When winter’s cold winds start blowing, it feels good knowing that your heater will keep your home cozy. No one wants to worry about the furnace going out in the middle of a frigid night. Thankfully, if the system is on the verge of breaking down, it will show warning signs so you can take care of the problem before it turns into an emergency.
Quality Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electric provides reliable heating services in Kellyville, OK, and we see the same heater issues time and time again. Staying alert to these clues of impending trouble can help prevent a heating failure and keep your home warm and safe.
Call a Kellyville Heating Professional If You Notice These Indications of Heating Malfunctions
Heating systems typically don’t fail without warning. There are almost always hints of trouble brewing, and the sooner you respond to them, the less likely it is you’ll have to deal with an inconvenient breakdown and huge repair bills.
With that in mind, don’t ignore these heater issues, signs, and symptoms.
Inconsistent Heating
Are you constantly adjusting the thermostat because it’s too cold or too hot? Do some rooms feel much colder than others? Does it seem like there isn’t much air flowing from the vents?
Any time the heater doesn’t produce even and reliable warmth, there’s something wrong somewhere in the system. Poor heating and temperature fluctuations, for example, often mean the thermostat is malfunctioning, while weak airflow or cold spots are often signs of faulty ductwork or a failing blower motor.
Strange Sounds or Smells
You’re accustomed to the noises that your heating system makes when it’s running. That’s why you probably take notice when it makes strange noises, like banging, squealing, screeching, rattling, or humming. Unusual noises are one of the earliest indications of heater issues and can mean anything from a loose screw to an electrical issue or part that’s in imminent danger of failure.
Equally concerning for Kellyville homeowners is the sudden appearance of unusual odors. A new smell often means serious trouble that requires immediate attention. A gas or oil smell, for instance, often means there’s a leak in the system, which is a dangerous situation for everyone.
Other smells don’t necessarily spell imminent peril, but they still need addressing. A persistent burning smell might signal overheating components or a problem with the wiring, while a musty odor often means there is mold somewhere in the system.
Short Cycling
Short cycling means that the system turns on and off repeatedly without actually producing much (or any) heat and is a surefire sign of a malfunction somewhere in the system. It might occur with other heater issues and signs, and, in some cases, the system will turn off entirely until you repair it.
Sometimes, short cycling occurs because the system is the wrong size for your Kellyville home, but it’s more likely that the culprit is a malfunctioning thermostat or a clogged air filter. In any case, because the constant cycling puts more wear and tear on the equipment, prompt attention is a must.
Increasing Energy Bills
Energy costs are on the rise, even in Kellyville, but a sudden, unexpected, and substantial increase in your monthly expenses should give you pause. When the costs spike without a subsequent increase in usage, that can be a sign that your heating system isn’t working as efficiently as it once did. This might be due to age, but there may be something else happening with the equipment that’s forcing it to work harder.
Ignition and Pilot Light Problems
If it doesn’t seem like the furnace is kicking on when it should, or it doesn’t stay on, there could be a problem with the pilot light or ignition. One obvious clue of an issue is a discolored pilot light. The flame should always burn a steady blue color; if it’s yellow, orange, or any other color, something’s wrong, and your heater needs professional service.
Keep Your Kellyville Home Warm: Don’t Delay Heating Repairs
Spotting heater issues signs is just the beginning of keeping your Kellyville, OK, home comfortable when the temperatures drop. You need to take action to not only get the heat flowing again but also to ensure the longevity and efficiency of your equipment. Get in touch with Quality Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electric at the first sign of heating system problems, and enjoy reliable warmth without the risk of ongoing trouble or premature furnace replacement.
