How to Know You’re Overworking Your Heater
When winter comes around, it’s essential to have a working heater in your home. But if your heater has been overworked, it can cause serious damage to the system and lead to higher energy costs. Fortunately, there are some telltale signs that you can look out for that will let you know if your heater is being overworked. Here are five to look out for.
Uneven Temperatures Throughout Your Home
If one room is much warmer than the rest of your house, chances are it’s because your heating system is working overtime trying to make up for lost heat in other areas of the house. This could be due to poor insulation or air leaks somewhere in the home. If temperatures are uneven throughout your house, call an HVAC technician to help diagnose the issue and come up with a solution.
Unexplained High Energy Bills
A sudden spike in energy bills can be another sign that your heater is working too hard and costing you extra money due to inefficient operation. To reduce these costs, consider investing in a programmable furnace thermostat which allows you to set specific temperatures during different times of day so that you’re not running your heater all night long when no one’s home or awake.
Strange Noises
If you hear banging, rattling, or humming coming from your heating system, this could mean that something is wrong with the unit and needs repair or adjustment. These noises could also be a sign of an overheating motor or fan belt which would require service from an HVAC professional as soon as possible.
Excessive Dust and Debris
Your heating system tends to collect dust and other debris due to its continuous operation during winter months. However, if you notice an excessive amount of dust or debris around or near the furnace unit, then this could be an indication that something isn’t right with it. It may be time for a tune-up by heating repair services in order to make sure everything is running smoothly and efficiently.
Changing your air filter is a relatively simple task that can be done by anyone with basic DIY skills. First, locate the filter in the unit and remove it carefully. Then, take a measurement of the old filter to ensure you purchase the correct size replacement. Once you have the appropriate new filter, insert it into the slot provided and secure it according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Finally, turn your heating system back on and check for any leaks or other problems.
Excessive Heat Output
If you notice that your furnace is producing too much heat, this could be another sign that it’s overworking itself. This could mean a few different things, such as the thermostat being set too high, the unit not shutting off correctly, or even malfunctioning parts inside the system. Regardless, an over-functioning heater can be just as unpleasant as an under-functioning system, so it’s best to take a look at it before it becomes an issue.
No Heat At All
If there’s no heat at all coming from your heater, then it may be time for a new one altogether—especially if it’s more than 10 years old. It could also be due to an issue with the pilot light or thermostat which can easily be fixed by a technician who specializes in heating systems repairs.
Paying attention to these signs can help ensure that your heating system runs smoothly throughout the winter months without any unexpected breakdowns or costly repairs down the line. Make sure you contact an HVAC professional right away if anything seems amiss so they can evaluate and repair any potential issues before they become even more severe problems later on down the road. That way, you’ll stay warm and comfortable all season long.
