We’ve all been there. You wake up in the middle of the night to freezing temperatures. As you crawl out of bed, shivering and cursing yourself for not turning up the thermostat and putting on an extra blanket, you wonder why it seems like your heating system is always playing up.
Well, as it turns out, it’s not just you. According to the Energy Saving Trust, many householders have heating units that are in a poor state of repair and don’t work as well as they should. Determining whether you need heating repair Cedar Park, TX can be tricky, but it’s something you’ll need to do sooner rather than later if the problem gets worse.
Here are some common early warning signs to watch out for:
- Poor Heating in Certain Rooms
Also called “hot spots,” this happens when one room in the house gets much hotter than another. The problem can usually be traced back to a malfunctioning vent or blocked vent pipe. You might be tempted to get it fixed yourself, but that’s something you should leave to the HVAC professionals since it is a tricky and often dangerous job.
- Loud Noises that Sound Like Vibration
These sounds are the result of gas, wind, or oil force escaping from cracks in the system. If left unattended, these small amounts of pressure can quickly grow bigger and cause damage to your furnace.
Several other noises (e.g., rattling, hissing) indicate a failing system, so be on the lookout for any weird noise and call for heating repair Cedar Park TX if you notice anything unusual.
- Cold Air that Won’t Go Away
We are not talking about the cold, damp winter weather. Cold air that won’t go away means you will need to get help from HVAC experts since something is definitely broken – whether poorly-insulated parts, a cracked heat exchanger, or blocked vents (all of which are major issues).
Your heating system should be inspected by a technician immediately. We can also trace the root of the problem to an overworked heater that is nearing the end of its lifespan.
- Excessive Dust and Damp Air
One way to determine whether your heating unit might be in poor shape is to take a look at the filters. Do they look dirty or covered in dust? How about the ducts? Are they covered in dust and spiderwebs?
A heating repair Cedar Park, TX expert will be able to solve this problem by thoroughly cleaning the filters and ducts, as well as making sure the system is operating efficiently. Older ducts may require a complete replacement since they are likely to be the cause of the problem.
- Sudden Spike in Heating Bills
It is normal to experience a slight increase in your heating bill during the colder months of the year as your heater needs to work harder day and night. But you should have your unit checked if you notice a sudden spike in your bill, say a 20% increase from the previous year. You might find that it’s not working as efficiently and blowing cold air instead of the heated air you seek. Causes could include a worn-out motor or leaky ducts.
- Presence of Moisture
A small amount of moisture around the heating system’s base can be caused by condensation, but too much is a sign of damage. Moisture can be harmful to your heater and could lead to a crack in the heat exchanger.
Some of the worst problems can be traced back to water damage, so it’s important to schedule an inspection and heating repair Cedar Park, TX appointment as soon as possible if you notice moisture.
- Carbon Monoxide Leaks
Around 4,000 Americans succumb to carbon monoxide poisoning every year. Some of these cases are caused by defective or poorly-functioning heating systems. If you notice that your unit is emitting a strong odor, such as that of gas, you should call an HVAC technician immediately.
In addition to moisture, check for cracked pipes and vent leaks as well since they are also the cause of leaks. We recommend replacing your system’s parts, particularly the heat exchanger, as soon as you detect problems.
- Cycling On and Off Constantly
Frequent cycling refers to the on-and-off operation of the heating system every ten minutes or so. This is also referred to as short cycling and could result from several issues. A clogged filter causes many cases, but you should check with a heating repair Cedar Park, TX specialist to be able to pinpoint the real problem. Other possible causes include a dirty burner, broken fan switch, or faulty thermostat.
Simple Practices to Prevent a Surprise Heating Unit Failure
Nothing catches homeowners off guard more than the sudden failure of their heaters. Other than a maintenance check and heating repair Cedar Park, TX appointments (which you can expect to invest in each year), a few simple practices will help prevent these surprise failures.
- Change the filters regularly
Dirty or clogged filters restrict airflow, which puts unnecessary strain on the unit and can result in premature wear and tear. Most filters should be changed at least once every three months; however, if you have pets or someone in the family suffers from allergies, you may need to replace them more often.
- Inspect the vents and ducts
Your vents and ducts are integral in delivering heated air throughout the area. Still, they can also be responsible for significant energy loss if not properly sealed and insulated. Inspect for gaps or leaks and seal them with duct mastic or foil tape as needed. Also, make sure to insulate the exposed ductwork to prevent heat from escaping and keep your heater from having to work so hard.
- Inspect and clean the blower components
The blower motor and housing that sits inside the heating unit help circulate warm air throughout the home. Over time, it can become dusty or dirty, which can negatively impact its efficiency. This is easily remedied by vacuuming or wiping away any excess dirt with a damp cloth. Otherwise, contact a heating repair Cedar Park, TX company to inspect your system and replace a failed part (if necessary).
- Keep the outdoor condenser clean and clear of debris
Your unit’s outdoor component cools down the refrigerant that has been heated up indoors. It’s important to keep this component clean and free of debris, including leaves, sticks, twigs, or anything else that could obstruct airflow. Remove any dirt or debris you see with a vacuum and hose attachment.
- Check for leaks
A leaky heat exchanger or cracked vent pipe can cause water damage, which is one of the leading causes of heating repair Cedar Park, TX calls. Check your unit and all connecting components regularly for the presence of leaks or cracks. Replace the affected part immediately. While you’re at it, make sure to check the water intake valve and drain hose as well. A lack of insulation or a problem with its placement can also lead to water damage, so if you notice a leak, this is the first thing you should check.
- Give your heater a tune-up
We cannot stress the importance of a yearly tune-up enough. This simple step identifies potential problems before they have time to develop, ultimately preventing premature system failure. During a visit, thetechnician will inspect the system’s components, clean away dirt and debris accumulated over the year, oil any parts that need it, and ensure each component is working optimally.
Tune-ups are typically done in the fall before turning on the heater for the season. But if you didn’t get one done this year or are unsure when the last one was, it’s not too late – scheduling a tune-up now can still help prevent serious problems in the future.
- Upgrade your unit
Is your heater more than 10 years old? If so, it’s time to start thinking about an upgrade. Older systems may not provide the energy efficiency benefits you need, eventually increasing your utility bills.
Newer models are often more energy efficient and have additional features for enhanced comfort and convenience. For instance, a smart thermostat allows homeowners to control the unit from any location and set it up for automatic shut-off after hours when no one is home.
Other available features include self-cleaning cycles and improved filtration capabilities. To get started, reach out to a heating repair Cedar Park, TX specialist to discuss your needs and provide a quote.
Give Our Heating Experts a Call Today to Learn More!
Although winter is yet to come in full swing, it’s not too early to start thinking about your heater for the colder months. With raging temperatures that regularly extend into the triple digits for a few months, your unit will be working hard to keep you and your family comfortable.
From a system upgrade to heating repair Cedar Park, TX, you can count on our team to provide your needed services. We can provide same-day service and promise a fast and reliable solution with every visit.Call (512) 318-2257 to schedule a service!