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No Heat in Garrett? 9 Quick Checks Before Calling for Furnace Repair

A cold house can be alarming, especially during an Indiana winter when outdoor temperatures drop to the teens and 20s. If you’re experiencing no heat in Garrett, it’s easy to assume your furnace has completely failed. 

But should you immediately call for furnace repair? While some heating problems do require professional service, many are simple issues that homeowners can safely check on their own.

Before scheduling an appointment with our technicians at T&T Plumbing & Heating, Inc., taking a few minutes to walk through these basic troubleshooting steps can often restore your heat or at least help you understand what might be going wrong. Even if you end up needing professional help, these checks can save time and make the repair process smoother.

1. Check Your Thermostat Settings

Your thermostat is the starting point for nearly every heating issue. Even a small setting change can stop warm air from coming through your vents.

Take a moment to confirm:

  • The thermostat is set to Heat
  • The temperature is set higher than the current room temperature
  • The fan is set to Auto
  • Any programmed schedule hasn’t overridden your settings

If your thermostat is battery-powered, replacing them is a smart first step. Low battery power can interrupt communication between the thermostat and the furnace, making it seem like the system isn’t working at all.

2. Look at the Circuit Breaker

Even gas furnaces rely on electricity to power internal components like the blower motor and control board. If a breaker trips, your furnace won’t run.

Check your home’s electrical panel for a breaker labeled for the furnace or HVAC system. If it’s tripped, reset it once and wait a few minutes to see if the furnace starts. If it trips again, stop there. Repeated resets can indicate an electrical issue that a professional should handle.

3. Inspect the Furnace Power Switch

Most furnaces have a dedicated power switch nearby, and it probably looks like a standard light switch. This resemblance means it’s really not surprising for someone in your home to turn the switch off accidentally.

This might happen when you’re cleaning and organizing storage or moving items near the furnace. Make sure the switch is fully in the “on” position before moving on to other checks.

4. Replace a Dirty Air Filter

When was the last time you changed air filters? Dirty or clogged filters are among the most common (and easily fixable) causes of no heat in Garret. When airflow’s restricted, your furnace might be in danger of overheating, causing it to shut down due to safety precautions.

A clogged filter can lead to:

  • Reduced airflow
  • Short cycling
  • Safety shutoffs that stop heat production

If it’s been more than one to three months since your last filter change, replace it and allow the system time to reset. This step alone can often restore heat while also improving efficiency.

5. Make Sure Vents and Registers Are Open

Blocked vents can prevent warm air from circulating properly, making your home feel colder even when the furnace is running.

As you walk through your home, check that:

  • Supply vents are fully open
  • Rugs or furniture aren’t blocking return registers
  • Curtains or drapes aren’t covering airflow openings

Proper airflow helps your furnace heat evenly and reduces unnecessary strain on the system.

6. Check the Furnace Door Panel

Furnaces include safety switches that prevent operation if the access panel isn’t securely in place. If the panel’s loose, the furnace simply won’t turn on.

If you recently changed the air filter or inspected the unit, the panel may not be seated correctly. Remove it carefully and reinstall it so it fits snugly. This small detail is often overlooked and can make all the difference.

7. Look at the Pilot Light or Ignition System

Older gas furnaces use a standing pilot light that can occasionally go out due to drafts or interruptions in gas flow. Instructions for relighting the pilot are usually printed inside the access panel.

More modern furnaces use electronic ignition systems, not pilot lights. If the furnace attempts to start but shuts off quickly, the issue could be related to ignition components or sensors. If you smell gas at any point, leave the area immediately and contact a professional.

8. Check for Error Codes or Flashing Lights

Many modern furnaces display error codes using blinking LED lights. These codes help identify what’s preventing the system from operating properly.

Common issues that error codes indicate include:

  • Airflow problems
  • Ignition failures
  • Overheating or safety shutdowns

While homeowners typically can’t fix these problems themselves, noting the flashing pattern can help speed up diagnosis when you call for service.

9. Confirm the Gas Supply Is On

If your furnace runs on natural gas, check that the shutoff valve near the unit is open. You can also test other gas appliances, like your stove, to confirm gas is flowing normally.

If multiple gas appliances aren’t working, the issue may be with your utility service rather than the furnace itself.

 

When DIY Fixes Don’t Restore Your Heat

If you’ve worked through these steps and still have no heat in Garrett, the problem is likely inside the furnace. Components such as the blower motor, flame sensor, control board, or safety switches can wear out over time during long Indiana winters.

For homeowners dealing with no heat in Garrett, professional furnace repair from T&T Plumbing & Heating, Inc. is the safest and most effective next step. Our trained technicians can accurately diagnose the issue and restore reliable heat, helping to prevent future breakdowns so you can stay comfortable and confident all winter long!