While you’re enjoying the beautiful weather and foliage of autumn in Connecticut, keep in mind that the heating season is just about here. If you haven’t had to turn your heat on for a cold night just yet, you will soon. And when you do, you want that heat to be reliable. We hope you heeded our advice and scheduled your heater maintenance so you can be aware of any concerns before you require heat. But even if you did, it’s important to be aware of the signs that indicate your heater needs repair.
Some of these may seem obvious, and some are more subtle or easily overlooked. Either way, the important thing is to be alert to the following signs so that if you do notice them, you can schedule repairs right away, avoiding major failures or emergency repairs.
Noises
You should be familiar with the sound of your heater operating as usual, and it should not be a lot of noise. If you hear clattering or banging, buzzing or humming, or any other surprising noises, it’s definitely time for a professional to take a look.
Short Cycling
The cycles your heater runs in should be long enough to bring your whole home to a comfortable, cozy temperature. If a component is overheating, though, the system will shut down as a safety precaution. Once it’s cooled down, it will start up again. If you hear these short, frequent cycles, you should schedule repairs right away. Not only is it a sign of a definite problem, but it is also a waste of energy and causes an increase in your utility bills, because the startup is the most energy-intensive part of the heating cycle.
Inconsistent Heat
This could present in a couple of different ways. You might experience greater fluctuations in temperature, with your home dropping to a too-chilly temperature before heating up again. Or you might experience hot or cold spots, with some rooms in your home getting too much or not enough heat. Either way, it’s not a satisfactory heating experience, and you deserve to get the best from your heater. A technician can diagnose the problem and provide a solution.
Insufficient Heat
What if your home just doesn’t quite stay warm enough at all? Sometimes people blame the weather, imagining that it’s inevitable for their heater to struggle to keep their home comfortable during the coldest winter temperatures. But your heater should be able to keep you properly cozy all season, and if it’s not doing that, repairs are in order.
Poor Air Quality
When you start up your heater for the season, it should not deliver a plentiful helping of dust with the heat. If it does, there may be a leak in your ductwork. This could be allowing your HVAC system to draw air in from dusty places like your attic or the unoccupied space between a ceiling and the next floor. Ductwork can be inspected and resealed by a technician.
Dry, Staticky Air
It’s natural for the air to be drier in the winter, because colder air simply can’t carry as much moisture as warmer air. However, you should not be experiencing constant static shocks, painfully dry skin, or dry and brittle hair and nails. If you do, it may be the result of a malfunctioning heater.
Contact Celco Heating and Air Conditioning today to schedule heating repair in Celco.