9 Signs You Need to Call a Heater Repair Service

Have you ever come home from a freezing winter only to find that your home heating system is not working?

This can be one of the most unnerving experiences of your life because the last thing you need is a cold house as well. Most heating systems come with a life expectancy of about 12 to 15 years, but you’ll need several repairs and maintenance checks in between to ensure longevity.

So, how do you know you need a heater repair service before it breaks down on you unexpectedly? In this comprehensive guide, we’ll discuss some of the most obvious signs that you need a heater repair service.

1. You Haven’t Had a Maintenance Check in Over a Year

When was the last time you had a professional HVAC technician run a maintenance check on your heating system?

Experts recommend having a furnace maintenance check at least once a year to maintain optimum function. If it has been over a year since you had an expert check on your system, it would be a wise idea to call one as soon as possible.

One of the major reasons why homeowners call heater repairs services is due to lack of maintenance. It’s possible that your heater won’t turn on simply because it’s dirty since it hasn’t been turned on for a long time. If your heater is dirty, it could cause equipment failure.

For instance, the heat exchanger will not work unless sufficient air moves across to prevent overheating. Simply put, a dirty blower could lead to heat exchanger failure, and a dirty air filter can cause even more problems.

To avoid these issues, call in a professional heating repair service before winter to ensure you’re ready by then.

2. Issues With the Thermostat

One of the most common complaints with central heating systems is that the thermostat is not turning on the heat. Most of the time, you’ll find that the thermostat is improperly set or malfunctioning. The main purpose of your thermostat is to regulate the amount of heat your heater generates.

Most thermostats are reliable and can remain so for years to come. However, eventually, it may develop issues after wear and tear and may require repair or replacement. Once you realize you are running into thermostat issues, it’s advisable for you to call in a professional heater repair service to check it out.

3. Low Refrigerant Levels

If your heater uses a heat pump, you may notice that the refrigerant level is too low. The issue with low refrigerant is that the heat strips come out too often, which leads to incredibly high utility bills. If these refrigerant levels remain too low for too long, your compressor will overheat and eventually break down.

For this reason, it’s better for you to call in a heater repair service to increase the refrigerant charge. The professional will check for refrigerant leaks or any underlying issues leading to low refrigerant levels. It’ll cost much less to fix these issues than having to replace the compressor entirely.

4. High Utility Bills

If you have been receiving high unexpected utility bills, your heating system may be the culprit. Central heating problems can lead to high utility bills because it means your heater is overworking due to various failure issues.

This is one of the biggest indications that you need to call in a professional heater repair service. For utility bills to rise, it could be a couple of problems combined, so have a technician check it out and fix all underlying issues before winter hits.

5. Your Heater Is Blowing Cold Air

If you noticed that your heater is blowing cold instead of hot air, it’s a sign that you have underlying heating issues. The most common problem, in this case, would be where the thermocouple or the pilot lights, both of which are very complex components.

It’s important for you to search for a competent heater repair service that will send in a specialized expert to check out these issues. This is also one of those problems that you should avoid DIY because you’re most likely to escalate instead of eliminating the problem.

6. On and Off Cycling

Have you noticed that your furnace keeps starting and stopping or cycling on and off? It means there’s something in the system causing it to shut down before completing a full cycle. A heater blowing cold air is one of those things caused by a wide array of problems.

For instance, repeated cycling may be a sign of a dying motor, and it could also be a sign of a dirty heat sensor. It’s important for you to hire an expert to diagnose the exact problem causing the on and off cycling.

7. You Notice a Puddle of Water Around the Heater

If you notice a puddle of water around your heater, it’s an indication that there’s a problem. Now, water is a byproduct of our furnace or air conditioner at work. Hence, the first thing you have to do is determine where the water is coming from.

Pooling water could be an indication of a leak coming from a clogged condensate line. It’s critical that you have a technician check it out before it gets out of hand.

8. Animal Activity Around the Heater

Rodents such as rats, mice, and squirrels can do plenty of damage to any mechanical system. If you notice any animal activities around your heater or HVAC system, then you may want to have it checked out for problems.

Signs of animal activity could be animal droppings or nesting materials. Look out for chewed wires or any clogs in the vents that could be an indication of mice or rat damage.

9. Weird Noises

It’s a given that your heater will make some noise during operation. However, when you notice irregular noises such as rattling or shaking, it could be an indication that there are loose mechanical elements.

In this case, it’s critical for you to have a professional conduct a tune-up. Call in an expert heater repair service to check for any damages that could be causing the noises, then conduct repairs accordingly.

Hire a Professional Heater Repair Service

These are some of the most common signs that you need to call in a professional heater repair service. From here, understand that furnace maintenance is prominent and should be done at least once a year to maintain optimal function.

If you have noticed any of these signs with your furnace, please get in touch with us, and we’ll be more than glad to fix it for you!

Cool Care Heating and Air
3102 Bronx Rd
Columbia, SC 29204
Phone: 803-772-7715
https://www.coolcarehvac.com/