a clogged filter can make a furnace overheat and shut itself down.
- Door panel: many furnaces won't run unless the front panel is fully seated.
- Status light: a blinking light usually means an error code, often explained on a label inside the door.
- Condensate drain: high-efficiency furnaces shut down if their drain line clogs.
Why does a heat pump blow air that feels cool?
Heat pump air is warm but not as hot as furnace air, so it can feel cool on your hand. That's normal as long as the house is holding temperature.
In cold, damp weather the outdoor unit periodically runs a defrost cycle to melt frost off its coil. You may see steam and hear a whoosh, and the system may briefly blow cooler air. A light coat of frost is normal; a thick block of ice that doesn't clear is not.
On very cold days, auxiliary heat helps the heat pump keep up. If the system runs on auxiliary heat constantly, or never seems to catch up, something needs attention.
What usually goes wrong?
For furnaces, common causes are a dirty flame sensor, ignition problems, a failed inducer or blower motor, or a safety switch tripping. For heat pumps, it's often refrigerant, defrost or electrical issues.
A furnace that lights and then shuts off after a few seconds often points to a flame sensor that needs cleaning. Repeated overheating trips can point to airflow problems. Our technicians also inspect the heat exchanger, because cracks there are a safety concern, not just a comfort issue.
How does CASC handle a heating repair?
A technician diagnoses the system, explains what failed in plain language and gives you pricing before any repair. We service all major brands of furnaces and heat pumps.
Service calls are $99 on weekdays and $149 on weekends and holidays. We're open Monday through Sunday, 7 AM to 6 PM. Same-day service when availability allows. If the system is near the end of its life, we'll tell you and you can request a free replacement estimate.
How can you avoid the next no-heat call?
Change the filter regularly and have the system checked before cold weather. CASC's Residential HVAC Maintenance Plan includes a fall heating visit.
The plan is $189 for the first system and $99 for each additional, plus tax, with spring and fall visits and 10% off qualifying repairs and service-call fees.
Frequently asked questions
Why does my furnace start, then shut off?
A dirty flame sensor is a common cause, along with airflow problems that trip a safety switch. Both need a technician to diagnose.
Is ice on my heat pump normal?
Light frost is normal and clears during defrost. A thick block of ice that stays, or ice on the top of the unit, needs a repair visit.
Can I reset the breaker more than once?
Reset it once. If it trips again, leave it off and call, since repeated trips point to an electrical problem.
How much is a heating service call?
$99 on weekdays and $149 on weekends and holidays.
Terms on this page
Related guides
- Heat pump vs gas furnace in Central Arkansas A heat pump uses electricity to move heat and also cools your home. A gas furnace burns natural gas to make heat and pairs with a separate air conditioner. Both can work well in Central Arkansas. The right choice depends on gas service at your home, your ductwork, your utility rates and how you like your home to feel.
- What to expect from a CASC repair visit To book a repair, send the contact form with your preferred day and time or call 501-307-1310. We confirm the actual appointment with you. Repair visits start with a service call: $99 on weekdays and $149 on weekends and holidays. We're open Monday-Sunday, 7:00 AM-6:00 PM, with same-day service when availability allows.
- How our pricing works Repairs start with a service call: $99 on weekdays and $149 on weekends and holidays, for HVAC and plumbing. That fee is not waived or credited toward the repair. HVAC replacements, larger plumbing projects and commercial HVAC projects get a free estimate instead. There is no travel fee within our normal 50-mile service area.
- Symptom guide: what your system is telling you Most heating, cooling and plumbing problems announce themselves with a symptom: no heat, no hot water, warm air from the AC, water around the unit or weak water pressure. This guide covers what each usually means, the safe checks you can do yourself, and when it's time to book a CASC repair visit.
Still no heat?
Book a heating repair visit, Monday through Sunday, 7 AM to 6 PM.
Schedule heating repair