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As autumn trickles away and we get closer and closer to winter—and have our heat on more and more of the time—it’s the perfect time to review the signs of a heater that needs repair. Most of us only pay attention to the heater when it’s broken. But if we can be aware of small symptoms and catch problems early, it can make the difference between a quick repair now and a total breakdown later in the season. And you definitely want to avoid having no heat in the middle of a January night in Connecticut!
Here are several symptoms you can watch and listen for. If you experience any of these, schedule heating repair right away to avoid a bigger problem developing.
Surprising Noises
Heaters do always make noise when they’re in use. However, they should never crash or bang, rattle or buzz, or (in the case of a boiler) sound like a kettle full of angrily boiling bubbles. If you start listening to the regular sounds of your heating system, you will notice if something changes. Take note, because new and unexpected noises indicate that a professional should take a look at your heater.
Unreliable Heat
This could mean one of two things. Either your heating system keeps parts of your house cozy but doesn’t seem able to warm all the rooms, or it brings the house to a lovely and comfortable temperature, but not all the time. Heating part of your house, or heating part of the time, is not sufficient. Repairs could help you have a home that is cozy throughout, all winter long.
Deficient Heat
Of course, you say to yourself, if your heater didn’t work, you’d realize there was a problem. However, many homeowners tolerate heating systems that struggle during particularly cold weather. They often assume that no heating system would be enough to combat a thirty-below winter night. But your heat should be enough, no matter the weather, and a technician could resolve the problem for you.
Dust
If turning on the heat means blasting dust out your vents, there could be a leak in your ductwork drawing dusty (and unheated!) air from somewhere like your attic. It’s not good for your heater, because the particles cause additional wear and tear on the components. And it’s not good for your respiratory system, either. Repairs can make all the difference.
Short Cycling
Your heater should run in steady cycles of no less than ten minutes and often more like fifteen. If it’s turning on and off every minute or two, it’s a sign of a problem. Not only that: because the startup is the part of the cycle that uses the most energy, it’s also wasting fuel, which means it’s wasting your money.
If you’re concerned about how your heater is doing, it’s better to reach out for heating repair in Norwalk, CT today than have an emergency after the snow flies.
