As temperatures drop throughout the area, it’s always nice to take some time to settle down indoors with friends and family. Nothing beats sitting on the couch with some popcorn and a movie (or maybe a blanket and a book) while cold winds blow outside. Unfortunately, this comforting scene can often be disrupted by a malfunctioning heating system.
Now, the most common heating systems we see in the homes in our service area are heat pumps and gas set-ups. Learn about some of the common signs of damage and inefficiency for both by reading below, then count on our team to offer you the assistance you need to make it through these upcoming chilly seasons.
Warning Signs With Heat Pumps
A big sign of damage in a heat pump is when the outdoor coils build up with ice. In these cases, you’ll still have heat, but your system will have to work extra hard to try and provide it!
Essentially, the pump stays in emergency mode, causing it to continuously run your electric heat strips. This means the system isn’t taking up breaks as it tries to keep up with heating your home, and your bills will skyrocket. As you can imagine that puts a lot of strain on your unit as a whole!
Another thing to be wary of is if your heating system is turning on and off quite frequently. If your refrigerant levels are too low, then your heating cycles will remain short. In the end, this frequent cycle of running then shutting down will eventually cause the system to fail. Your tankless water heater is important, if you believe it needs repair please inform us.
Hearing noises you’re not used to hearing? Constant whirring noises are something to be wary of, and you’ll know your unit is in defrost mode if it makes a whooshing sound. If you notice either of these, call us in!
Hear a lot of ping-ing and plank-ing? This is a sign of mechanical issues.
Basically, all irregular noises indicate that one or more elements of the system are going bad. In the end, when it comes to strange sounds, there are a lot of possible options about what is going on, but finding the root of the problem is essential.
Warning Signs With Gas Furnace Systems
Now, there are some similarities between gas furnace systems and models with heat pumps, but you’ll want to note some primary differences when looking for malfunctions. The first is that the outdoor coil won’t freeze up with a gas furnace. In fact, in winter the compressor won’t run at all since your system will be only running on gas.
Another thing to note? Smells. If you notice a burning smell or any type of gas-like odors coming through your vent, there is definitely an issue, and you should leave the area immediately and call for assistance.
Also, keep in mind that some gases, like carbon monoxide, are not easily detected. This particular gas has no odor, color, or taste, so noting its presence is essentially impossible without the help of a detector. Unfortunately, it is also very toxic and known for causing hundreds of deaths every single year.
We urge homeowners to invest in both smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Many wonder whether there are detectors built within their gas-fueled appliances, and the answer is… typically not. Some do come with one, but most of the time this isn’t the case, so getting your home equipped with detectors is a must.
Another common question is where to have these devices installed. We recommend buying one for each floor and to place them near a return vent. Why there? Well, when your venting system is running, that is where all the air is pulled. This means it will pull the gas directly to the detector, ensuring you’re notified at the first sign of danger.
Why Trust A Professional?
Now, if you know your system needs help, you may be wondering… why not just attempt the fix myself? After all, online search engines lend countless results for an avid do-it-yourselfer. Well, this isn’t the recommended approach, and here’s why. First of all, even a minor mishap can make things a lot worse, costing you hundreds in repair work that could have been easily avoided.
Another issue is the risk of injury. For instance, you could reach your hand in somewhere only to meet a high voltage of electricity or hit a moving part. Both scenarios end poorly, leaving you not only with more repairs to face, but medical bills on top of it all.
And avoiding the issue altogether isn’t an option either. Trust us – the longer you avoid problems, the worse they will get. Not to mention, your air quality will suffer immensely! Your vents are breeding grounds for mold, mildew, and build-up, all of which can heighten allergies and trigger respiratory issues for those within the home.
Call Today
If you want your system to operate correctly and efficiently, allowing you the power to get the heat you need without heightened bills, then reach out to our team now. We’re here for you every step of the way.
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