Generally, you can expect your heater to outlive a lot of your other household appliances. In fact, a well-maintained heater can last up to twenty years without needing to be replaced.
That being said, if you want to get the most out of your heater, you’re going to need to keep it in good condition. That means recognizing the signs that something is amiss and requesting heater repair in a timely manner.
How can you make sure that your heater is functioning properly? What are the warning signs that you should take heed of right away?
Read on to learn seven clearcut signs that you need heater repair ASAP.
- You’re Not Feeling Well
A good HVAC system will help to filter the air coming in from the outdoors and create a high indoor air quality. However, if there’s something blocking up your heater, such as excess dirt or grime, things can move in the other direction.
Poor indoor air quality can lead to or exacerbate respiratory problems like allergies and asthma. If you notice an unusual and/or steady increase in symptoms like coughing, feelings of itchiness in the eyes or nose, and difficulty breathing, you may have poor indoor air quality as the result of a blocked up heater.
- Your Bills Are Going Up
When heaters are in need of repair, they tend to lose efficiency. That means that they’re pumping more air with more force, using–you guessed it–more electricity.
If you feel that your heating bills are high this year, there’s a way to find out. Take a look at your heating bills from the past few winters. If you notice a steady increase over time or a sharp increase between this year and last year, it’s time to invest in heater repair and get your heater running efficiently.
- Your Usual Temperature Setting Isn’t Cutting It
Almost every homeowner has their ideal temperature and they set their heater to it every winter. Whether your ideal temperature is 68 or 75, you’re going to notice if suddenly, it doesn’t feel comfortable anymore.
There are a number of factors that can cause your heater to stop meeting your temperature needs. In some cases, the fix is as simple as replacing the thermometer, which may be reading the temperature improperly altogether. No matter the cause, bringing in an expert is a surefire way to locate and fix it.
- Rooms Are Heating Unevenly
In some cases, you may find that one room feels perfectly pleasant while another room feels too hot or too cold. Rather than adjusting the heat each time you move from one room to another (which can drive your heating bill way up), ask an expert to get to the root of the problem.
You may have vents that are blocked up and need cleaning. You may also have a thermostat that’s not placed in an ideal location and is getting mixed signals. Chances are that the fix is simple and you can get back to feeling comfortable all over your house in no time.
- The Unit Is Making Strange Noises
While older heating systems, especially those that rely on iron radiators, tend to make a good amount of noise, newer systems do not. When you start hearing clanging, whirring, or buzzing sounds, it’s generally not a good sign.
Most often, unusual sounds coming from your heater indicate that a component has broken or come loose. You do not want to leave this issue unexamined, as these broken or loose components can become fire hazards or cause further damage to otherwise intact components.
As soon as you start to hear strange sounds, consider it time to make an appointment for heater repair. The longer you wait, the more likely it is that repairs will become increasingly expensive, making it cheaper to replace your heater completely!
- Your Pilot Flame Color Is Different
This one is only for old-school gas furnaces, which we’re seeing less and less of. Although they’re not as popular as they once were, it’s still important to discuss one of the signs that a gas furnace is in need of repair.
Your gas furnace should display a bright blue pilot flame indicating that the gas is being burned properly. If the flame becomes weaker, changes color, or starts to flicker, it indicates that something is awry.
In some cases, it could mean that the gas is not burning completely. It could also mean that the carbon monoxide is not venting away from the system, presenting a serious health and safety hazard.
When an old gas furnace starts to malfunction, it’s often best to replace it with something newer. However, a professional can better assess the situation and what needs to be done.
- It Has Been Over a Year Since You Had Your Heater Inspected
Our good friends and HVAC experts at Schneidermechanical.com recommend that you get your heater and air conditioning unit inspected about once a year. That way, you can address any problems before they become more severe.
If it’s been over a year since you last had your heater inspected, consider this your reminder!
Get Heater Repair and Extend the Life of Your Heater
Your heater is built to last for up to twenty years–with a little help from you! Keep an eye on your heater and look out for these seven signs so you know when to get heater repair before it’s too late. A little maintenance from year to year can go a long way!
Looking for more ways to maintain your home and keep your property value high? Are you thinking of doing a remodel or selling your home? Take a look at more of our content for useful tricks and tips that every homeowner should know about.
