Everyone is juggling a lot, which means things like furnace tune-ups tend to fall through the cracks. Yet it’s critical to address issues with household systems before a catastrophic failure. As your system ages, regular maintenance, at least twice annually, becomes more important to staying ahead of problems.
Partnering with an experienced HVAC professional to keep your heating and cooling systems in top shape is worth the time it takes. An HVAC system is one of the most valuable assets in your home.
Seven Warning Signs That Your Heating System Needs Help
The earlier you catch an HVAC issue the more likely it is that a technician can repair it. In serious cases, getting an issue repaired can save lives as noxious gases or a fire may escape the system and impact people in your home. Here’s how early detection can impact your home:
- Fall cold snaps can stress your system early. If something is malfunctioning it can grow into a much bigger problem quickly as the system cycles on and off early in the season. As winter progresses it can be difficult to schedule a technician, making an emergency repair very expensive.
- Safety issues can arise when a system is not running efficiently. These include carbon monoxide leaks and inefficient combustion.
- Older systems may struggle to keep up when cold temperatures settle in to stay for a few months. If your system is not holding the temperature set on your thermostat or runs continuously, it should be evaluated for immediate repairs.
Warning signs that your system is struggling and may be having major problems include these symptoms to watch, listen, and smell for:
- Electrical or heating bill increases that aren’t matched with a corresponding increase in use. This is a strong symptom that the system is not running efficiently. The solution can be ductwork repairs, replacing worn out parts, and changing dirty filters.
- Unusual noises made by your heating system can indicate loose or broken parts. These sounds can include squeaking, popping, or grinding. Replacing malfunctioning parts quickly can prevent a major breakdown and more expensive repairs.
- Cold spots in your home, rather than a consistent, even amount of heat can result from blocked ductwork, a faulty blower, or dirty filters. Blockages can cause your system to run longer, putting additional stress on it, triggering other issues.
- Short cycling happens when the furnace runs frequently but doesn’t produce enough heat to fill the home. This issue can result from thermostat issues, running inefficiently, or not completely shutting off.
- Visible rust or corrosion on the furnace suggests a potential failing heat exchanger, poor venting, or dangerously aged parts. An inspection and replacement of old parts as well as improving ventilation to reduce moisture incursion is critical, as a rusted or corroded furnace may release dangerous gases into the home.
- Carbon monoxide alarms cannot be ignored. Blocked vents, a corroded furnace, clogged nozzle, or inefficient operation can produce dangerous gases that should not be ignored. Regular maintenance of a furnace is crucial.
- Burning or rotten egg smells that fill the space when the burner starts can be from the wrong amount of fuel in the system, wires burning, or clogged ducts. Due to the dangers associated with the fuel supply or burning wires, it’s imperative to have a trained technician track down the cause of the odor and make repairs.
When to Call Your Trusted HVAC Partner for Advice
Establishing a relationship with an HVAC company like Unified Home Solutions is key to the peace of mind that comes from confidence in your home’s systems. As heating and cooling professionals, their technicians care about keeping your family safe and secure by providing top-tier installation and maintenance services. Call today for a consultation.