As the weather cools down, you rely on your home’s heating system to keep you warm and comfortable. But when your heater breaks down or isn’t working properly, it can be a major inconvenience.
Luckily, there are some telltale signs that your heater might need repair before it completely stops working. If you know what to look for, you can get ahead of any problems and schedule repairs before they turn into an emergency.
In this blog post, we’ll discuss 10 signs that indicate your heating system needs repair. By staying alert for these signs and scheduling repairs as needed, you can extend the life of your heating system and avoid being left in the cold this winter.
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The Heating System Is Making Strange Noises
If your heating system is making weird noises, it’s time to call a Warrenton, VA heating repair technician. Common strange noises include banging, screeching, and popping. These sounds indicate that there is something wrong with the system’s internal components and if left unaddressed, could lead to a complete system breakdown.
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The Heating System Is Blowing Cold Air
This one might seem obvious, but if your heater is blowing out cold air instead of heat, something is wrong. In some cases, this problem can be caused by a thermostat issue. But it could also be indicative of a more serious problem like a broken heat exchanger. Either way, it’s best to have a professional take a look.
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The Heating System Is Cycling On and Off Too Much
If your heating system is turning on and off more frequently than usual, it could be overworking itself trying to maintain the ideal temperature. This issue is usually caused by an airflow problem or a dirty air filter. In some cases, it might also be due to a failing blower motor. Regardless of the cause, excessive cycling puts unnecessary stress on your heating system and can lead to a complete breakdown if left unaddressed.
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The Pilot Light Is Yellow Instead of Blue
If you have a gas furnace, you should know that the pilot light is supposed to be blue. If it’s yellow, that means the furnace is producing carbon monoxide, which is a poisonous gas. If you see a yellow pilot light, evacuate your home immediately and schedule heating services in Warrenton, VA.
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The Heating System Is Taking Longer to Heat Up
If it’s taking longer for your home to reach the desired temperature, that’s another sign that your heating system needs repair. This issue could be caused by anything from a dirty air filter to a failing blower motor. In any case, it’s best to have a professional take a look and diagnose the problem.
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The Heating Bill Is Higher Than Usual
If you notice that your heating bill is suddenly much higher than it used to be, that’s a sign that your heating system isn’t operating as efficiently as it should be. The problem could be anything from a dirty air filter to a broken component. Regardless of the cause, you’ll want to have a professional take a look and make the necessary repairs.
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There Is Water Pooling Around the Heating System
If you see water pooling around your heating system, it’s time to call a technician. This issue could be caused by several different problems, including a clogged condensate line or a leaking heat exchanger.
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The Heating System Smells Musty
If your heating system smells musty, it could be due to several different issues, including mold growth or a gas leak.
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The Heating System Is Short-Cycling
If your heating system is short-cycling, it’s time to call a technician. Short-cycling is when the heating system turns on and off more frequently than usual, usually due to an airflow problem or dirty air filter. In some cases, it might also be due to a failing blower motor. Regardless of the cause, excessive cycling puts unnecessary stress on your heating system and can lead to a complete breakdown if left unaddressed.
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There Is Visible Rust on the Heating System
If you see rust on your heating system, it’s time to call a technician. Rust is a sign of corrosion, which could lead to several different problems, including leaks and electrical issues.
If you notice any of these signs, it’s important to call a Warrenton, VA heating repair technician right away. The sooner you address the problem, the less likely you are to experience a complete system breakdown. Contact Fitzhugh Heating and Air at 540-273-4566 to schedule an appointment.