Unusual noises, a burning smell, and a heater that shuts off more frequently than usual are all signs that it’s time to call a heating repair professional. A minor problem caught during routine maintenance can prevent a major repair or replacement, saving homeowners money in the long run.
Every mechanical device is going to make some noise while it runs. While it may be easy to become used to the low humming of your heating system, any new or unsettling sounds should be taken as a warning sign and investigated immediately. Knowing which sounds are normal and when to call a professional will help you feel more confident in maintaining your heater.
Rattling and clunking noises can often be the result of loose components. As the seasons change, screws and panels can shift and shake while the system is running. These rattling sounds can be easily fixed by tightening loose screws and panels. However, if the sound persists, it is a sign of loose parts inside your furnace or heat pump that need to be secured. A professional technician can determine what part is open and fix it.
Scraping and thumping sounds can also result from a broken component in your furnace. A scraping sound can mean that a blower wheel or motor mount has come loose and is hitting against the sides of the unit. A thumping sound can result from a cracked heat exchanger, a failing blower motor, or a faulty fan motor bearing. If you hear any of these sounds, turn off your heater and open the access hatch to check for a loose part or a need for lubrication.
Another common heater sound is a whistling noise. According to Den Garden, a whistling sound can be caused by a dirty air filter, gaps or holes in your vents, or a loose fan belt. In most cases, replacing your air filter or ensuring the ducts are clean will solve this problem.
If you hear a loud booming sound when you turn on your furnace, it is an urgent signal that it’s time to call for service. This sound typically occurs when there’s a delay in gas ignition inside your system, which can be extremely dangerous for you and your family. A professional will be able to inspect the problem and fix it before it gets worse.
One of the most common signs that a heater needs repair is loss of power. A power outage can cause your furnace to shut down, so checking if your breaker box has been tripped is important. It may be a simple fix by flipping the switch back on if it has. However, you may need an electrician to inspect the wiring and make any necessary repairs.
In some cases, the problem can be more serious. If the breaker box is frequently tripped, your system will likely be overloaded and need to be replaced or upgraded. Taking steps to prevent over-usage can help you avoid needing a professional.
Another common sign of a malfunctioning furnace is uneven heating in the home. When a heating unit ages, it will lose its ability to distribute heat evenly, causing some rooms in the house to be warmer or colder than others. A newer, more efficient heating unit installed before winter arrives can help you avoid this issue and ensure that all home parts are warm and comfortable.
If you have a digital thermostat, ensure it is set to the correct temperature. If it’s not, it will need to be recalibrated by a professional.
Checking the pilot light is another easy thing that you can do. A healthy pilot light should be bluish, indicating that the ratio of gas and air is well balanced. If it’s yellow, you must immediately call for a professional.
When you need to hire a heating repair service, make sure that the company offers terms and conditions that are clear and fair to their customers. Also, be sure to find out whether or not they offer insurance coverage in case something goes wrong during the repair job. This way, you can feel confident working with a reputable company. This will give you peace of mind and reduce stress during the repair process. Moreover, the insurance policy will protect you from any potential legal issues during the repair.
When dust accumulates in your home faster than usual, you may reach for the rags and cleaner more often. However, it’s important to recognize that the dust in your house may speak to a bigger problem with your heating system and indoor air quality.
When your heater runs, it carries a lot of dust throughout the house through its ductwork and vents. This dust is typically deposited on surfaces around the heater, electrical outlets, and along studs and joists on walls. The dust also tends to carry extra mold spores, which can irritate allergy and asthma symptoms.
Dirt can also collect on the coils of your heater when it’s in use, particularly if you have a heat pump system. When dirt gathers on the evaporator coil, it can restrict its ability to absorb heat. This can cause the coil to ice, which requires professional heating repair.
In addition, dust can also build up in the interior of your furnace, clogging up its filter and blower. This will reduce the efficiency of your unit and lead to higher utility bills.
Regular maintenance of your HVAC system will help to limit dust accumulation. Be sure to change the air filter regularly and clean washable filters as directed. It’s also a good idea to vacuum your floors and wipe down surfaces frequently to minimize dust.
Lastly, you can limit dust in your home by ensuring all occupants remove their shoes upon entering. This can greatly reduce the dust that makes its way into the air.
If your pilot flame is yellow or orange, it indicates something is wrong with your heater. If left unchecked, this could cause carbon monoxide to be released into your property, which is not only unhealthy but can be deadly. Carbon monoxide is an odorless and tasteless gas that can lead to dizziness, breathlessness, headache, nausea, and unconsciousness. It’s, therefore, vitally important to switch off your boiler and gas supply and call in a professional as soon as you notice that your pilot flame is changing color.
There are several reasons why your pilot light might be burning yellow or orange. One possibility is that it is simply not igniting properly, which can be easily fixed using a long-handled match (like those designed for lighting barbecues) to carefully light the pilot orifice and ensure you follow all safety instructions. Alternatively, you can try turning the pilot light’s dedicated screw which will adjust the flame size (check the manufacturer’s manual for details).
Alternatively, there could be a problem with the thermocouple, which is responsible for ensuring that the flame is engulfed by sufficient oxygen to ignite and burn gas safely. If the thermocouple is misaligned or covered in dirt, it can trigger a safety shut-off, cutting off the gas supply to your pilot light.
Another reason your pilot flame might be burning yellow is that there’s a build-up of dirt on the pilot opening. The best way to prevent this is to ensure you have a clean gas intake valve, which can be done by having your boiler serviced regularly and draught-proofing your home where necessary.
In addition, you can also use a can of compressed air to blow out both the air entry hole and the hole where the pilot flame would be. It would help if you did this routinely to keep your gas line, pilot, and combustion chamber clean. If you’ve tried all these steps and still can’t get your pilot light to ignite and burn blue, then it’s time for a heater repair appointment.