When the temperature dips and your heater comes to your rescue, it works around the clock to keep your home warm. Age related deterioration and improper use can cause your heater to develop problems. The last thing you need on a chilly winter night is a malfunctioning heater. A faulty heater can stop working unexpectedly, leaving you high and dry.
Here are some other reasons why you shouldn’t ignore a bad heater.
Safety Hazards
A malfunctioning heater can pose serious safety hazards. It can start a house fire or release carbon monoxide fumes into your rooms, causing carbon monoxide poisoning. A faulty heater can also lead to electrocution.
Do not take any chances and contact an HVAC expert immediately if your heater is not working properly. Heating contractors Santa Rosa have acquired specialized knowledge. They understand the nature of heater problems and are equipped to fix them once and for all.
Health Risks
A faulty heating system can circulate dust, mold spores, and other allergens in your home, affecting indoor air quality. Uneven or inadequate heating can exacerbate the symptoms of respiratory conditions. When individuals living in your household with seasonal allergies inhale pollen, mold spores, or other allergens, it can trigger an allergic reaction.
Increased Energy Costs
A malfunctioning heater uses more energy to heat your living space, leading to higher electricity bills. It is forced to work longer and harder and eventually overheats. Timely repairs can help maintain your heater’s efficiency and keep energy costs down.
Further Damage
Do not ignore heater problems or things can go from bad to worse quickly. If left unaddressed, a minor heater problem may snowball into a major issue that can affect your heater’s performance. Consequently, delaying the resolution could lead to higher repair costs. Additionally, serious, and irreversible damage to your heater might necessitate its replacement earlier than anticipated.
Warranty Voidance
Most manufacturers require their customers to have a professional inspection and maintain their heating systems regularly in order to keep the warranty valid. If your heater is still under warranty, and you fail to address heater problems promptly, your warranty may be voided.
A Faulty Heating System Can Affect Your Home’s Resale Value
If you plan to sell your home, a well-maintained heater can be a selling point. Conversely, a malfunctioning system can reduce your home’s market value. Prospective home buyers may try to negotiate a lower price by pointing out that you have a faulty heater, and they may have to spend more on repairs and maintenance to keep it running.
Legal and Insurance Implications
In some jurisdictions, homeowners who fail to maintain their heating system can face legal action, especially if it is considered a safety hazard and causes an accident. Some insurance policies may not cover damages caused by a poorly maintained heating system.
Common Heater Problems
Here are some common heater problems and their solutions
Dirty Filters
A heater’s filters are designed to trap airborne particles. Over time, they can become clogged with dust and debris. Clogged filters can restrict airflow, causing the heater to work harder, potentially leading to overheating. Heating contractors in Santa Rosa recommend replacing air filters every 30-60 days (depending on usage). If you or someone else in your household has a seasonal allergy, consider inspecting and replacing your filters more frequently- around every three weeks.
Pilot Light Problems
Older heating systems have a pilot light designed to produce a small flame to ignite the gas coming out of the burner. From a faulty thermocouple to a dirty orifice, there are several things that can cause the pilot light to go out. Make sure your pilot light is clean and check the gas supply. If you suspect an ignition problem, have a professional inspect the ignition mechanisms.
Noisy Operation
Strange rattling, banging, or whining sounds coming from your heater can indicate mechanical problems, loose components, or airflow problems. Try tightening loose heater components and make sure your filters are working properly. If the problem persists, reach out to a professional for help.
Thermostat Issues
If the heater is not producing enough heat or is heating unevenly, your thermostat may be to blame. Make sure the thermostat is set to “heat”. If the batteries are too old, change them. Place your thermostat in a cool area and check wiring. If problems persist after you have tried everything, the thermostat may need to be recalibrated or replaced.
Blower Runs Continuously
If your blower doesn’t turn off, the limit switch may have developed a problem and may need to be adjusted or replaced by an HVAC expert.
Heater Not Working at All
If the heater won’t turn on, a blown circuit or tripped circuit breaker may be interrupting the power supply to it. Thermostat problems, airflow problems and electrical problems can also prevent your heater from coming on. Make sure your heater is plugged into a functional outlet, you’re using the correct thermostat setting, and the gas supply is not disrupted.
Short Cycling
Short cycling happens when a heater turns on and off too frequently. It can be caused by airflow problems, overheating, a clogged filter, or a malfunctioning thermostat. Adjust thermostat settings, check for airflow issues, replace your filters, and consider replacing the thermostat if necessary.
Insufficient Heat
If the heater is on but not producing enough heat, you may have clogged filters. Maybe one or more of your vents are blocked or your furnace is not the right size for your home. If your filters are dirty, replace them. Make sure your vents are open and unblocked, and you are using the right size heater.
Temperature Solutions Inc is one of the most trusted heating contractors in Santa Rosa. Our HVAC technicians are equipped to troubleshoot complicated heater problems. Our team educates our customers about the different types of heating and cooling systems. To request a free quote, call (707) 326-0424.