10 Signs To Schedule Heating Repair
Winter is right around the corner. When the temperature starts to drop, you need to make sure that your heating system is ready for the job. However, with wear and tear, these units often require repair. How do you know it is time to call an HVAC Company to your home? Here are the 10 signs you need to repair your home heating system.
1. No or Little Airflow
Restricted or reduced airflow is a major sign that something is off with your system. When your units operate optimally, you will feel a consistent flow of warm air in the house. However, if those vents are not blowing out heated air, it is time to reach out to a professional.
You may notice that some rooms are hot while others are cold. Blocked ducts, clogged filters, or malfunctioning blowers are a few reasons for these issues. Not only do these problems affect the efficiency of your heating system, but they can raise your energy bills. Your system will need to consume more energy to warm up the interior. If these issues affect your comfort levels, it is time to contact an HVAC professional.
2. Uneven Heating
This problem is often tied to the restricted airflow. If you have rooms that will not stay warm, that could indicate troubles with your system. Uneven heating can also be tied to problems with your thermostat or the heating unit. Sometimes, the heater does not receive a signal from the thermostat. With that, it will not provide the proper amount of heat to the home.
Unfortunately, there are many reasons for uneven heating. It could be resolved with a simple part swap, or you may need to replace the entire unit. You will not know until you have consulted with a service team.
3. Unusual Noises
Hums and light clicks are all part of a heater’s normal operation. However, some sounds should cause a few concerns. Hissing, banging, whistling, and clanking are all indicators that you have a problem with your system. All these sounds come from different sources. For example, a whistling sound may be the result of air leaks, while clanking means you have an issue with the motor.
Whatever you do, never ignore these sounds. If you do, that could result in more damage and a bigger repair bill. Most of the time, these problems can be easily addressed with help from a technician.
4. Short Cycling
Short cycling happens when the unit keeps turning on and off in succession. While that consumes more energy, it can also be dangerous. With this frequency of short cycling, the system never reaches or maintains the right indoor temperature. That can leave your home feeling cold and damp throughout the winter.
An overheated unit, malfunctioning thermostat, or even a clogged filter can be the culprit of these issues. This is one problem that you will want to address. Short cycling puts stress on the unit. As a result, it could shorten its lifespan.
5. Rising Energy Bills
During a cold spell, using more energy than usual is normal. However, if there is a huge spike in your bills without a change in temperature, that is a sign that something is wrong. Your heating system is using more energy than normal, and a wide range of problems could be causing this issue.
You will not know what is wrong until an experienced technician looks at your heating system. Clogged ducts, dirty filters, and broken thermostats could all be at the heart of the problem. You can find out and resolve these costly issues with a full inspection.
6. Strange Odors
When you flip on the heat for the first time, you may smell a burning scent. Usually, there is no need for concern. That is just dust or debris in your system. However, if the scent remains or you smell something else, you need professional help.
Mold or mildew can cause a mystery odor to flow through your home. A consistent burning smell is a sign of overheating or electrical issues. These problems are serious. They need to be addressed right away. If you ignore them, you could compromise the safety of your home and health. A service technician will get down to the bottom of these smells and figure out their source.
7. No Warm Air
A heating system is expected to produce warm air. When it fails to do that, you know that something is wrong. A faulty ignition system, malfunctioning pilot light, or fuel problem could all be responsible for no heat. As you may have guessed, this is a major sign that you need an experienced HVAC technician to investigate the problem.
These issues are not DIY projects. You need to leave them to the professionals. Most repairs involve work with the combustion system, including the gas line. You will want someone with the skills and experience to take on these repairs.
8. Inconsistent Thermostat Temperatures
The thermostat is the heart of your heating system. When it fails, that can lead to all sorts of havoc in your home. You need the thermostat to accurately read the temperature. Otherwise, you will waste energy and have skyrocketing bills. With an inaccurate thermostat, your system will run for too long or not enough. Sometimes, these issues are related to the wiring, sensors, or the device itself.
A technician has the tools to calibrate the thermostat. If that does not work, then they can replace the unit. In any case, you will have a thermostat that will give you the correct temperature throughout the winter.
9. Pilot Light Issues
A pilot light is an important part of the unit if you have a gas-operated system. If the pilot light will not stay on or there is an unusual color to the flame, you need a technician out immediately. You should have a blue flame. A yellow or flickering light is an indication that there is a ventilation or gas line problem. These issues can lead to deadly carbon monoxide in your home.
Additionally, any problems with this system can affect your entire home’s heating. Don’t wait for these issues to resolve on their own. You need the assistance of a reliable HVAC repair technician.
10. An Old System
Older units require more repair visits. After a while, you may wonder if it is time to replace the system. Eventually, your home’s heating system will reach the end of its life.
Many of these units can last for 15 to 20 years. If you have a unit that is nearing that time frame, it is time for a repair or replacement. Newer systems are more energy efficient. That means lower energy bills and less frequent repair visits.
If you are experiencing any of these issues, it could be time to call out a professional team. At C & C Heating & Air Conditioning, we have been helping clients in the Detroit area since 1948. We are your trained heating system repair and replacement company. Our highly skilled technicians are ready to help you resolve these heating issues. Along with heating, we can assist with your air conditioning, ductwork, and water heaters. Reach out to C & C Heating & Air Conditioning to schedule a home service visit in Detroit.
