As the chill of winter settles in, the last thing you want is a heater that’s not doing its job. Luckily, your heating system often drops a few hints before it stops working completely. From odd noises to inconsistent temperatures, there are clear signs that it’s time to call in a professional. Let’s walk you through the most common warning signals your heater may show.
Unusual Sounds
Your heating system should be relatively quiet, as it works to keep your home warm. If you start to hear strange sounds, you should be concerned. Sounds like banging, rattling, or popping coming from your heater could mean that something is wrong. For example, a banging sound could mean that there is too much pressure inside the furnace, which could cause it to break down. On the other hand, a squealing sound may signal that a part, like a blower motor, is malfunctioning or in need of lubrication.
A rattling sound may mean that there are loose parts inside the system, which could be damaging the internal components. In any case, if your heater starts making unusual sounds, you’ll want to call a professional to assess the issue.
Inconsistent Heating
If your heater is working but you’re still feeling cold spots around your home, it might be time to take a closer look at your system. Different problems, like dirty air filters or a broken thermostat, can lead to uneven temperatures. When your air filter is clogged, circulation is reduced. Your heater must work harder to disperse warm air throughout your house. This may cause hot and cold patches, making some places seem much cooler than others.
A faulty thermostat is another possible source of uneven heating. If your thermostat misreads the temperature, it may not be controlling the system correctly. This might cause your heater to stop working prematurely or operate for longer than required. This leads to temperature discrepancies around your house. If you’re noticing that some rooms are warmer than others, it could be time for a heating system inspection to identify the root cause.
Rising Energy Bills
While it’s normal for your heating costs to rise during the colder months, a sudden, unexplained increase in energy usage could be a sign that your heating system is inefficient or struggling. When your heater is working harder than it should need to, it uses more energy to maintain the desired temperature.
There are several potential reasons why your heating system may be consuming more energy than usual. A clogged air filter may reduce airflow, causing the system to overheat and use more power. Leaky ducts or poorly insulated air ducts can also cause warm air to escape, forcing the system to work harder. Another possibility is that your heater is getting old and is no longer running as efficiently as it once did. If your energy bills are higher than expected, it’s a good idea to have your heating system inspected to identify any potential efficiency issues.
Short Cycling
Short cycling refers to the process of your heater turning on and off more frequently than usual. This can be frustrating because your system needs to run longer to properly heat your home. This can also lead to increased wear and tear on your system. A broken thermostat, a dirty air filter, or a defective flame sensor are all potential causes of short cycling. Over time, short cycling can lead to more significant issues, such as a blown motor or other expensive repairs.
Heater Breakdowns
If your heater is frequently breaking down, it’s time to call in a professional. Heating systems need regular maintenance to keep them working properly, but even with careful care, problems may still occur. Frequent breakdowns indicate that your system needs service. This might be due to worn-out components, faulty installation, or unresolved difficulties. Depending on the issue, repairs may be able to extend the life of your heater, or it may be time to start thinking about a replacement.
Ductwork Problems
We often focus on the heater itself when things aren’t working correctly. However, the ductwork that is part of our heating system plays a crucial role in ensuring that warm air circulates efficiently throughout the home. Over time, ducts can develop leaks, blockages, or damage that hampers airflow and affects the performance of your heating system. If you’re noticing uneven heating or high energy bills, your ductwork could be to blame.
Considering Heating Equipment Age
Like any major appliance, heating systems have a limited lifespan. If your heater is more than 10 to 15 years old, it may start to show signs of wear and tear. Older heaters are more likely to experience frequent breakdowns, decreased efficiency, and a higher risk of failure. Even if your older heater is still running, it’s essential to consider how much longer it will last before needing a replacement.
While changing your heating system may seem to be a substantial expenditure, it may save you money in the long term by increasing energy efficiency and lowering the likelihood of expensive repairs. A professional technician from our team can help you decide if it’s worth it to fix your old system or if you should buy a newer, more efficient one.
Poor Air Quality
When your heating system malfunctions, it may spread dust, allergies, and other toxins throughout your home. If you notice an increase in dust collection, worsened allergy problems, or a musty odor while your heater is on, your furnace might be the source.
A filthy or clogged furnace filter is a frequent source of poor air quality. When the filter is ignored, it loses its ability to properly catch airborne particles, enabling them to enter your living environment. Furthermore, concerns like mold development in the system or inside ducts may degrade air quality, creating health dangers.Regular filter replacements and professional maintenance are essential to ensure your furnace contributes to a healthy home environment.
Pilot Light Issue
Your furnace’s pilot light or ignition system is critical for generating heat. If your pilot light keeps going out or your furnace struggles to ignite, this is a clear indication of an underlying issue that needs attention.
For older furnaces, a dim or flickering pilot light might indicate a problem with the thermocouple, a safety component that controls gas flow. If the thermocouple is dusty, damaged, or faulty, it might turn off the gas supply and prevent your furnace from working.
In modern systems with electronic ignition, repeated ignition failures might be caused by malfunctioning ignition sensors, worn electrodes, or wiring difficulties. An ignition issue may also indicate an imbalance in the gas-to-air mixture, which is required for efficient and safe burning. Ignoring these issues can not only leave you without heat but also pose safety risks, such as potential gas leaks.
Contact Us Today
When it comes to keeping your home warm and cozy, catching issues with your heating system early can make all the difference. If you’ve noticed any of the warning signs we mentioned, it’s best to call our experts before a small problem turns into a significant repair. Woodward Heating Air Plumbing is here to provide professional service and care your heating system needs to run smoothly all season long. We also offer air conditioning, water heaters, drain cleaning, indoor air quality, thermostats, new construction, and water treatment equipment.
Contact Woodward Heating Air Plumbing to schedule an appointment today for heating service.
