Is it time to repair your heater? It’s essential to have a professional technician perform complete checkups and tune-ups on your heating system annually. That way, they’ll be able to discover hidden problems and fix them before they get worse. Besides having no heat at all, you should pay attention to the following signs that indicate your heater likely needs repair. You may need to hire a licensed technician to solve the problem.
1. You Have an Old System
Heaters typically last for 15-20 years. However, some systems will last for as long as 20-30 years with proper maintenance.
Whether you should repair or replace your heater depends on how old and dysfunctional it is. Certain components can get worn out as time goes on, but you don’t always need to replace your entire heating system. Often, replacing or repairing a few parts will do the trick and allow you to save a lot of money.
Sometimes, though, replacing the entire system will be smarter in the long run and may be worth it if repairs are costly or specific parts are hard to find.
2. You Do Frequent Component Replacements and Maintenance
If your heater keeps breaking down, it might be time to replace it entirely. All heating systems require regular maintenance so they can continue running smoothly. However, if you find yourself needing to call a technician too frequently, or if you constantly need to replace heater components to get it to work, you are wasting money.
Sometimes, it’s best to have a professional perform some serious repairs or upgrades instead of constantly buying small components and performing minor repairs. You’ll save more money that way, as you’ll get to the root of your heater issues and fix them once and for all.
3. You Have Unusually High Utility Bills
As your heating system ages and components stop working correctly, it loses efficiency. Therefore, it starts requiring more energy to maintain the same power output.
If your energy bill is higher than usual, it’s not always a cause for concern. During some months, you may simply use up more energy than usual – perhaps the weather is colder than usual, or you keep forgetting to turn off your heater when you leave the house. The energy company may also sometimes increase its rates, albeit only slightly.
If you have suspiciously high utility bills, though, your heater might be at fault, especially if your energy usage hasn’t changed much. If you see a drastic increase from the previous month, it’s unlikely that it’s due to increased energy rates. Calling a technician will help you save money by getting your energy consumption levels back to normal.
4. You Hear Strange Noises From Your Heater
Call a maintenance specialist if you hear any of the following noises coming from your heater:
- Banging
- Rattling
- Squealing
- Squeaking
- Creaking
- Clunking
- Hissing
Those noises usually indicate that your heater is getting old or some part of it is broken. The noises could be due to:
-
A worn-out fan belt
-
Problems with the motor
-
Issues with the blower assembly
-
Your fuel ignition not working properly
-
A loose blower fan
-
Clogged air filters
If your water heater makes loud noises, it might be due to sediment buildup. The sediment interacts with the heating element to make little explosive noises. Alternatively, the sounds may be due to water flow restrictions or loose components. Heating elements can loosen over time; they may also be loose due to poor installation.
5. You Smell a Foul or Burning Odor From Your System
If your air filters are clogged, dust and dirt will build up in your system. When you turn on your heater, the dust will start charring, leading to a burning odor coming from your heater. Additionally, as dust builds up in your heating system, mold and mildew can develop, leading to a foul smell.
While dust buildup due to unclean filters is the most common reason for bad smells coming from heating systems, there may also be other causes. For example, a cracked component can lead to a gas leakage, which not only smells bad but can be extremely dangerous. Often, gas leaks will smell like rotten eggs. If you notice such a scent, turn off your heater, evacuate the home, and call a repairer immediately.
Another scent to never ignore is the smell of burning rubber or plastic, which may point to an electrical fire.
Water heaters may also smell bad, especially as bacteria build-up due to low chlorine levels. Corroded iron piping can also lead to a nasty odor. In any case, if you notice an unusual smell, call a local professional to diagnose and fix the issue.
6. Your System Doesn’t Get the Job Done Anymore
Do you find yourself constantly needing to get up and readjust the thermostat? Or do you need to keep cranking up the temperature because you always feel chilly at home?
Your heating system might not be working correctly. Alternatively, the ductwork might have issues, causing the heat to be unevenly distributed throughout your home. That’s why some rooms might feel colder than others.
Constantly upping the temperature may cause you to use more energy, increasing your utility bills. Instead, have a professional figure out what’s going on.
7. You Experience Sudden Health Problems
Are you suddenly experiencing any of the following symptoms?
-
Shortness of breath
-
Asthma flareups
-
Coughing
-
Sneezing
-
Wheezing
-
Allergic reactions (runny nose or eyes)
-
Migraines
-
Fatigue and exhaustion
-
Chest and muscle pain
-
Weakness
-
Confusion
-
Dizziness
-
Vomiting or nausea
There are a few ways your heating system could be at blame.
Bad air quality is a common culprit. If your heater spreads dust around the home, it could lead to respiratory symptoms such as coughing, sneezing, shortness of breath, and difficulty breathing. If mold or mildew is growing in your system, it could lead to health issues such as fatigue, headaches, shortness of breath, and respiratory problems.
Even more scary is the possibility of carbon monoxide poisoning, which may be caused by a faulty heating system. Carbon monoxide is odorless, but symptoms can include dizziness, weakness, fatigue, nausea, and confusion, according to the CDC. Severe cases can lead to a loss of consciousness and even death.
Finally, if your water heater is old and not well-maintained, bacteria can build up, leading to illness.
Call a professional immediately if you notice any of the above problems with your heating system. The longer you delay, the more you risk worsening the situation, which can cost you more in the long run.
If you live in the Delaware Valley/Greater Philadelphia area and would like to find comfort within your home, visit our website or give us a call at 215 - 245 - 3200 to learn more.
