Why Your Heater May Not Run As Well As It Did Last Year
Most homeowners are quick to notice and remediate a malfunctioning heater, but what about an underperforming heater? Signs indicating a heater isn’t functioning optimally may not be as noticeable as those of a heater that just stops working entirely. Until costly heating bills start making a dent in their household’s monthly expenses, homeowners might be clueless as to why suddenly their homes are not as cozy and comfortable as they were the prior year. Ensure your heating system is in top-notch condition by looking out for the following heater performance issues and contacting our HVAC repair company for professional HVAC services.
Dirty Filters Air Filters
The most common reason for a heater’s inefficiency is a dirty filter. Most furnaces include a removable filter that is designed to remove dust, pollen, and harmful particles from the air inside the home. However, furnace filters are not meant to last forever. Over time, their capacity to filter particulates from the air decreases. Even worse, once a filter becomes dirty enough, it could severely restrict airflow, which ultimately affects the heating system’s ability to circulate warm air. Fortunately, replacing your air filters every three months is enough to prevent these issues.
Malfunctioning Thermostat
When a thermostat fails to function as it should, you may notice the heater alternate between “on” and “off” much more frequently than usual. When this happens, the heating system ends up using more energy than it would with fewer and longer heating cycles. To improve your heater’s performance, keep an eye on the thermostat’s reading, looking for any indications that the unit may be malfunctioning. If possible, compare your home’s thermostat reading to that of a different thermostat to gauge the reported temperature’s accuracy.
Internal Component Failure
Most furnaces produce some minimal degree of noise, usually from the turning of a fan belt. Unusually loud noises, however, are typically cause for concern. In particular, loud noises could be a sign that either the pilot light or the blower motor are not working properly. Inspect the system to make sure the pilot light inside the furnace appears as a bright blue and yellow flame. If the pilot light is out, find the small screw or knob next to the pilot light to adjust the flame. If that doesn’t work, contact us to schedule prompt furnace repair services.
Overdue Heater Maintenance
Every HVAC system, no matter how big or small, requires regular maintenance at least twice each year. While homeowners may notice and remediate some heating issues themselves, only a professional technician is able to provide a thorough diagnosis of the system. Planned HVAC maintenance is undoubtedly the best way to prevent issues from arising in the first place, saving homeowners the trouble of constantly scheduling for heating repairs. If you suspect your heater is not blowing air or is not working as well as it should, call our HVAC repair experts at LIBERTYAIR Air Conditioning & Heating right away!