Heat Not Working? How to Troubleshoot Your Heating System Before Calling for Help

Louisiana winters may not bring the deep freezes you see in other areas of the country, but homes in Shreveport, Bossier City, and the surrounding areas still rely on their heating systems to cut the damp chill and keep nights cozy and comfortable. But when your furnace suddenly stops cooperating, the disruption can leave you scrambling. Before calling for help, there are a few practical things you can check on your own.

When you need a hand, the Bossier City and Shreveport heating experts at SBC Cooling + Heating are always here for homeowners. With most local homes running on gas heating and gas furnaces, we know the patterns, the climate challenges, and the tell-tale signs Louisiana systems show when something’s off.

We put together some of our pro troubleshooting steps our technicians use to guide you through the process. 

1) Start with the Basics

Louisiana locals are accustomed to those temperature swings between warm afternoons and cold evenings that can confuse older thermostats and cycling schedules. If your heat cuts out overnight or kicks on at strange times, start by reviewing:

• Thermostat schedule: Mild winter days sometimes cause homeowners to adjust their settings, only to realize the evening schedule never reverted.
• Batteries: Weak batteries are one of the most common issues we see on service calls.
• Breaker panel” Temporary overloads can trip a breaker, regardless of if the weather outdoors is mild. A quick reset often brings a furnace back to life without further troubleshooting.

2) Check Your Pilot Light

Since most Shreveport and Bossier City homes use gas heating systems, issues with the pilot light are especially common.

If your pilot goes out:

1. Relight it according to the manufacturer’s instructions
2. Make sure the flame burns blue, not yellow or orange

A yellow flame indicates improper combustion or a ventilation issue, and both require professional attention. If the flame won’t stay lit, or if something feels “off,” call our team at SBC Cooling + Heating so we can safely inspect the system.

3) Look for Gas Supply Interruptions

A gas supply issue is rare, but it can happen. It’s also never something homeowners should troubleshoot themselves. If you ever notice:

• A strong odor of gas
• A hissing sound
• A furnace that attempts to fire but never ignites

Turn off your heating system, evacuate the home, and call your gas provider immediately. Once they clear the property, our techs can inspect the furnace, confirm safety, and get your heat working again.

4) Check Your Intake and Exhaust Vents Outside

In Shreveport and Bossier City, damp weather and mild winters can cause outdoor furnace vents to collect debris without homeowners ever noticing. Leaves, spiderwebs, and even small nests can block airflow to a gas furnace and trigger safety shut-offs.

Take a look at the intake and exhaust pipes outside your home. If anything is blocking the openings, clear it gently and restart the system. If the furnace still won’t fire, the blockage may have caused an internal limit switch to trip, which is something we can reset and inspect for you.

5) Pay Attention to Odd or Musty Odors

Because Louisiana stays humid for the majority of the year, everything from furnaces to heat pumps in Shreveport and Bossier City build up dust and moisture. Yes, it can even happen when they haven’t been used for months.

If your system smells:

• Dusty or burnt: It may simply be burning off debris after the first few cycles.
• Musty: You may have moisture inside the cabinet or ductwork.
• Chemical or sulfur-like: Shut the system down immediately. You could have a combustion issue or gas leak.

You can try replacing the air filter first to see if it resolves the problem. If the smell persists, schedule a diagnostic before continuing to run the system.

6) Listen for Unusual Noises

A Louisiana furnace, heat pumps, or other heating system that’s been sitting unused through months of warm weather can develop internal wear without you noticing. If you hear any of these noises, stop the system and call us right away:

• Grinding
• Booming at startup
• Repeated clicking
• Vibrating panels

All of these sounds could point to ignition delays, loose parts, or buildup on the burners, which are common in gas furnaces after long periods of mild weather. Ignoring the noise can lead to costly heating repairs, especially if the problem affects the heat exchanger.

7) Feel For Cold Air When the Heat Should Be On

A heating system or furnace blowing cold air is more common than you’d think in milder climates like Shreveport and Bossier City.

Here are some possible DIY checks to check:

1. Air filter: A clogged filter restricts airflow so severely that the system overheats and forces the blower to circulate cool air instead.
2. Thermostat calibration: Older thermostats drift out of calibration when they experience our region’s humidity swings. Many models allow a simple recalibration through the menu settings.
3. Closed or blocked vents: Louisiana’s older homes sometimes have inconsistent duct paths; blocked vents can cause uneven temperatures or cool drafts.

If none of these solve the problem, your furnace may not be firing correctly—or the blower and burner cycle may be out of sync. That’s where SBC Air comes in.

When to Stop Troubleshooting and Call SBC Cooling + Heating

DIY steps are helpful for quick checks, but gas furnaces are complex and safety-sensitive. If you’ve checked the thermostat, reset the breaker, verified the pilot light, and replaced the filter but still don’t have consistent heat, your system needs a professional evaluation.

Our Shreveport and Bossier City technicians:

• Specialize in furnaces, gas heating systems, heat pumps, and more.
• Diagnose ignition problems, airflow restrictions, burner issues, gas valve failures, and heat-exchanger concerns.
• Check all safety controls, combustion performance, and ventilation.
• Offer heating maintenance plans that match Louisiana weather patterns, including lighter winters, long off-seasons, and high humidity.

Even with a mild climate, reliable heat matters. We’re here to make sure your home stays warm without the worry.

Still Dealing With Heating Problems?

If your heating system still isn’t acting right, let us take it from here! Our team at SBC Cooling + Heating has spent years helping homeowners in Shreveport and Bossier City get dependable heat, clear answers, and repairs that last. We treat your home with care, explain what we find, and get the job done the right way.

Whether you need a repair, heater maintenance check, or new heater installation, schedule your heating service in Bossier City or Shreveport today!

Call (318) 465-0853