As temperatures drop, homeowners become increasingly dependent on their heating systems. A system breakdown during winter can be devastating because it means staying for long periods in the cold without a source of heat. A breakdown might also lead to costly repairs or replacement of the heating system parts for optimal functioning. Therefore, you should watch out for common heating system warning signs to prevent your system from malfunctioning. If you spot any these signs, promptly contact a heating expert from El Indio AC to have it repaired and prevent further damage.
1. Short Cycling
Short cycling is when the system turns on and off frequently and irregularly. So, the system most likely doesn’t heat the house to the temperature you’ve set on the thermostat since it keeps turning off before it attains it. Your home’s occupants may feel uncomfortable with the constant rising and falling temperature brought about by this phenomenon. Short cycling can result from a dirty filter, and replacing it can solve the problem. Other causes include malfunctioning flame sensors, faulty thermostats, clogged vents, air leaks, or the furnace being too big for your home. A heating professional can help you diagnose the exact problem causing the short cycling and repair or replace the affected parts before the problem deteriorates any further.
2. Cold Air
Homeowners sometimes discover that their heating systems blow cold air instead of warm or hot air. A dirty air filter reduces your furnace’s efficiency and capacity to heat your home. The particulates it catches can prevent enough air from passing through the air filter for your system to heat it and then redistribute it throughout your home. Blocked vents also prevent sufficient hot air from the system from passing through and being distributed to the rest of your home. Your system may also blow cold air because of a faulty ignition system or incorrect thermostat settings. In the case that you experience this problem, promptly contact heating experts from El Indio AC to ascertain the exact cause and have it repaired.
3. Excess Noise
Homeowners should pay attention to unusual noises from their heating systems, as they may indicate a much more severe problem. These noises can result from delayed ignition caused by clogged or dirty burners. There also may be issues with the moving parts of your heating system, particularly the blower wheel, that may cause scraping and screeching noises. An expert from El Indio AC can help you solve this problem by lubricating or repairing these parts to prevent friction with the blower casing. If there are loud popping and banging noises, it could be an indication of a problem with your ductwork. Ignoring such a problem could cause the heat exchanger to crack, compromising your safety and contributing to costly repairs.
4. Odd Smells
If your heating system emits an odd smell, there could be a gas leak somewhere. The system’s electrical components may also have fried, causing a burning, plasticky smell from the heating system. Odd smells can indicate a dangerous problem like leaking chemicals that are a fire hazard to your home, compromising your safety. You should treat such smells as an emergency and immediately contact an HVAC professional to have the system diagnosed and repaired.
5. Constantly Running Blower
When your heating system’s blower is running constantly, the thermostat may not have been set to the AUTO position. The blower’s constant operation causes unnecessary wear on the blower motor. It also means that your fan will circulate air without actually heating it, which can help with evening out your home’s temperature but also can be an issue if it’s unintended. Additionally, the blower may run continuously because of a broken fan limit control switch.
6. High Energy Bills
Excessive energy bills are a sign that your heating system could be faulty. High energy bills are usually a result of your heating system working harder than usual. A clogged and dirty filter may cause your system to overwork, leading to soaring energy costs. Incorrect thermostat settings and clogged vents may also result in a rise in the amount of energy consumed in a home. Contact heating experts from El Indio AC to diagnose the problem and offer relevant solutions.
Rely on the Experts
Understanding the most common warning signs will make you aware of what you should look for in your heating system. Whenever you encounter any of the above signs, contact HVAC experts from El Indio AC to prevent costly repairs and further damage. We also offer comprehensive heating and cooling services in Tolleson, AZ, and the West Valley. Our services include repairing, installing, and maintaining ACs, heating systems, heat pumps, and ductwork. Contact El Indio AC today for exceptional HVAC solutions.
