We can help keep your home warm when your heater fails — call our technicians at (860) 530-2792 today!
Nobody likes coming home after a hard day’s work to find their heater malfunctioning or broken down. Heating problems are exceedingly common during fall and can make your home feel more like an igloo. However, if you know what to look for, you can combat the issues before they take hold of your heater.
That’s why SM Mechanical Services put together a short guide to teach you some of the most common fall heating problems and how to prevent them.
SM Mechanical Services is one of West Hartford, CT’s most trusted heating and cooling companies. Our team can have your heater and air conditioner functioning better than ever at a price that won’t burden your pocketbook. From professional air conditioning installation to furnace repair in West Hartford, our technicians at SM Mechanical Services are always here for you.
Below are six of the most common heating problems people encounter during the fall in Connecticut.
1. Dry Indoor Air
Fall’s cold temperatures frequently bring arid weather. HVAC systems often make the air drier and can negatively impact wooden furniture, delicate artwork, and other climate-sensitive items. Excessively dry air can also cause numerous health problems for people suffering from respiratory issues.
The best way to prevent dry indoor air is to follow your heater’s annual professional maintenance schedule. Hiring an experienced technician to service your heater once or twice a year ensures it provides fresh, clean air throughout the fall and winter seasons. You could also purchase a home humidifier to increase moisture levels within your home.
2. Excessive Cycling
Malfunctioning heaters often cycle off and on too frequently. Excessive cycling can indicate numerous heating problems and can drastically increase your energy bills if you don’t address the issue swiftly.
If you notice your heater turning off and on excessively, check the air filter for potential clogs and blockages. Air filters often become clogged over time and require thorough cleaning or a replacement monthly or bi-monthly (depending on your unit). A new air filter can reduce the cycling frequency while increasing your heater’s performance, creating a more comfortable home and lower utility bills.
A faulty thermostat can also cause excessive heater cycling. If your home has a defective thermostat, replace it with a new and improved model.
However, if the heater continues cycling after replacing the air filter and thermostat, contact an HVAC professional for additional repairs.
3. Inconsistent Room Temperature
Broken heaters can’t adequately warm your home and often create cold and hot spots within rooms. Although inconsistent room temperatures can stem from various heating issues, the most common culprits are:
- Clogged or dirty air filters
- Unclean vents
- Damaged or dirty coils
Check your heater’s air filters and interior to ensure they aren’t overly dirty. Clean the heater’s interior and replace the filter to see if it eliminates the inconsistent temperatures. If the issue persists, contact a technician to service the system.
4. The Heater Won’t Turn On
Many people assume the worst when their heaters won’t turn on. However, sometimes you can restore your heater without contacting an HVAC professional. If your heater doesn’t turn on, try the following troubleshooting steps before contacting a heating and cooling company:
- If your heater uses oil, check the levels and refill the unit if necessary.
- Ensure all the circuit breakers are in the “on” position and haven’t tripped.
- Set your thermostat five degrees higher than the current indoor temperature and ensure it’s in the “auto” or “heat” position.
- Examine the pilot light.
- Clean your home’s air vents and the heater’s air filter to eliminate potential obstructions hindering airflow (only applies to homes with forced air systems).
- Never press your heater’s red burner switch more than once to prevent flooding the unit with oil.
If the heater doesn’t turn on after performing the above tasks, contact a professional for immediate service.
5. Overly Noisy Heaters
Although most heaters make slight sounds while functioning, they should not be overbearing. Overly loud heaters often indicate the following:
- Loose internal hardware
- Inadequate lubrication
- Ignition problems
- Slipped belts
Although you can tighten loose internal mechanisms and lubricate components yourself, the other issues often require professional assistance. Never attempt to fix slipped belts or ignition issues without extensive experience. Trying to repair these problems without professional training can cause more harm than good and destroy the entire unit; you could also risk injuring yourself.
6. Carbon Monoxide Leaks
Although carbon monoxide leaks aren’t exceedingly common, they are extremely dangerous and can jeopardize your family’s health and safety. Carbon monoxide is a deadly odorless and colorless gas that some heating systems emit while operating. While functional heating units dispose of the gas safely outside homes, broken or malfunctioning heaters can leak carbon monoxide into your residence, creating a severe safety hazard.
Having your heater professionally serviced yearly is an excellent and inexpensive way to prevent carbon monoxide leaks, especially if your system is ten years old or older.
In addition, installing multiple carbon monoxide detectors throughout your home can alert you if a leak occurs. Carbon monoxide detectors are lifesavers and will keep your family safe from deadly leaks. Remember to replace the detectors’ batteries every year to ensure they remain fully operational.
Contact SM Mechanical Services for First-Class Heating and Cooling Services in West Hartford, CT
If you experience heating problems and need swift and efficient professional heating services, contact SM Mechanical Services. Our team can have your HVAC system as good as new again in no time at a price that won’t surpass your budget. We have over 15 years of industry experience and can handle any heater repair project you throw our way.
Whether you need professional heater repair or want to learn about high-efficiency heating and cooling systems, our team at SM Mechanical Services is here for you. Call our technicians at (860) 530-2792 and schedule an appointment today!