Blog Post

8 Signs That Your Heating System Needs Repair Or Replacement

  • By Admin
  • 24 Oct, 2017

Whether you have a gas furnace or a heat pump, you rely on your heating system to keep your home comfortable and safe throughout the winter months. A healthy heating system can prevent burst pipes, provide good quality indoor air that encourages good health and efficiently heat your home.

Heating system issues can be both inconvenient and urgent. In many cases, realizing that there is a problem with your heater as soon as possible is crucial to arranging heating system repair or replacement in a timely manner so you don't have to live without heat during the coldest part of the year.

In this blog, we list eight warning signs to help you identify when you should call in a heating professional to assess your system.

1. Abnormal Sounds

When your HVAC system is in good shape, it should run with minimal noise. Just as a new air conditioner sound might be a cause for concern, you should have a professional investigate the source of any abnormal noises when your heating system turns on.

Noise changes can come from numerous sources, including broken components and build up, so you should have a professional identify the cause and address the potentially serious issue as soon as possible.

2. Constant Cycling

Modern heating systems are designed to run only when they're needed. Once your home reaches the correct temperature, your heater should stop blowing air until the temperature shifts.

If your heating system has become too inefficient, however, you may hear the system turn on and off constantly with no breaks in between. This cycling may point to the need for a professional cleaning, a failed compressor or an undersized unit.

3. Excessive Condensation on Windows

While your heating system should help regulate the moisture in your home's air to a degree, the heater should not be dramatically adding moisture. If you notice high levels of condensation on your windows and glass doors, consult with a technician.

If your system is blowing moisture, you're highly likely to notice other problems on this list as well because this issue indicates a fundamental problem in heater function.

4. Frequent Need to Adjust Settings

When you have an adequate heating system, you should be able to only change the temperature overnight and at the beginning of your day without the need for multiple adjustments in between.

If it feels like you constantly need to fiddle with your heater's settings to achieve a comfortable temperature, your heater has an efficiency problem that likely requires repairs.

5. High Power Bills

As your heating system ages, it will likely become less effective. This decrease in efficacy means that the heater will have to work harder to produce the same amount of heated air. Even if you don't notice extra cycling or the need for constant adjustments, you will probably notice a spike in your power bills.

If you think your bills are increasing, compare your energy costs for the last few years. If the expenses seem to constantly climb, you may need a heating system upgrade.

6. History of Frequent Repairs

Before most heating systems fail, the units require multiple repairs. While these repairs can take care of individual issues, a history of frequent repairs over the last two years indicates that the heater is on its last legs.

Before you contract another repair, discuss your replacement options. In many cases, replacement is a smarter investment than continual repairs.

7. Poor Indoor Air Quality

Many heating system issues come from the fact that these systems sit dormant for a significant portion of the year and may gather a lot of dust and debris during this time. If you notice dust blowing through your home or an increase in dustiness overall, your heating system may be to blame.

Some dustiness can be resolved with a simple cleaning. However, grime can also corrode system components, so if your heater hasn't been cleaned in a long time, repairs may be necessary as well.

8. Room-to-Room Temperature Changes

Unless you have a zoned heating system, the temperature in each room of your home should be fairly consistent, with minimal fluctuations around windows and doors. If you notice dramatic temperature differences when walking through your home, your heating system may have too small of a capacity for the size of your home.

Significant drafts and sudden temperature changes can also indicate that your current heating system is poorly suited to the needs of your household. Have a professional evaluate the system in relation to your home to determine whether or not you need an upgrade.

If you notice any combination of the warning signs listed above, schedule an inspection as soon as possible. In many cases, early detection and prompt action can minimize the work necessary and ensure that they system comes back on as soon as possible.

When you need reliable heating services, trust the expert team at Hartman Heating, Air and Fireplaces.

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