Your heating system will usually give you some signs when it’s not working properly. However, some of those are subtle, and you may miss them if you don’t know what to pay attention to. Consider these seven, sometimes subtle, signs that your heating system may need repairs.
1. Unusual Noises
Pay attention to the noise your heating system makes as it runs. If you have a furnace, you may hear the whir of the circulating fan and a faint whoosh when the burner starts. If you have a heat pump, you’ll have the whir of the circulating fan and the low hum of the compressor outside. Any other sounds spell trouble and should be investigated, including rattling, rumbling, explosions, and pops or squeals. Some of these may be simple and not be of major concern. However, others could indicate significant problems, including a cracked heat exchanger.
2. Little or No Air Coming From Your Vents
Without air coming from your vents, your system won’t heat your home. If it seems like it isn’t getting to a comfortable temperature, put your hand or bare foot in front of your supply vent. If you barely feel air or don’t feel any at all, it’s time to investigate. The problem may be as simple as a dirty air filter that needs replacing. However, it may be a problem like a dirty or faulty blower motor. Start by checking and replacing your air filter, and if that doesn’t solve the problem, call a professional to investigate and troubleshoot.
3. Unusual Heating Cycles
A normal heating cycle for a single-stage furnace is 15 to 20 minutes, and it may cycle two or three times an hour in cold weather. High-efficiency modulating furnaces and heat pumps will run nearly constantly. If your system runs a shorter cycle than normal, or if a single-stage system runs longer than 15 to 20 minutes, you may have a problem. This can again be an issue as simple as a clogged air filter or some other airflow restriction. It could also signal any number of problems from excessive internal heat buildup to a faulty sensor.
4. More Energy Consumption
Watch the amount of energy your heating system consumes. Not only should you track month-over-month consumption but compare it to the same month last year. When you see climbing consumption, your system isn’t working as efficiently, which is a telltale sign something’s amiss and needs attention. Start by checking your air filter, and then, call for a professional to troubleshoot.
5. Inconsistent Temperatures
As your heating system runs, it should circulate heat throughout your home to create a consistent temperature. However, some problems will prevent the heat from circulating, causing some cold spots. This usually comes down to some kind of airflow restriction, like a clogged air filter or a faulty or dirty circulating fan or fan motor.
6. Furnace Won’t Cycle
One of the most obvious signs that your heating system may need attention is when it fails to cycle on at all. This may be a settings issue, so make sure your thermostat is set to heat, it’s set to the proper temperature, and the programs are set properly if you use them. If all of that is properly set, the problems could range from faulty sensors to an ignition system problem or a host of other issues, including a faulty thermostat. Call a professional technician to investigate and identify the underlying problem.
7. Air Isn’t Warm Coming From Your Vents
It may seem like your furnace is running, but it feels like the air coming from your vents is cool. Start by checking your thermostat setting and ensure that the fan is set to Auto. When it’s set to On, the fan will run all the time, even when the system isn’t cycling, making it feel like it’s producing cool air.
It could also be any number of issues from maladjusted burners to leaks in your ductwork. A professional technician can easily identify the underlying cause. They may also detect the problem before you would during routine seasonal maintenance.
Property owners in Calimesa, CA and the nearby area have turned to Of Course! Heating and Cooling to keep their homes comfortable for more than 50 years. Our team provides trusted air conditioning and heating repair, maintenance and installation, including heat pumps and mini-splits, along with indoor air quality solutions like air purifiers. Call to schedule your heating system repair with one of our expert technicians today.
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