Air Conditioning in Arlington: 7 Common Heating Repair Issues
Millions of people contact heating repair companies to get their furnace services near the end of the fall season. Whether the heating unit is installed in a commercial or a residential setting, it is important to ensure that it’s in good working order and that it can last throughout the cool winter season.
By knowing about the common heating repair issues that plague furnaces, you can take proactive steps to prevent them, and minimize annual repair and replacement costs. While there are hundreds of reasons that your furnace may not function properly, we have listed the top 7 problems with the heating unit.
Heating Repair Reason #1: Furnace Cycles Too Quickly
In some cases, the furnace cycles too frequently and turns on and off more than normal. This may be due to a number of reasons. Usually, the problem happens due to a dirty air filter, which restricts air flow. In some cases, the problem occurs due to a faulty thermostat that controls when the heater should run and when to stop.
Also, the problem may also occur due to an issue with the blower. This may be caused due to improper lubrication on motor assembly of the blower, belt tension, or frayed belt. Whatever the case may be, an experienced technician can detect the problem, and conduct appropriate repairs.
Heating Repair Reason #2: Inadequate Heat
Another problem with the heating unit is that it may not be providing adequate heat to the rooms. The system may be blowing warm air, but it is not adequate to sufficiently heat up the room even when the thermostat is set to a high temperature. The most common reason for this problem to occur is dirty air filter. Replacing the dirty filter will solve the problem.
If replacing the filter does not solve the problem, a technician will inspect and clean the system to remove dirt and other obstructions, and readjust gas burners.
Heating Repair Reason #3: Blower Does Not Stop
Sometimes a heating problem occurs when the blower keeps on running. This may be caused by mistake if someone accidentally set thermostat to fan. However, if the blower doesn’t stop even when the thermostat is set to cool, then the problem may lie with the fan limit control switch. An experienced technician will look at the problem and replace the switch if required.
Heating Repair Reason #4: Furnace Cycles Without Heating the Room
Certain heating system has a pilot light that must be on when the furnace is running. This is the case with natural gas and propane heating system. If the pilot light does goes out, the furnace will continue to cycle without using the fuel. This may create a dangerous risk as there is a possibility that the fuel will release into the air, which when ignited can cause an explosion. In case you smell an odor of rotten eggs near the heating system, it is important that you immediately leave the area and call a technician to get it fixed. Mostly the faulty pilot is caused by a malfunctioning thermocouple or clogs that can be fixed by the expert technician.
Heating Repair Reason #5: Inefficient Operation of Furnace
If the heating bill is higher than usual, then it indicates a problem with the furnace operation. Inefficient operation of a furnace increases the fuel utilization rate thereby resulting in increased heating bill. This may be caused due to a faulty heating part, leak, dirty air filter or a blocked pipe. Whatever the cause of the problem, it is important that you address the issue as soon as possible by calling a professional technician.
The longer you wait to fix the issue, the more damage it will do the system, apart from hiking the energy bill. If your system is within warranty, you can call the company from where you bought the system to get the problem fixed. However, in case the warranty period has expired, you must call a professional technician to resolve the problem.
Heating Repair Reason #6: Faulty Thermostat
A heating unit may function improperly due to a fault in the thermostat. This device regulates the temperature of the room, and adjusts the temperature as per the required settings. Like all mechanical objects, faults may develop with the temperature regulator. It may not heat the room as per the desired temperature or switch off the system automatically. This issue can be resolved by contacting professional technician.
Heating Repair Reason #7: Furnace Fails to Turn On
Although this happens rarely, a furnace may fail to turn on after unexpectedly breaking down. This occurs when you do not get the system serviced regularly. Routine service is important as the expert technician can detect possible problem, and carry out repairs before they cause great damage to the system. This will result in efficient and reliable operation thereby increasing life of the furnace.
Although rare, a furnace may experience a sudden, unexpected breakdown. This problem is almost always the result of advanced age or insufficient maintenance. Routine service from an experienced heating repair professional should ensure efficient, reliable operation.
Basic maintenance can help reduce the need for costly heating repair services, but not all problems can be fixed by replacing filters and cleaning vents. If an HVAC system is not working properly, it’s important to call in professionals at the first instance of any of these warning signs.
Advice and Tips for Furnace Repairs
You must get the furnace serviced regularly. It’s recommended that the filters be replaced at least once a month to ensure optimum operation of the heating unit. Moreover, if the thermostat of the heating system operates on batteries, you must regularly check the batteries and replace them whenever required.
Every year, at the end of fall and before beginning of winter season, you must hire a technician to inspect the furnace, repair faulty parts if required. Annual service of the heating system will ensure that it remains in good condition for a long period.