No heat? Check these things first

1. The thermostat

Make sure it's set to Heat, not Cool or Off, and set a few degrees above the current room temperature. If it runs on batteries and the screen is blank or dim, replace them. Smart thermostats sometimes lose their Wi-Fi connection or schedule after a power outage.

2. The breaker and furnace switch

Check your electrical panel for a tripped breaker labeled furnace, HVAC, or heat pump. Most furnaces also have a light-switch-style power switch on or near the unit, which is easy to bump off by accident.

3. The air filter

A badly clogged filter can make a furnace overheat and shut itself off. If yours is gray and caked with dust, swap it for a new one of the same size. It's a good habit to check it every month or two during heating season.

4. The furnace door

Many furnaces have a safety switch that keeps them from running if the front panel isn't fully closed. If someone recently changed the filter, make sure the panel is seated firmly.

5. Fuel supply

If you heat with propane or oil, check the tank level. For gas, make sure other gas appliances such as the stove or water heater are working.

When to call a professional

Call a heating contractor if you've checked the basics and still have no heat, or if you notice any of these:

• The breaker trips again after you reset it
• Burning, electrical, or unusual smells
• Loud banging, grinding, or screeching
• A carbon monoxide alarm sounding (get everyone outside and call 911)
• Water pooling around the unit