It’s no secret that home heating systems cost a lot of money. This is why there are many homeowners who carefully pick out the right system to install in their home. But no matter how much the system may cost, it could become damaged if it isn’t taken care of properly. When this happens, everyone in the household suffers. The central heating system is no longer able to do its job properly.
The best way to avoid such instances is to make sure you perform a routine maintenance on your furnace. Even if you don’t hire a professional to check your heating condition, it still is important that you know how to troubleshoot your system. Here are some of the most common home heating issues that you may encounter and what you can do about them:
Problem #1: Lack of Maintenance
Most of the home heating problems can be traced to a lack of maintenance in the home heating system. If you don’t regularly get your heating system maintained, it will probably break down sooner or later. Along with this, you can experience higher energy costs and discomfort at home.
If your system is properly maintained, the technician will be able to quickly diagnose problems even before they happen. Maintaining your heating system may cost money, but it is more expensive to deal with a busted system. This is why it’s so important that you have your heating regularly maintained by a professional.
Problem #2: Dirty Filters
Regular replacement of the filters is necessary in your heating system so that you can make sure that it will not be clogged or trap dirt. This can be a big help in extending your furnace’s lifespan and efficiency. If you have a dirty filter, the airflow will be restricted. As a result, your heating system will be working harder to make sure warm air is circulated throughout your home. The problem with this is that it could cause your furnace to strain itself and produce comfort problems.
Problem #3: Noisy Heating
One clear indication that you may have some problem with your heating is if it starts producing loud noises such as a clang or a bang. In some cases, your vent could have a loose screw, bolt, or nut that could be banging inside the system. A dirty filter or an improperly inserted filter could also produce loud noises in your furnace. The sound usually occurs when you switch your furnace on or off. If you suspect that these loud sounds are unusual, it may be best to have it checked by a professional.
Problem #4: Weak Pilot Light
The pilot light is installed in your furnace as an indication that your furnace is properly heating the room. Since the pilot light should be blue and strong, it may indicate a problem if the light turns weak and yellow. When this happens, it could be because of a high carbon monoxide level in your home. This is a fatal situation where you need to call a professional as soon as possible.
Problem #5: High Energy Bills
If you’ve been using your heating system for quite some time, you will have a gauge as to how much your energy bill should be every month. So when something goes wrong with your energy costs, it could be because your furnace is not working properly. If your energy costs are skyrocketing, it could mean that your furnace is working harder to keep your home comfortable. This is a clear sign that it needs repair.
Problem #6: Partial Loss of Heat
Another common home heating problem may be noticed when you see that your furnace does not work as good as it did before. Even if you are still getting heat, you may notice that there are a few issues going on in your system. This could be because you have a leak or blockage in your ductwork. It could also be because your radiators need bleeding so that trapped air can be released.
Problem #7: Complete Loss of Heat
On the other hand, if you encounter no response from your heating system when you switch it on, it could be because of a bigger problem. If your system is not getting electrical power, you may need to call an electrician to help you out. If your pilot light is not igniting, it could be because of a problem with your gas supply; which is why you should call your gas supplier.
And if you’re unsure of what to do, make sure you call a professional home heating system company to help you identify the problem and get your furnace working in no time.
Written by the staff of Controlled Aire Heating and Cooling in Moberly, MO.