Although we’re used to mild winters, those cooler nights—even down near the 50s or 60s—can feel cold when your heat doesn’t turn on. If you just flipped your thermostat to “Heat” and instead of warm air you’re getting nothing (or worse, cold air). Because when your heating system fails, it’s not just about discomfort—it can lead to safety issues, higher energy bills, and bigger problems if left unchecked (along with freezing during those cold nights)
At Our Place Air & Home Repair, we serve homeowners across Orlando, Ocala, and the wider Central Florida region. Our team of licensed technicians is standing by 24/7 for emergency heating calls — so when your heat won’t turn on, you know who to call.
Why checking your heater matters now
- The seasons are shifting and the cold weather is coming: Your cooling system may have carried the load all summer, and now your heating system is being called on and your heating hasn’t been maintenanced correctly.
- Many homes in Central Florida aren’t built for deep cold—but even moderate drops in temperature mean your system must work efficiently.
- If you delay, even a “minor” issue like a bad thermostat or blocked airflow it can turn into a major repair.
Let’s dig into the details of why heating systems fail, what you should look out for, and what your next steps should be.
What are common reasons your heating isn’t working?
When a homeowner turns the thermostat to “Heat” and nothing happens (or you get cold air), it could be one of many issues. Here are some of the most common:
1. Thermostat Misconfiguration or Failure
It happens more than you think: the thermostat is still set on “Cool”, or the mode switch is wrong. Or the batteries are dead, wiring is loose, or the device itself has failed. Before anything else, check:
- Is it set to Heat properly?
- Is the temperature set higher than current room temp?
- Are there obvious error messages?
If all that checks out and you’re still getting no heat, the thermostat may need to be replaced or re-calibrated. That means you need a service call.
2. Furnace or Heat Pump Won’t Ignite / Switch Modes
In many Central Florida homes, you might have a heat pump or a hybrid system rather than a traditional furnace. The system may refuse to switch into heating mode. Or the burner in a furnace won’t ignite, or the pilot (in older systems which are less common in Floirda) may not stay lit. These issues can stem from:
- Faulty ignition system or pilot assembly
- Dirty flame sensor or burner
- Control board or safety switch failures
3. Blower Motor, Fan or Airflow Issues
“If the blower doesn’t run, no warm air gets into your home.” Blocked filters, dirty vents, restricted ductwork, or failing motors can all prevent proper airflow. When your unit runs but you still feel chilly air, start checking filters and vents—but don’t assume everything else is fine. Fixing airflow is critical.
4. Dirty Filters, Clogged Ducts or Blocked Vents
Because HVAC systems often do double duty (cooling in summer, heating in winter), filters that were neglected during summer use can cause issues when the heat cycle starts. A dirty filter restricts airflow, which leads to reduced heat delivery, higher energy use, and more stress on the system.
5. Refrigerant & Heat Exchange Problems (for Heat Pumps)
If you have a heat pump system, you’re reliant on refrigerant and coils to transfer heat. Too little refrigerant or a malfunctioning component means poor performance, especially when outside temps drop. Although Florida doesn’t face extreme cold, even moderate dips can expose system weakness.
6. Safety Switches & Sensors
Modern HVAC systems have sensors and switches to protect from damage. If something is wrong (e.g., limit switch, high-pressure switch), the system may shut down the heating function to avoid hazard. That means nothing happens when you call for heat—even though your thermostat says “on”.
7. Age & Lack of Maintenance
If your system is 10-15 years old (which is common in Florida due to constant use), it may simply be worn out. Lack of seasonal tune-ups, dirty components, corroded parts, all raise the likelihood of breakdown when you need it most. According to HVAC pros, regular maintenance is key to avoiding mid-season failure.
Why you should call us immediately (do not wait)
Turning down the thermostat and hoping for the best is not a strategy. Here’s why you should call us immediately when your heat isn’t working:
Stay Comfortable & Safe
Even in Central Florida, nighttime lows in the 50s + poor insulation = chilly homes. If you have infants, elderly residents, or those sensitive to cold, every hour matters. It’s better to have us do a maintenance before the next cold snap.
Avoid Higher Energy Bills
When your heating system doesn’t run efficiently (or is running constantly trying to maintain temp), you’re paying more—both in wasted energy and wear. Catching problems early saves money which is important for this holiday season.
Prevent Further Damage
A tiny issue now (e.g., faulty sensor, blocked filter) can lead to bigger damage later (compressor failure, complete unit breakdown). Early intervention often keeps repair bills smaller and easier. Maintenance matters. (Scott’s Heating and Air)
Get Priority Service
When you wait, you may move into peak emergency call times—especially if colder nights set in, multiple homes fail at once, and HVAC techs are busy. Early calls often get dispatched faster and avoid longer wait times.
Extend Your System’s Life
A system that’s serviced and properly repaired will last longer. Florida homes can get many years out of heating/AC systems if kept up. But ignoring issues now can shorten life and force replacement sooner.
What to do while you wait for us
Here are a few steps you (the homeowner) can take while you wait for our technician. These don’t replace professional service, but they may help:
- Check your thermostat: Make sure it’s set to “Heat”, and that the temperature setting is above current room temp.
- Replace/Inspect the filter: If you haven’t changed it in months, put in a new filter and open all vents.
- Check the breaker: Make sure your HVAC system hasn’t tripped its circuit.
- Clear outdoor unit: If you have an outdoor heat pump (even for heating), make sure there’s no debris, leaves or plants blocking airflow.
- Keep indoor temperature moderate: Don’t keep raising the thermostat higher and higher—it won’t necessarily heat faster and may put extra strain on your system.
- Use supplemental heat: In the short term, consider space heaters or blankets, but only safe ones (don’t overload circuits, avoid fire risks).
- Note symptoms & timing: If you call us, tell us exactly what you heard, what you felt (no air, cold air, strange sounds), and when you first noticed the problem. Helps us diagnose faster.
your next step, call our place air & home repair
If your thermostat is set to heat and you’re still feeling cold air or no air, don’t wait. Pick up the phone and call us at 1-800-291-0949 (or fill out our online service request). Our technicians are standing by, ready to get your home warm again.
Remember: in Central Florida, a non-working heating system isn’t just an inconvenience—it’s a risk. Cold days ahead mean you want your system ready. With Our Place Air & Home Repair, you get the local experience, the fast response, the skilled technicians—and the comfort you deserve.