Although winters tend to be relatively short in the town of Apex, North Carolina and the surrounding Triangle Area, a proper heating system is still a necessity. During certain times of the year, temperatures can easily drop below 33 degrees Fahrenheit. Therefore, keeping your heating system in tip-top shape is a must. In order to keep your system running properly, consistent maintenance and repair services are essential. If you are concerned about the state of your heating unit, here are a few issues you should be on the lookout for.
1. There Are Cold Spots in Your Home
Do certain rooms in your home tend to be much warmer than others? Maybe, there are a few spots that don’t get warm at all. Whatever the case may be, this is a sign that your airflow is likely being inhibited. Our technicians can come out and inspect your units, as well as your ductwork to help determine the cause of the issue. One of the first things we will do is check to see if your current system has the capacity to properly heat your home. If we find that your unit itself is sufficient, then your problem probably lies with your ductwork. Improperly installed, poorly designed, and damaged ductwork are known to cause significant airflow problems.
2. You Notice Weird and Unusual Odors
Contrary to what some may believe, furnaces and heating systems should not regularly produce weird or unusual odors. If you happen to notice foul odors coming from the ducts or vents when your heater is running, your system may be in need of some attention. There are several potentially problematic smells you should watch out for:
- Burning smells
- Moldy smells
- Gas smells
- Chemical smells
A burning smell coming from your heater tends to be quite normal, especially if it goes unused throughout most of the year. Although it might be normal, that doesn’t mean that it’s necessary. The burning smell could be a sign of excess dust. Of course, this doesn’t really pose any serious health or danger risks, but it can make your home atmosphere unwelcoming and unpleasant. Before you get ready to turn on your heater for the winter, we are happy to come out and provide cleanup and tuning services to help alleviate the burning smells.
Although burning smells are not typically harmful to you or your system, moldy smells are usually not as benign. Excess moisture and high humidity levels can cause mold growth within your ventilation system. Not only can this create funky smells, it can also pose health risks. Along with moisture, moldy smells could also be the result of a pest infestation. Small pests can easily take refuge in your unit, causing extremely foul odors and extensive ventilation damage.
Gas and chemical smells pose a much more dangerous risk. Chemical smells could signify an electrical or wiring problem. This can create everything from short fuses to dangerous electrical fires. Gas smells, on the other hand, could signal a natural gas leak. If this is the case, you should turn the gas off, and leave your home as soon as possible. After you notify your gas company, they will be able turn off your gas supply. That way, we can come out and safely diagnose and repair the issue.
3. You Hear Strange Noises
Similar to unusual odors, strange noises coming from your heating system can make for an unpleasant living situation. Over time, however, you may get used to the noises and begin to ignore them. This, of course, is not the best course of action. If you happen to notice any banging, rattling, or clanking noises, you should seek help as soon as you can. Though they may be irksome, these loud noises are likely warning signs that your system is malfunctioning and in serious need of repair.
4. The Indoor Air Quality Appears to Be Low
Another sign that your heating system is in need of repair is low indoor air quality. You usually aren’t able to judge air quality with the naked eye. However, there are some telltale signs. For example, if you or other members of your household experience constant coughing and sneezing bouts, the issue may lie with your heating unit. When your system isn’t performing correctly, it may release excess dust, allergens, contaminants, and other harmful particles into your home. This could mean that a filter change is in order, or you may be dealing with a more significant matter.
5. The System Is Constantly Running
As you go throughout your day-to-day tasks, you might not notice when your heater is constantly running. This is something you want to pay attention to. Not only can this cause a spike in your monthly bills, it could signify that your unit is no longer running at optimal levels. Usually, a simple filter change does the trick. We recommend that you schedule a filter change at least every three to four months. In cases where a filter change is not helpful, we can come out and perform a more thorough inspection to help pinpoint the main cause of the issue.
6. The System Often Short-Cycles
Short-cycling is another major problem. Short-cycling is when your system shuts off and on at frequent intervals. Heating cycles should last approximately 10-15 minutes each, with your system stopping between them to prevent overheating, then repeating the process until your home reaches the set temperature No matter how your short-cycling issue manifests, there are several reasons why this may be taking place:
- A thermostat malfunction
- Damaged igniter
- Clogged flue limiter
- A failing or damaged fan limiter
7. You Have to Constantly Regulate the Thermostat
Have you noticed that you have to constantly adjust your thermostat just to stay comfortable during the winter? Even though this may seem normal, frequent thermostat adjustments can lead to premature wear and tear as well as breakdowns. If setting your thermostat to a certain temperature range doesn’t work for you, this can be a sign that your heater is not running efficiently or effectively.
Maintenance is Essential
An unreliable heating unit is nearly as bad as a system that doesn’t function at all. That’s because you never know when it will shut down on you. Routine maintenance is the best way to help alleviate premature heating system malfunctions. Other maintenance benefits include energy savings, extended equipment lifespan, increased efficiency, lower repair costs, and increased comfort.
Contact Us Today!
We understand the importance of a properly functioning heating system, especially during the wintertime. If you are experiencing any of the aforementioned issues, contact 72 Degrees Heating & Air Conditioning today to schedule an inspection. Waiting too long to address these problems can cause the damage to worsen, potentially leading to more costly repairs or even full replacements. You can also feel free to inquire about our other services. Some of these services include AC repair, AC maintenance, duct services, and air purification.
