How To Spot Common Heating Repair Problems

There are dozens of reasons your home heating system might not be delivering optimal heat to your home. Some are small enough, almost unnoticeable, and can be fixed with very little effort. But wait awhile, and you’ll soon have a full-blown problem on your hands.

The secret to having an energy efficient, fully operational heating system is to keep it operating at peak levels throughout its life. Of course, a furnace several years old may never run as efficiently as a brand new one. But if it’s maintained properly, it can help you control heating bills and stay warm and comfortable in the process.

Some of the more common heating problems are:

Air flow problems – an improper air flow results from a variety of things, including worn out bearings, belts, and fan motors. You can notice this if you find your furnace is overheating or improve heating controls.

Clogged or dirty air filters – this is the one issue that’s the easiest to fix on your own. Regular replacement of your air filters should be done monthly during the coldest months, quarterly if you’re not using your HVAC system as much, such as in the fall or spring. It also depends on your home life; a home with several kids and pets will benefit from changes more frequently than a working couple that spends little time at home.

Ignition issues – if you have ignition or pilot control issues, little or no heat will be generated into your system. Your heating system has an ignition or a pilot light. An ignition uses a resistance heating element, similar to a light bulb filament, while a pilot operates using a high voltage spark. It is controlled electronically.

Thermostat problems – thermostats control how much heat is produced and when it’s the proper time to produce it. Your thermostat can have a number of problems crop up, and prevent your HVAC system from operating the way it’s intended.

Wear and tear – like every appliance in your home, your heating system wears down over time. There are a number of essential mechanical components that your furnace relies on to operate properly, and if these parts aren’t at maximum efficiency, it can result in a system that doesn’t operate as intended.

Not scheduling preventative maintenance calls – by not performing standard preventative maintenance items throughout the year, the likelihood of facing costly repair bills or early replacement of your equipment increases exponentially. Nothing impacts the efficiency and longevity of your heating system more than not performing preventative maintenance.

When was the last time your heating equipment was inspected?