What Are the Signs That Your Heating System Needs Repair?

The chilly months are here, and the time has come to turn up the thermostat. But what happens when your heating system decides not to work? As the temperature starts to drop, so does our tolerance for a malfunctioning heating system. In the middle of winter, the last thing you want is for your heating system to stop working seemingly without any warning signs.

What’s worse is figuring out if it’s time for a repair or a replacement. No one wants to go through that headache, so here's what you need to know about heating system maintenance and warning signs of larger problems.

Keep your home and family safe and warm this winter by paying attention to these warnings and calling the specialists at Ideal Air!

How Often Should Heating Systems Be Serviced?

Heating systems, whether a furnace, boiler, heat pump, or ductless system, should be serviced annually, as regular maintenance is essential to keep them working efficiently and detecting any potential issues before they become more significant and expensive problems.

During the service call, our HVAC technicians inspect the furnace or other equipment, clean the system, and test for any issues. This service ensures that your heating system functions correctly while reducing the likelihood of breakdowns during the winter.

Regular maintenance helps to extend the lifespan of your heating system, no matter how old it is. But in particular, if you have an older system that is well past its warranty period, annual maintenance will help extend its life and ultimately save you money in the long run.

What Are Common Issues With Older Heating Systems?

Wear and tear on parts and components lead to common issues in older heating systems.

Some of the common issues include:

• A malfunctioning thermostat: If you’ve tried putting in new batteries and turning the thermostat off and on, but it still isn’t registering the temperature correctly, call Ideal Air.

• A blower motor that is not functioning correctly: If you hear the heating system click on, but the air won’t blow, the blower motor might be the problem.

• Ignition or pilot problems: Sometimes, older heating systems experience shorts or issues lighting the pilot light consistently. When that happens, call Ideal Air for an inspection and repair.

• Clogged or dirty air filters: If your air filter is unclean, your heating system's airflow is restricted, making it work harder and increasing your energy bills.

• A malfunctioning furnace limit switch: This switch regulates the temperature of the furnace. When it's faulty, your furnace may overheat and trip the switch, shutting it off.

Regular maintenance and inspections can help detect these issues before they become larger problems. Often times our technicians can make repairs that fit your budget better than buying a whole new replacement unit. 

Can a Malfunctioning Heating System Increase Energy Bills?

In short, yes, a malfunctioning heating system can cause a significant increase in your energy bills. If your system is not working efficiently, it will have to run harder and longer to maintain the desired temperature, thus requiring more energy to do so.

A heating system that is functioning correctly, on the other hand, will not only save you money on energy bills but will also keep your home comfortable and warm.

How Can You Troubleshoot Basic Heating System Problems?

Sometimes your heating system just needs a reset, or you can perform simple fixes that resolve furnace problems quickly.

Some of the things you can do to troubleshoot basic heating system problems include checking:

• The thermostat is on, and the batteries are working.

• The thermostat’s setting is “heat” instead of “cool.”

• The correct temperature is set.

• The air filter is clean.

• The circuit breakers are turned on, and power is running to your heating system.

• The pilot light fires. 

However, never attempt to fix any issue that requires opening the furnace housing, as it can be dangerous and should be left to a professional.

What Are the Risks of Delaying Heating System Repairs?

Delaying heating system repairs not only creates inconvenience but can also pose a risk to your home and family. A malfunctioning system can potentially lead to deadly carbon monoxide build-up or even cause a fire. Repairing a system sooner rather than later is essential for maintaining your safety as well as preventing further damage to the system.

A failing heating system that's not repaired quickly can also damage other parts of your heating system, which can be expensive to replace or cause you to have to buy a new unit.

A system breakdown when it's most needed in the middle of winter is a homeowner’s nightmare, but one that you can avoid by not waiting to make a repair.

Get Convenient Heating System Repairs With Ideal Air

Prevention is key when it comes to heating system maintenance! Know the warning signs of a malfunctioning system and act accordingly by relying on our savvy experts. Sign up for our HVAC service plan, too, and feel secure knowing our team is ensuring that both your heating and cooling systems are running at their peak condition.

For a full inspection or repair of your heating system, call our team today at 651-707-6007. We even offer 24/7 emergency services just in case you need us at a critical time.

Or, if you’d rather schedule a check-up further out, schedule a service call online!