Your home’s heating system is crucial as it keeps you warm in winter. Unfortunately, heaters can experience technical issues from time to time. When your heater malfunctions, it can affect your home’s comfort and expose you to health issues like headaches, allergies, and respiratory problems. To help you stay warm and safe this winter, our team has come up with signs you can use to identify when your heater needs professional repair services.
1. High Electricity Bills
Have you noticed a sudden spike in your energy bills recently? If you haven’t changed your daily habits, there’s a good chance that your HVAC system’s efficiency has decreased. This is a natural part of the aging process in appliances, but it means that your system will need to work harder to make up for the inefficiency. It also indicates that your system might need to be repaired or replaced.
2. Cold Air
When cold air comes from the vents when the heater is on, your heater is likely malfunctioning. If you have your heat pump or a furnace on and cold air is moving through the vents, you could have a faulty burner, leaky ductwork, or a broken thermostat. You might be tempted to repair it yourself, but expert assistance is needed here. Heating systems are complex, and both diagnosing and repairing issues require proper training and careful attention to detail.
3. Shutting Down Early
If your heating system is shutting down before the house reaches your desired temperature, it might be short-cycling. This is a fairly serious issue that could lead to more extensive damage and costly repairs if left unattended. It can also affect system efficiency, increasing your energy bills.
Many factors can lead to short-cycling, including an improperly sized furnace, dirty air filters, and broken flame sensors. If your heater is short-cycling or shutting off too soon, one of our professionals can help you identify and address the problem.
4. Sudden Change in Temperature
Unless you use a zoned system, each room in your home should have a consistent temperature. Dramatic temperature changes in different parts of your home could indicate that the heating unit is too small for your home’s needs or other potentially serious issues. A specialist can inspect the unit and recommend the proper remedy.
5. Unusual Sounds
When your heating unit is in tip-top shape, it should operate with minimal noise. If it starts to make strange noises, it’s best to contact a professional to inspect it.
Here are some unusual sounds that your heating unit can make and their sources:
- Rattling from loose screws
- Humming from a failing fan motor
- Squealing from pulley problems
- Clanging from a faulty fan belt
Ignoring these sounds can result in further damage and costly repairs.
6. History of Frequent Repairs
Failing units might continue to work but have an increased need for repairs. Before your heating unit fails, it requires several repairs. Although heating repairs can help solve individual issues, repairing your unit frequently throughout the year can be alarming. Therefore, call an expert to determine if replacing your system is a better option before scheduling another repair service. In many cases, you might be better off replacing your unit rather than scheduling frequent repairs.
7. Poor Indoor Air Quality
Most heaters malfunction as a result of sitting dormant for an extended period. During this time, the system may collect dust and debris, clogging the air filters. This can affect indoor air quality, exposing your family to respiratory issues. If you see dust blowing through your vents, your heating system may be the cause. While you can easily change the filters, you should also schedule professional heating repair services. An experienced technician will change the filters and inspect your system for other underlying issues.
Professional Heating Repair Services
At Family Heating and Air, Inc, we know the challenges of a malfunctioning heating system. For this reason, we have a team of experienced technicians who can handle your heating repair needs. With constant training and years of experience, we trust our technicians have the expertise to solve your heating issues. Best of all, we understand how difficult it can be to work with heating companies. We always aim to be different. You can expect expert care, affordable rates, and trustworthy technicians when you choose us.
If you notice any of these signs, contact Family Heating and Air, Inc. We will arrange an appointment that fits your schedule, find the cause of your unit’s breakdown, and accurately replace worn-out parts. We offer comprehensive heating and cooling services to Sebastian residents.
