8 Signs Your Heating System Needs Professional Attention
Keeping your home at a comfortable temperature during the cold winter months is essential for your overall health and well-being. A heating system that’s working properly plays a critical role in this. Unfortunately, like any other appliance, heating systems are prone to wear and tear from continued use, and they need to be serviced by a professional from time to time. But how can you tell when it’s time to call in an expert to inspect and possibly repair the device? Here are some of the signs that indicate your heating system requires hands-on professional expertise.
1. Strange or Unusual Sounds
Unusual noises such as banging, clanking, grinding, or squeaking sounds coming from your heating system should not be ignored. It’s usually a sign that something is wrong with your heating equipment and needs to be addressed by a professional. Common causes of this type of sound are worn bearings, failing motors, or electrical connections coming undone, not to mention clogs, dirt buildup, or drafting issues within your system.
An experienced HVAC technician will be able to utilize their technical experience to properly diagnose the problem. They’ll determine what kind of repairs are needed for your heater and how best to go about completing them. This can range from changing out parts, cleaning the system’s ducts, or rewiring broken connections to replacing outdated equipment altogether. Act fast on any problematic sounds from your heating system because ignoring them can cause further damage in the long run, making any potential fixes much more expensive down the road.
2. Constant Cycling
Constant cycling occurs when your heating system continually turns itself on and off throughout the day. Typically, this is caused by inefficient thermostat settings or a malfunction in a vital part of the system such as the burner or motor. In any case, if your heating system is constantly cycling, it’s a sure sign that professional attention is required.
An experienced technician can identify the exact cause behind the constant cycling and repair it. They might also inspect other essential components of your heating system to ensure that the problem doesn’t continue in the future. Without expert assistance, you could risk incurring substantial repairs and high energy bills due to inefficiency.
3. The Need to Adjust Your Settings Frequently
If you find yourself regularly having to adjust the settings on your heater just to maintain a comfortable temperature in your home, there may be an issue with the heating system. One of the most likely culprits is an aged thermostat, which might have become less accurate over time. In addition, it could be an issue related to ductwork or damaged components of the heating system itself. For example, a blower motor bearing or fan belt could be causing heated air to get trapped in the system and not effectively circulate throughout your space.
Plus, problems with the wiring may not allow power to get where it needs to go in order for your heating system to do its job as intended. Any of these issues should be checked out by a trained technician who can diagnose and repair any malfunctioning components of your furnace or heat pump.
4. Higher Utility Bills
Higher utility bills are a common symptom of an aging, inefficient heating system. From old boilers that can’t keep up when the temperature drops to furnaces full of cracks and crevices that allow heated air to escape, there are many places where you can lose money on your energy costs. If you’re noticing a significant increase in your monthly heating bill, it’s time to bring in some assistance. Whether the source is equipment incorrectly sized for your home, poor installation, or ventilation issues, a professional can accurately assess what’s causing your utility bills to skyrocket and see if a repair or an upgrade is necessary.
Not only do you need an efficient system that adapts to your needs throughout the year but also one that doesn’t cause an unexpected spike in electricity or gas usage. Taking care of this problem now will help save some added stress down the line.
5. Frequent Repairs
Regular maintenance on a heating system is essential for good performance and longevity. However, when your heating system requires frequent repairs, it is usually an indication your current unit might be nearing the end of its lifespan, and you should consult with a professional. An expert in the field can assess the situation, take into consideration the size of your home and your budget, and determine what equipment would best suit your residence for energy efficiency and other criteria. Furthermore, they can provide advice and accurate repair information to help avoid any future malfunctions.
6. Poor Indoor Air Quality
Poor indoor air quality is often caused by dust, pollen, pet dander, biological spores, and other allergenic materials that can cluster in the air of your home. This not only has adverse effects on the health of your family members but also leads to discomfort from respiratory issues such as sneezing, coughing, and congestion. In addition, unhealthy air inside your home can exacerbate preexisting respiratory conditions like asthma.
To keep this from occurring, it’s important to have a professional heating technician inspect your system regularly. Depending on its usage, most manufacturers recommend having your HVAC system serviced once every year. During these visits, the technician will identify any potential problems with your system and clean or replace parts if necessary. This helps to keep it running efficiently and safely while maximizing its lifetime performance and significantly reducing the chances of poor air quality in your living space.
7. Uneven Temperatures
Uneven temperatures can be caused by a number of issues such as leaky ducts, clogged filters, blocked indoor vents, or an undersized furnace unit. All of these can affect the efficiency of the overall system and have an impact on temperatures from one space to another within a house. In order to keep your home comfort level consistent and to ensure maximum energy efficiency, it is important to have your heating system assessed by a professional and taken care of as soon as possible.
8. Your Heating System Is Over 12 Years Old
The average lifespan of a heating system is estimated to be around 12 to 15 years, after which repair requirements increase steadily. If your heating system has been in use for longer than 12 years, it is an indication that you should consult a professional to assess its condition. Ignoring this warning can lead to dangerous issues arising due to overworked components and inefficient or ineffective performance of the entire unit. An experienced professional will be able to examine your system and suggest any necessary upgrades or repairs that might be required for the best possible functioning of the system.
Reach Out to Reliable Professionals
If you’re seeking dependable, experienced heating services in Louisville, Lexington, Elizabethtown, or elsewhere in Central Kentucky, look no further than our team at Absolute Services. We can handle any sort of furnace or heat pump you have. Our certified specialists furnish top-notch expertise to meet all your home comfort needs. In fact, we provide heating and cooling installation, maintenance, and repair as well as a complete line of electrical and plumbing services. We even take care of garage doors, and we’re committed to ensuring your satisfaction with our workmanship and customer service.
Let us help you keep your home safe and comfortable! Call us at Absolute Services today to take advantage of our services.
