HEATING REPAIR

Signs Your Heater Needs to Be Repaired:

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Odd Smell from Heating System

A faintly smelly gas-powered heater is often natural and normal. If you are using a heater for the first time in a while, the source of the scent may just be accumulated dirt and dust burning off. Nevertheless, we recommend staying vigilant and calling an HVAC specialist to inspect the unit if the smell persists or intensifies. When strong odors do not diminish over time, you may have a gas leak or something burning inside your unit.

 

 

Cold or Lukewarm Air Temperatures

When a heater is running, your house should warm up quickly and efficiently. If the thermostat is cranked up and you are still experiencing frigid conditions, there may be a leak in your ductwork. This can occur in air ducts that are largely invisible, running through your crawl space or attic. Luckily, our technicians know where to investigate and can adequately insulate your ducts. We won’t let cold drafts and wasted electricity ruin your winter!

 

 

Constant Thermostat Adjustments

Abruptly changing the temperature can be harmful to your heating unit and thermostat. When a heater is constantly turned on and off, it works harder, sucking up more electricity. Adjusting your thermostat too often can also cause components of your heating unit to wear down quickly, causing expensive repairs and replacements!

 

 

Heater Has Trouble Starting

A heater should turn on with little effort. If you find your unit is struggling to start, it is time to troubleshoot the problem. This may be the result of a dirty or faulty pilot, a problem with the natural gas line, disconnected wiring, dead batteries, or a damaged thermostat. It is important to avoid installing a thermostat in direct sunlight, near hot appliances, or vents. Doing so may cause skewed temperature readings.

 

 

Discolored Pilot Light

Checking a pilot light is an easy and telltale way to detect gas imbalances. The color of a healthy pilot light should be bluish, indicating the ratio of gases is well-balanced. When the pilot light is yellow, this is cause for concern. A yellow pilot light usually means there is too much carbon monoxide and/or a ventilation problem. Signaling potentially serious health risks, a yellow pilot light warrants immediate professional attention.

 

 

Persistent Noises

When a heater makes constant noises, we recommend paying attention to the type of sound you hear. Doing so may reveal the source of your problem, which could be one of the following:

• Belt or fan issues usually squeal

• Loose parts in an air pump or condenser can bang around

• Warped fan blades and broken motors often scrape

• A decentered blower wheel might thump

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Compressor Running Constantly (Short Cycling)

When a heater erratically turns on and off, it may be short cycling. Failing to regularly maintain your heater will heighten the chances of short-cycling issues. That’s why it’s wise to invest in regular maintenance. Common causes for short cycling include:

• Heaters that are too powerful for your ductwork

• Unevenly distributed or obstructed vents

• An overheated thermostat

• A dirty air filter restricting airflow

• Condensate switch defects

• A corroded flame sensor

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Poor Air Quality

Over time, air ducts will naturally collect dirt, allergens, contaminants, and micro-organisms. When your heater turns on, the air will blow these unhealthy particles throughout your home, causing respiratory problems, allergies, and asthma attacks. Just like the surfaces in your house that need to be regularly cleaned, ductwork requires frequent maintenance to remove the grime, bacteria, pollen, mold spores, insect droppings, and pet dander that accumulate over time.

 

 

Carbon Monoxide Detection

Heaters that use natural gas, propane, or oil are vulnerable to carbon monoxide (CO) gas leaks. CO is colorless, odorless, and potentially deadly. Other symptoms of exposure to carbon monoxide include shortness of breath, dizziness, headaches, nausea, mental confusion, vomiting, decreased muscle coordination, heart/brain damage, and loss of consciousness. If you have a combustion heater, take this wise precaution: Have a professional install a carbon monoxide detector right away. A carbon monoxide detector will trigger an alert when toxic gases are present. Should this alarm sound, turn off the unit, ventilate your home, and call a professional immediately.

 

 

Inexplicable Cost Increase in Energy Bills

When your heating system has a defect, it may prove costly. High electricity bills can be caused by duct leaks, dirty filters, faulty thermostats, and numerous other deficiencies. The older a heater becomes, the more likely its efficiency has waned. If you notice your heater working overtime and your monthly utility bill constantly increasing (especially in winter), give us a call. We can save you money over time by installing a state-of-the-art unit, a heat pump, or a ductless system.