HVAC Repair
We often assume our heating systems will jump into action and heat our homes without issue. However, that’s not everyone’s reality, especially after a hard summer of cooling.
From poor maintenance and wear and tear to old age and failing parts, several issues can leave your heat pump, furnace, ductless mini-split, or other heating unit unable to keep up as the mercury plummets.
Worried about winter readiness? Here are seven signs that indicate your heating system isn’t ready for the colder weather:
Heater is Blowing Cold or Lukewarm Air
The last thing you want is your heater blowing cold air when your home is already chilly. If the air blasting from your heating unit is anything but warm, there’s an issue.
There are several possible causes of a cold air-blasting heater, including:
- Incorrect thermostat setting: Make sure the thermostat is set to ‘auto’ so your heater circulates air only when it’s heating.
- Dirty air filters: A dust-clogged air filter restricts airflow. Replace or clean the filter and see if this solves the problem.
- Failing ductwork: If you have an older heating system, the air ducts may not be in excellent working condition. Check for gaps, holes, and tears.
- Furnace ignition issues: In some situations, a lack of preventative maintenance can cause furnace ignition problems. Call a professional HVAC technician to inspect the ignition and provide heating repair services.
Uneven Heating Throughout the Home
Are some rooms in your home unusually warm, while others remain cold? Don’t ignore this issue, especially with colder weather ahead. Uneven heat distribution has many potential causes, which your local HVAC expert can diagnose, including:
- Blocked vents: Is furniture, a rug, or curtains blocking vents, stopping warm air from entering a room?
- Dirty air filters: Clogged filters can prevent airflow from flowing seamlessly through the blower and ductwork.
- Damaged ducts: Unsealed or damaged ductwork can lose a large volume of heated air before it reaches your rooms.
- Undersized heating systems: If your furnace or heat pump isn’t the right size for the layout it’s trying to heat, some rooms may receive more heat than others.
Unusual Noises Coming From the System
If your heating system is making unusual sounds like vibrating, banging, clicking, or screeching, take notice. There’s a chance it’s far from ready for the demands you’re about to place on it as outside temperatures take a nose-dive.
- Banging/booming/popping: Dirty burners igniting unevenly, metal parts expanding and contracting, or loose parts
- Scraping/grinding: Metal parts rubbing together
- Repeated clicking: Ignition system or control issues
- Rattling/vibrating: Loose ductwork, panels, or screws
- Humming/buzzing: Seized fan motor, electrical fault, or failing capacitor
- Screeching/squealing: Worn blower motor belt, slipping pulley, or unlubricated motor bearings
If you hear any of these sounds, contact experienced residential and commercial HVAC repair professionals as soon as possible. They can diagnose and repair the issue to ensure your HVAC system is winter-ready.
Heater is Short Cycling or Running Constantly
When a heater short-cycles or runs constantly, it turns on and off every few minutes without completing a full heating cycle. When it’s running constantly, your heater isn’t reaching the target temperature or turning off. In either case, you need to fix the issue so your heating system performs properly and keeps your home adequately warm.
Possible causes of a heater short cycling include:
- A clogged filter blocking airflow, resulting in a safety switch turning off your heater to prevent overheating
- A faulty or blocked flame sensor, tricking the control board into shutting off the gas
- Problems with your thermostat, such as low batteries, poor placement, or bad wiring
- The heater is too big for the space
- Blocked vents or ducts
If your heater is running constantly, it may be caused by:
- Extreme outdoor cold, causing it to need to run for longer to keep up
- A broken blower motor that’s preventing air from circulating properly
- A stuck relay that’s keeping the system on permanently
- The thermostat is set to on, rather than auto
You may be able to resolve short cycling or constant running by checking and changing the air filter and verifying your thermostat settings. If not, contact your local HVAC technician for help.
Rising Energy Bills Without Increased Usage
We’re creatures of habit, so most of us expect similar utility bills every month. If your energy usage has risen, but you’re not using your heater any more than normal, there could be an issue that you need to address, such as:
- A broken thermostat that’s causing your heater to run continuously or remain in a high-power cycle
- Dirty filters and coils
- An old heater with internal components that are wearing out
Strange or Unusual Odors
Pay attention if using your heater causes a strange smell. Something may be wrong that requires a heater technician’s expertise. While a mild, dusty smell is common and usually quickly dissipates, the following smells aren’t normal:
- Rotten eggs/sulfur: These smells can indicate a natural gas leak. Evacuate your home immediately and call 911 or your gas utility company.
- Burning plastic/metal: A melting, electrical smell, or smoke can often mean damaged wiring, an overheating motor, or worn capacitors. Turn your heater off and call an HVAC technician.
- Must/mold: Potential mold growth in the ducts or coils, a clogged condensate drain, or trapped moisture. Schedule a duct inspection and check and replace your air filter.
- Oily/smoky: If you have an oil furnace and notice an oily/smoky smell, you may have an active oil leak, an oil filter problem, or a blocked flue. Turn off the heater and request service.
System Struggles to Reach the Thermostat Setting
Even as temperatures plummet, a healthy heater should easily reach the thermostat setting. If yours isn’t, several issues could be to blame:
- A dirty or clogged air filter
- A blocked vent
- Improper thermostat settings – it should be set to ‘auto’ fan and ‘heat’ mode
- Failing or flat thermostat batteries
- Ductwork leak
- Mechanical failures, such as an ignition issue, failing blower motor, or dirty flame sensor
Why Addressing Heating Problems Before Winter Matters
The last thing you want is to be battling through bitterly cold temperatures with a failing heater, or worse – a completely broken one!
If you suspect a problem with your HVAC system because it’s making a strange noise, has an unusual smell, isn’t functioning well, or for another reason, address those issues before winter arrives in earnest. It’s important for:
- Preventing emergency breakdowns during periods of high demand
- Receiving lower energy bills
- Avoiding safety hazards, like gas leaks and cracked heat exchangers
- Extending the lifespan of your heating equipment
- Improving indoor air quality
When a Heating Issue May Be a Simple Fix vs. Professional Repair
Not all HVAC and heater issues require a trained technician. However, it isn’t always easy to tell whether something is a simple fix or needs professional repair.
You may be able to handle basic troubleshooting and maintenance for the following tasks:
- Cleaning or replacing dirty heat pump filters
- Checking and replacing dead thermostat batteries and confirming the correct settings
- Clearing debris, furniture, curtains, and anything else blocking vents and outdoor units
- Checking your electrical panel for tripped circuit breakers and resetting them once
- Verifying that the pilot light on an older gas system is lit
However, it’s important to call a trained HVAC technician for anything complex relating to mechanical, electrical, and gas-related issues, such as:
- Refrigerant leaks or pressure-related issues
- Electrical and motor failures
- Gas or carbon monoxide smells or alarms
- Loud mechanical sounds
- Frozen coils or water leaks
When to Consider Repair vs. Replacement
There will come a time when your heater has such a significant problem that you’re wondering whether repairs or replacement is the best option. Everyone’s situation is different, but your heater technician will likely recommend repairs if:
- It’s under 10 years old
- The problem is isolated to something specific, such as a faulty ignitor
- Parts and/or labor are still covered under a warranty
- The repair cost is 30-50% of the price of a full replacement
- Your energy bills have remained steady
However, they may recommend replacement if:
- The system is over 12 years old
- Repair costs are $5,000+ or more than 50% of the cost of a new system
- There is a safety issue, such as a cracked heat exchanger
- You’re navigating constant breakdowns and issues
- Your energy bills are rising despite your heating habits not changing
Contact Atomic AC & Heating for Professional Heating Repair in Hutto, TX
Are you worried that your heating system isn’t ready for winter? Whether it’s making a strange sound, emitting an unusual odor, or you simply want to ensure it’s cold-weather-ready, contact Atomic AC & Heating for professional heating services in Hutto, Texas.
Our experienced technicians provide heating and air conditioning services throughout Hutto, Pflugerville, Round Rock, and surrounding areas. They are ready to help you get your heating unit in tip-top shape for the lower temperatures ahead.
