We’re going to take a wild guess and say that you’re relying on your heater a fair amount to stay comfortable on a daily basis. That’s all well and good, provided that you’re aware of the kinds of problems that added demand can create under certain circumstances. If you want to keep your heating system going strong throughout the winter, one of the best things that you can do is familiarize yourself with the signs that indicate that it’s having a problem. Identifying problems quickly makes it easier to repair said problems before they can cause too much damage to the system. Have a look at some of the most common heating problems to watch for this fall.
Low Output
If your heater isn’t circulating enough warm air, or enough air at all, it most definitely has an issue of some kind that needs to be professionally checked. There are a few different kinds of issues that cause this problem. If you’re using a gas heating system, it’s possible that the burner assembly is partially or totally clogged. This will make it difficult, if not impossible, for the system to actually generate heat. It’s also possible that you have an air handler issue, which will lower the amount of air that the system can circulate. Finally, it could simply be that you have a clogged air filter. A clogged air filter will block most of the air in the ducts from entering the system, cutting down on its output as a result. That is probably the best-case scenario, as it’s the easiest to fix. Still, if you call a professional right away, the system shouldn’t suffer any lasting damage.
Odd Noises
Unless you’re using a brand new heater, you should know what it sounds like during operation. So, you should take notice if the system starts to make any unusual sound while it’s running. What kind of problem the system is having, and how severe the problem is, will depend on the noise it’s making. A deep booming sound often indicates delayed ignition in gas heating systems. Professional cleaning of the burner assembly should fix that problem. A grinding noise, meanwhile, can warn of a problem with your air handler. Regardless of the noise, though, the only way to tell for certain what the problem is is to have a technician take a look at the system. Make sure you call for repairs as soon as you hear anything unusual coming from it.
Short Cycling
Short cycling is when the system starts, and then stops before it can complete a full heating cycle. This dramatically accelerates the rate at which the system wears down over time, making problems occur more frequently and shortening the lifespan of the system. If you hear your heater turning itself on and off every couple of minutes, you should call for professional services as soon as possible.
DB Heating & Cooling, Inc. offers a full range of heating repair services in Bergen County, NJ. If you think your heater needs professional repair services, contact us today to schedule an appointment with one of our technicians.