It’s a cold January night. You come home after fighting with the strong winds and brisk chill all day long. You’re ready to open your home’s door and be greeted by warmth.
However, your home seems to be taken over by the cold air outside. What do you do?
Your home heating system is an essential part of your home’s comfort level. Without proper heating, your home won’t have the ability to keep you warm during the cold winter months.
A broken heater might not be the same as a heater in need of some tune-ups, though.
How can you tell if you need heating repair, however? Knowing when to contact the professionals is the best way to ensure your heating and cooling system stays in excellent condition year-round.
In the guide below, you’ll discover a few different ways to tell if your heating system is ready for repairs or possibly a replacement. Continue reading below to learn more!
Table of Contents
Strange Noises
When your heating system kicks on and off, it’s going to make some type of noise. This is normal and is due to the system turning on and off.
When you begin to hear strange noises, however, that’s when you should be concerned.
If you believe there might be something wrong with your home’s heating system, then listen carefully to it as it works. Do you hear whistling, groaning, or clanking noises?
These are all signs that something’s going on with the system that requires repair.
Electrical Problems
Do you often find yourself needing to flip the breaker in order to turn the heating system back on?
A heating system that turns off suddenly without warning and causing a tripped breaker could have a serious electrical issue.
Not only is it frustrating to have to visit the breaker room each time this happens, but there’s more to be concerned about as well.
A heating system with a possible electrical issue could also be a potential fire hazard. Because of this, you should have a professional come out and make any necessary repairs as soon as possible.
Bad Odors and Smells
When you’re smelling the freshly-baked pie in the kitchen coming from the vent in your bedroom, this might not be something to worry about.
Smells from one room in your home can travel to other rooms. Although these smells aren’t something to worry about, there are a few bad odors or smells that you should make note of.
When your heating system kicks on, do you smell a musty odor? This could mean there’s a water leak.
You want to prevent mold and mildew from growing in your heating system and spreading to other areas in the house.
Another smell to watch out for is the smell of something burning. A burning smell could indicate issues with the electrical wiring. Both smells are signs you should contact a professional for heat repair.
Inability to Maintain Temperature
Does your heating system have trouble maintaining the temperature in your home? Does it take longer than normal to get your home to the temperature you desire?
If the heating system was working properly, then it wouldn’t have trouble doing either of these tasks.
The inability to maintain the temperature in your home is another sign that it’s in need of some repairs.
Moisture/Condensation Buildup
Aside from smelling a musty odor, have you noticed actual moisture or condensation in or around your heating system?
The liquid you see might not always be water, either. In some cases, this liquid is the refrigerant used to keep the system running.
If the refrigerant’s leaking, then this can create an even bigger health risk to those living in your home.
However, there are some other reasons why there might be moisture in or around the system. Either way, it’s essential to have a professional take a look at it.
Even water can cause health issues if mold were to grow and spread, so it’s best to address it as soon as possible.
Higher Than Normal Energy Bills
An efficient heating system is one that works properly and doesn’t cause your energy bill to increase significantly.
If you’ve noticed significantly higher than usual energy bills in the past couple of months, then it’s time to have the heating system checked.
There might be an issue causing the system to work harder than normal. In return, you’re seeing a high energy bill. There could be a few different reasons for this.
Make sure to have a professional come out and take a look at it, and bring your energy bill back down.
An Older Heating System
One of the last signs that it’s time for heating repair is an older system. How old is your heating system? A system older than 25 years is ready to be replaced.
Most systems last between 15-25 years. Unfortunately, even after regular maintenance and care, any heating system will need replacement after so many years.
If you’re not sure how old the system is, then be sure to have a professional come out and inspect the unit for you.
Is Your Home Heating System Running Efficiently?
Are you tired of your home heating system running inefficiently? Stop living in an uncomfortable temperature and paying high energy bills.
Use the information given in this guide above to help you determine if your heating system is due for repairs or replacement.
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