There is possibly nothing worse than your heating system breaking down all of a sudden in the middle of the winter season. But, don’t worry. There is a way to avoid it. Just like our bodies, the heating system also has its own way of letting you know when something is wrong. If you’re looking to decipher the clues that indicate that your heating system is malfunctioning, this blog goes over things like strange noises, unexpected spikes in electricity bills and sudden bursts of cold air from the vents that you should watch out for.

Hints For Help From Your Heating System: What To Watch Out For

From fighting off the winter chill to keeping you warm and comfortable throughout the cold season, your HVAC  systems do a lot. But what happens when they break down? While malfunctions are inevitable, being aware of all the indicators of the emergency can be a great help.

Here is a look at how your HVAC system warns you that there is something wrong

Strange Noises

Your HVAC system is supposed to hum quietly, not cause a  ruckus. If you hear banging, squeaking or clanging sounds coming from the air vents, there’s probably something wrong with the belts or other parts of your system and should be addressed immediately.

Temperature Fluctuations

If you experience a sudden drop in your indoor temperatures or a spike, you should know that something is very wrong with your heating system. It could be the thermostat or it could even be the air flow. Schedule an HVAC service quickly to have an expert resolve the issue.

Spiked Energy Bills

Another less commonly understood indicator of a malfunctioning HVAC system is if you notice a sudden spike in your electricity bill. This means that your HVAC system is having to work harder than usual and should be inspected by a professional to find and fix the cause.

Short Cycling

Your heating system is supposed to keep running a while before it turns off. If you notice that the cycle is much shorter than usual, then your furnace is trying to tell you that something’s wrong with it. Contact a heating system expert immediately to have the problem resolved.

Weak Air Flow

If you find that some rooms are warmer than the others and the vents aren’t as powerful as you’d like them to be, you’ve probably got a clogged filter, damaged blower motor or even blocked ducts. Contact your HVAC team to have a look.

Cool Air

Your heating system is supposed to keep you warm and toasty in the winter; not chill you to the bones. If your vents are blowing cool or lukewarm air, there might be something wrong with the pilot light or burner and should be fixed as soon as possible.

Foul Odors

Your heating system isn’t supposed to give off any smells. If you smell something burning or the smell of rotten eggs, you might have a gas leak or an overheated motor. Turn off the system and call in an emergency HVAC service without wasting any more time.

Pilot Light Issues

If you ever notice that the pilot light is yellow instead of blue or keeps flickering, it’s a cause for concern. Your heating system may not be receiving enough gas or there could be a leak. Have an expert check out the problem immediately.

Poor Air Quality

Your heating and cooling system is supposed to filter out dust, polin and allergens inside your house. If you notice more dust than usual or that you start sneezing without reason, you should probably get your filters and air ducts checked.

Frequent Breakdowns

If your HVAC technician becomes a frequent visitor to your property, it’s probably an indicator that your HVAC system is either too damaged or too old to keep it up for much longer. Talk to an expert and have it replaced before it breaks down in the middle of a snowstorm.

Conclusion

To conclude, having a malfunctioning heating system is terrible in the middle of the winter season, but most of the discomfort and shock of the experience can be avoided if you know it’s coming. Keep an eye out for things like loud noises, yellow pilot lights and restricted airflow from your vents so that you are always ready and can contact an expert contractor before your HVAC system truly stops working. We hope this blog was informative. For further questions, please ask.

 

FAQs

How long do heating systems last?

Given the right maintenance, heating systems can last from 15 to 25 years.

How often should a heating system be professionally inspected?

A heating system should be inspected at least once a year for efficient performance.

What is the most commonly requested heating system repair service?

A faulty capacitor replacement is the most commonly requested HVAC repair service.