When Does a Heating System Need Some TLC?
Proper heating repair and maintenance is critical to surviving the cooler seasons in Northern climates. Winter chills are easier to manage when homeowners rely on their heaters to do what is needed and expected. But while there is no real arguing about the importance of heating maintenance, how can homeowners know when their system is running less efficiently and requires some TLC?
Three common signs that a heating system might need maintenance or repair work include high utility bills, strange noises and smells coming from the system, and unusual performance issues. Let's take a deeper look at each of these now!
Unusually High Energy Bills Despite Conservative Steps to Be Efficient
It is common for utility bills to increase when the temperatures rise or fall. In the winter, the heater is likely getting quite the workout, so energy use and bills are likely higher than at other times of the year. However, if the bills are higher than usual, and normal conservative steps such as lowering indoor temperatures and ensuring heat loss is not occurring in the house are yielding no real results, then there might be an issue with the heater itself.
A responsible homeowner will keep an eye on utility bills and energy use throughout the various seasons, making it easier to note when things start to look odd. Higher than usual bills that can't be explained by one-off energy usage spikes should be taken as a warning sign that the heating system might be on the way out. Scheduling a heating system repair and a service call will keep the heater working all season long.
Unexpected Smells and Unusual Sounds From the Heating System
Many homeowners are used to that first 'burning' smell when the heating system is turned on for the first time as the temperatures drop. This is normal and usually shouldn't last long. If frequent smells or odors come from the ductwork or even the heating unit itself, that should be considered a red flag.
Loose attachments, damaged components, overheating coils, frayed wires, or other issues can cause parts to overheat and even smoke or catch fire, leading to odd smells and odors. Additionally, strange clanging, rattling, whirling, or other unusual noises should not be ignored as they could indicate a potentially major issue with the heating system.
Professional inspections and routine maintenance are the best way to catch these issues early on so they can be fixed sooner rather than later. An imminent breakdown could be on hand if these warning signs are ignored.
Insufficient Heating and Poor Overall Performance of the System
The final big clue that a heater repair service call might be in order is when a large decline in system performance is noted. If the system is not heating as well, the house seems cooler than normal, or the heater seems to run longer than usual to warm the house to the same temperature, heating system maintenance is definitely in order.
A heater that is in good working order will not struggle to meet the minimal requirements for heating the home. Issues with compressors, motors, filters, and other key components of the heating system can lead to decreased efficiency. Small issues will be difficult to notice without routine inspections, and by the time the performance is poor enough to be noticed the damage has likely already become quite extensive. This is why regular inspections are critical, and putting off heater maintenance will only lead to bigger problems.
About B & D Plumbing, Heating & A/C
The heating and cooling professionals at B & D Plumbing, Heating & A/C have been serving the St. Michael area of Minnesota for years with a commitment to quality and experiences that cannot be surpassed. With only the finest materials and tools from skilled and experienced experts, B & D can assist with all plumbing, heating, and cooling needs. Call today for an inspection and estimate for customized heating repair services. Lower energy bills, conserve energy, and stay on top of heating maintenance with one call!
