
Quick Facts About Common Winter Service Calls
- No heat or intermittent heating during extreme cold
- Furnace ignition failures and short cycling
- Boiler pressure issues and uneven radiator heat
- Frozen pipes and water heater failures after deep freezes
- Electrical problems preventing heating systems from starting
Winter in Madison brings extended cold snaps, heavy snowfall, and temperatures that regularly dip below zero. During these conditions, home heating systems run longer and harder, which makes winter the busiest season for service calls across Dane County.
This guide covers the most common winter service calls homeowners face in Madison, what typically causes them, and when it is time to call a professional. Whether you are dealing with no heat, frozen pipes, or electrical issues tied to your HVAC system, Action Plumbing, Heating, AC & Electric provides dependable heating, plumbing, and electrical services throughout the winter.
No Heat Or The Heater Will Not Turn On
No heat is the most urgent winter call in Madison. Furnaces, boilers, and heat pumps can stop working suddenly when components fail or safety controls shut the system down.
- Tripped breakers or power interruptions
- Thermostat issues or dead batteries
- Ignition or flame sensor failures
- Overheating shutdowns from restricted airflow
If your system will not start at all or the home temperature is dropping fast, schedule heating repair. For urgent situations, Action offers 24/7 emergency heating service in Madison.
Furnace Short Cycling And Uneven Heating
Short cycling happens when a furnace turns on and off repeatedly without completing a full heating cycle. This often leads to cold rooms, higher energy bills, and unnecessary wear on components.
- Dirty air filters restricting airflow
- Blocked vents or return grilles
- Overheating due to blower or duct issues
- Improper thermostat placement
If some rooms never warm up while others overheat, a technician can identify airflow or sizing problems during a furnace repair visit.
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608-837-3638Boiler Problems In Madison Homes
Many Madison homes rely on boilers for heat, especially in older neighborhoods. While boilers are durable, winter service calls still occur due to pressure issues, circulation problems, or aging components.
- No heat or uneven radiator temperatures
- Banging, whistling, or gurgling noises
- Low pressure or frequent pressure drops
- Leaks around valves or piping
Boiler systems require specialized knowledge, so it is important to schedule service with a team experienced in boiler repair and maintenance.

Frozen Pipes And Water Heater Failures
When heating systems struggle or fail during extreme cold, plumbing issues often follow. Frozen pipes are a major winter concern in Madison, especially in exterior walls, basements, crawl spaces, and garages.
Water heaters also see heavier demand in winter, which can expose existing problems. If you notice no hot water, leaks, or frozen pipes, Action provides fast-response plumbing services to help protect your home.
Electrical Issues Affecting Heating Systems
Many winter heating problems are tied to electrical failures rather than mechanical ones. A tripped breaker, failing control board, or damaged wiring can prevent your system from turning on.
If your heater has power issues or you notice flickering lights, burning smells, or repeated breaker trips, schedule professional electrical service to safely diagnose the issue.