Though we’re in the middle of a pretty rainy and wet couple of weeks, temperatures have begun mellowing out to the point that pretty soon, we’ll be done using our heaters on a daily basis. It is officially spring, though, and you probably aren’t thinking very much about your heating system. Instead, you might be wondering if you should schedule your AC maintenance appointment now (yes, you should).
That doesn’t, however, mean that you should neglect your Norman, OK heating system. Air conditioning services are certainly important, as we’re all well aware of how sweltering our summers can get. But if you have any late-season heating repair needs, we urge you to address them before shutting down your heater for the season.
Does My Heater Need Repairs?
Of course, you may be wondering this—does your heater even need repairs? Outside of a professional inspection, how do you know? Fortunately, there are some telltale signs that your heater is, in fact, in disrepair and could benefit from a professional visit.
- It’s making unfamiliar and/or odd sounds. You may hear whining, banging, or even groaning sounds. None of these are normal, and they should never be ignored.
- You don’t feel any heat coming from the system. You might have tried turning up your thermostat to discover it’s not helping at all, and is actually forcing you to use your heater inefficiently.
- Your utility bills are higher this year than they were last year, even though it’s had the same level of use, or even less use, in comparison to last year.
- Your gas-powered furnace if burning a yellow pilot light, or is struggling to turn on or stay on. It might even be continuously operating without cycling off.
What Causes Heating System Problems?
There isn’t an easy answer to this—there can be a number of things going on. This is particularly true if you skipped maintenance this year, before the heating season started.
First off, you might actually have a thermostat malfunction, versus a problem with the actual heating system. The good news, in this case, is that it’s probably not an expensive fix. Even if you find you need a thermostat upgrade, this is a relatively easy and affordable service in comparison to other heating emergencies.
One thing to keep in mind, however, is that thermostat issues impact both your heating and cooling system, so you should definitely address this problem right away. This is one component of your HVAC system you’ll want to function well no matter the time of year.
There are some other potential heating system repair needs to be aware of. You might have damaged ductwork (this will also affect your air conditioner!) Or, you could have a clogged air filter (this should be changed or cleaned every 1-3 months.) Managing these components will protect the health of your heater and your air conditioner.
Another potential cause of heater malfunctions is an electrical issue within the system’s mechanical structure. This is definitely something you’ll want to call a professional for right away, since ignoring it can be bad for the system itself, in addition to your own safety.
At Comfort Incorporated, we keep your family safe, healthy and comfortable–call today, service today!
