Have you ever been stuck in a cold home without heat when the temperature outside is dropping? It is not a pleasant situation and can be a very stressful experience. While emergency repairs are sometimes unavoidable for an HVAC system, there are some steps you can take to help prevent your heater from breaking down.
Common Signs of Heating System Problems
It’s easy to take your heating and air conditioning unit’s comfort and security for granted. That is until something goes wrong. Suppose you’re noticing warning signs that it might be malfunctioning or not up to par. In that case, it’s important to troubleshoot the problem as soon as possible before it becomes a bigger repair or replacement job.
Here are some common signs that your unit needs heating repair Incline Village NV.
Unusual smells that seem to linger in the home
A heating unit’s emissions can cause strange smells that linger in the home. These odors are often caused by volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which are chemicals that evaporate quickly and tend to emit harmful gas fumes. This is why it’s important to vent your system regularly, especially if you live in a densely populated area or have children who spend a lot of time indoors.
Additionally, some heaters use high-emitting gases like propane or natural gas, which can also contribute to unpleasant indoor scents. If you notice an abnormal smell coming from your home’s ventilation system, contact a local utility company for more information about the problem and possible solutions.
Noises like squeaks, rattles, and whirring
A lot of heating systems emit strange noises due to their mechanics. Most of the time, these noises are harmless and can be ignored. But if they become too loud or persistent, you should have them checked out by a professional.
Here are some common causes of strange noises from heating units:
- Bent or corroded metal parts – Bent or corroded metal parts will create lots of friction and noise when used.
- Broken or missing parts – If certain parts of the heating unit are damaged or missing, they will cause noise.
- Defective motors – If your motor is faulty, it will make weird noises when in operation. Again, a professional should check this out to ensure that your unit is functioning properly and causing no harm.
- Worn-out parts – As heaters age, certain parts can wear out and cause strange noises. It is especially true for older models that are no longer under warranty.
- Poor airflow – Weak airflow can also cause strange noises since the fan and other components must work harder to push air through the system.
Inefficient heating, which results in uneven indoor temperatures
Heaters are designed to produce uniform indoor temperatures, but this is often not the case. Inefficient heating usually occurs when a unit is circulated around the room rather than being focused on one area. As a result, parts of the room can get hotter and cooler than intended, which can cause uneven temperature readings and overall poor air quality.
Another reason why inefficient heating might happen is that heaters emit waves or “ripples” that travel along walls and ceilings. These ripples create pockets of cold or hot air in different home areas, leading to unappealing extremes in temperature. To avoid these problems, make sure your system is properly placed in accordance with your home’s layout and that there are no obstructions between it and the rest of your interior spaces.
Higher than usual utility bills
Heating systems use a lot of energy; as the weather gets colder, they will need to work harder to keep indoors warm. This can lead to higher utility bills due to the extra electricity usage. Additionally, older systems that are not well-maintained may not be able to heat up your home as efficiently as a newer model would. In these cases, you may end up with high utility bills even though you’re using less energy overall.
One way around this is to test out different thermostats in order or adjust them to achieve good indoor air quality all year round without any spikes in utility costs. You can also insulate your windows and doors better in cold winter months so that wind doesn’t enter and increase temperatures inside unnecessarily.
Frequent cycling between on and off
As with an air conditioner, a heating unit may cycle on and off for several reasons, including low air filters, clogged or dirty heat exchangers, and worn-out thermostats. If the problem is not addressed quickly, it may result in a fire.
It’s important to schedule an appointment with your provider if you notice that your heater is cycling often or has started burning oil. They will perform an inspection and determine the best course of action to prevent the likelihood of damage or injury.
An increase in dust and debris circulated through the air ducts
Heating systems are a major source of dust and debris in a home. Air ducts are designed to move air, but it becomes difficult for the air to move freely once filled with dust and debris. It usually leads to poor airflow, high energy bills, structural home damage, and related problems. You should keep the heating unit and air ducts clean by removing all debris, including everything from leaves to dirt.
Clean the exterior of the heating unit. Either use a hose or vacuum cleaner to clean the outside of the unit. If possible, invest in a HEPA filter on your vacuum cleaner to trap any particles smaller than 0.3 microns. A dehumidifier can also remove moisture from the air, which will help reduce the dust and debris circulating through the air ducts.
Frequent breakdowns
Frequent breakdowns are a sign that your heating system requires repair or maintenance. It may be due to the age of the unit, which can cause more problems over time. Incorrect settings or a blockage in the air ducts could also be to blame. You should call a professional to inspect the system and determine the best course of action.
In addition to scheduling regular HVAC service maintenance, make sure that your heating system is set to the correct temperature and avoid using it for extended periods. Doing so will reduce the chances of a breakdown or malfunction.
Essential Tips to Avoid an Emergency Heating Repair
An emergency heating repair can be expensive and stressful. But with a few preventive measures, you can save yourself from the headache and expense of dealing with a complete system failure.
Avoid emergency repairs by following these simple tips.
- Regular Maintenance
Having your heater inspected twice a year—in the spring and fall—guarantees that all parts are working properly and that any small problems can be fixed before they become bigger ones. During these inspections, have your technician check for signs of wear or damage that could lead to more serious issues in the future. All connections must be secured, and the moving parts should be lubricated properly.
- Change Air Filters Regularly
Clogged air filters make it harder for air to flow through the heater and air conditioning unit, leading to strain on other components or even causing them to fail entirely. Most manufacturers recommend changing out your filters at least once every three months, but this may need to be done more often if you have pets in the house or live in a dusty area.
- Clear Debris From Outdoor Components
Make sure there is nothing blocking access to outdoor units like condensers or heat pumps, as debris like leaves and dirt can cause them to overheat or malfunction due to a lack of airflow. Also, check for debris inside the outdoor components, such as fans or coils. If debris is present, use a brush or vacuum cleaner with a soft brush attachment to remove it gently without damaging the internal components.
- Monitor Temperature Settings
Pay attention to the temperature setting on your thermostat. Setting it too low could cause your unit to work harder than necessary to reach the desired temperature – leading to unexpected breakdowns or failures. It is recommended to set your thermostat as high as comfortably possible during colder months. In most cases, a setting between 68-72 degrees Fahrenheit is ideal for indoor comfort.
- Choose Quality Components
When selecting parts for your heating and cooling system, choose quality components intended for long-term performance. Cheaper ones may seem appealing at first glance, but they often don’t last as long as higher-quality parts, which means you could end up paying more in the long run due to increased repair expenses and shortened equipment lifespans. Investing in good-quality components now will save you money by reducing the likelihood that you’ll need frequent repairs or replacements.
Contact Lincoln Heating & Air for Emergency Heating Repair Services
Trust us! No one wants to deal with an emergency in Incline Village, NV and even in other regions. To prevent this, you must always keep these tips in mind and take the right measures for preventive maintenance.
Call us immediately if your home gets too cold in the winter or if you experience any other heating problems. Our emergency heating repair services are available 24/7, and we will respond to your call as soon as possible. Backed by excellent customer service and competitive prices, Lincoln Heating & Air is the best choice for heating repair, a new system, and other HVAC services.
Request an estimate by calling us at (775) 984-8010.