Many heating experts agree that the best time to conduct any repairs to a heating system is at the end of the air conditioning season. This period when summer turns into fall is ideal as the weather is still temperate, making work easier to carry out and avoiding unnecessary discomfort from cold conditions. As fall progresses, it will become more likely that the heating system will need to be used to keep the indoor temperature comfortable. It is always advisable to get an annual service for your heater at this time of year. There are some things that you can evaluate yourself to see how your heater will fare in the winter months to come. Here are three things to look out for when you turn your heater on for the first time in months.
1. A Lack of Air Flow
It may be the case that you start your heater up and notice that limited heated air is coming through the ducts in your home. This could be caused by a number of different issues, such as a broken fan, bends in the fan blades and a blockage in the air ducts. The furnace in your home will struggle to distribute the warm air, and the house will take longer to heat up. An inefficient heating process will cost more money to run, and it is important to correct the issue. It may be easy to locate a blockage and remove it, but other issues may require professional intervention. A broken fan will need to be replaced and if the cause is an electrical issue a skilled HVAC specialist should be contacted.
2. Strange Noises in the Heating System
You may notice when turning on your heating system for the first time in months that there are some strange noises. The source could be a grinding or banging noise; this is usually a fan blade that has become bent or broken away from the fan. It could also be a motor that is being overloaded because it needs servicing or replacing. Another common sound is a whistling or humming noise; this is usually an indication that there is a leak somewhere in your ducts. Either of these sounds is a warning that your heating system is in need of some urgent care and attention as the problem will only get worse.
3. There is Little or No Heat
It may be the case that the air seems to be flowing through your ducts, but there is no accompanying heat. This could either be a problem with the thermocouple in your furnace or your pilot light. If the pilot light does not light, it cannot ignite the gas in your heater. A thermocouple is used to regulate gas flow and prevent gas leaks if the pilot light fails. It may be possible to relight the pilot light; the instructions should be located on your furnace. If the pilot light cannot be relit it is time to call in a professional HVAC contractor to investigate further.