Heating Questions Homeowners Ask

Heating troubleshooting—no heat, furnace won’t start, short cycling, heat pump issues, and thermostat problems—explained in plain language.

This page is a homeowner-friendly resource from Kais Pro Repairs. If your system won’t heat, keeps shutting off, or trips power, you’ll find safe next steps here—without the confusing technical talk. If you want it handled professionally, start with heating & cooling service or use our contact page to request help.

Serving Loganville, Snellville, Lawrenceville, Lilburn, Grayson, Between, Monroe and nearby areas across Gwinnett County and Walton County.

Safety note: if you smell gas, see smoke, or hear loud buzzing/arcing, shut the system off and call right away. If you suspect the issue is power-related, we also handle electrical troubleshooting and breaker & panel repair.

Start Here: Fast Links to the Right Service

If you already know what you need, these take you straight to the right page.

Not sure what you need yet? Start with the quick questions below—or send us a message and tell us what your system is doing.

Before You Call: 6 Safe Checks Homeowners Can Do

These are safe, simple checks that solve a lot of “no heat” posts online. If anything smells hot, you see damage, or breakers trip—stop and request service.

Thermostat Basics

  • Set to HEAT and raise temp 2–3° above room temperature.
  • Replace batteries (if your thermostat uses them).
  • Make sure it’s not set to “Schedule” turning heat down.
  • If you’re unsure, request help on the contact page.

Airflow & Filters

  • Replace a dirty filter—restricted airflow causes shutdowns.
  • Open supply vents and make sure returns aren’t blocked.
  • If the system is short cycling, book heating service.

Heating Questions We See Online All the Time

Tap a question to expand. These are common “Reddit + forum” heating issues—and what they usually mean in real homes.

Furnace (Gas / Electric)

My furnace turns on but blows cold air—why?
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A brief burst of cool air can be normal at startup. If it stays cold, common causes include ignition problems, a dirty flame sensor, a safety switch shutting the burner down, or airflow issues. If it’s repeating or the system is shutting off, schedule heating repair.

My furnace won’t start at all—what should I check first?
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Confirm thermostat is calling for heat, check the furnace switch, and verify the breaker isn’t tripped. If a breaker won’t reset or trips again, stop and schedule breaker & panel service. For a complete diagnostic, request HVAC service.

Why does my furnace keep short cycling (turning on/off quickly)?
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Short cycling can be caused by restricted airflow (dirty filter), thermostat issues, overheating, sensor/safety shutdowns, or control problems. Don’t ignore it—it can damage components and raise bills. Book heating service so we can find the real cause.

The blower runs but there’s no heat—what does that mean?
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Often the system is in a safety/lockout condition: ignition didn’t prove, a limit switch opened, or a control issue is preventing heat. We diagnose the sequence safely and confirm both HVAC and electrical conditions. Start with HVAC repair.

Heat Pumps, Thermostats & Power Issues

My heat pump runs nonstop—should I be worried?
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In colder weather, heat pumps can run longer to maintain temperature. But if it never reaches setpoint, cycles oddly, or you notice high bills, it may be airflow, defrost, thermostat setup, or equipment performance. Request heat pump service.

My thermostat says “Heat On” but nothing happens—why?
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This can be low-voltage control issues, safety switch lockouts, a failed transformer, or a power problem at the unit. Because we handle both HVAC and electrical troubleshooting, we can determine if it’s controls or power-related. Start here: HVAC troubleshooting.

My furnace/air handler keeps tripping the breaker—is that dangerous?
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It can be. Breaker trips may indicate a failing motor, capacitor issue, wiring fault, or incorrect breaker sizing. Stop resetting it repeatedly—get it diagnosed. Book breaker & panel service and we’ll verify the HVAC load too.

There’s a burning smell when heat turns on—is that normal?
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A light “dust burn-off” smell can happen at the start of the season. But a strong electrical/burning plastic smell, smoke, or repeated odor is not normal. Shut the system off and request service on the contact page. If you suspect wiring, schedule electrical troubleshooting.

Call Right Away If You Notice Any of These

  • Strong gas odor, smoke, or melting plastic smell
  • Breaker trips that won’t reset or keep tripping
  • Buzzing/arcing sounds near the furnace, panel, or disconnect
  • System shutting down repeatedly with overheating symptoms
  • Visible scorch marks, damaged wiring, or sparking

Want Us to Handle It?

If your heat is unreliable, shutting off, or tripping power, we’ll diagnose it safely, explain what we find in plain language, and recommend the best fix—no pressure. Start with the contact page, or go straight to heating & cooling service.