The heating season has barely even gotten started. And everyone is already talking about the things that could go wrong. Well, it may not be the most fun topic in the world, but it’s one of the most important. After all, thinking about these warning signs now will help people get out ahead of any heating problems, during the coldest time of the year.
And it is a given that home owners will run into heating problems eventually. Even the best heaters, and even those that are properly maintained, are going to require professional heating repairs. For home owners residing in Loveland, Colorado, Fort Collins Heating and Air Conditioning is the answer to solve these HVAC problems.
Resolving heater ‘short cycle’ issue
When heating a home, the heater should run in even and effective cycles
When heating a home, the heater should run in even and effective cycles, and should bring the temperature up consistently, so as to keep air circulating through the house. What the heater definitely should not do is start up, run for a few minutes, shut down, start up again after a few minutes, and fall into this ‘short cycle’.
If the heater is short cycling, it could be a sign of a serious problem or a very simple one that can be resolved by home owners. This is where things get tricky.
If the heater is short cycling, first check the air filter in a forced-air system. It could be that the filter is dirty, thereby causing the system to overheat, leading to the short cycling. If that isn’t the case, and thermostat is set correctly, then there may be a problem with the electrical controls. There could even be a refrigerant leak in a heat pump, if one is being used. Rule out the filter and then call for professional service.
Checking for strange noises in the HVAC system
It’s not all about ‘spotting’ problems, when it comes to recognizing operational issues. Sometimes, it is about hearing them or even smelling them. Depending on the type of heater that is being used to keep the home warm, home owners may be used to different levels of noise.
A boiler/radiant system may make a bit of sound as it cycles on, but will otherwise be pretty silent. With a furnace or a heat pump, home owners may get a bit more noise with air being forced through ducts by the fan.
Any brand new sounds that suddenly develop or louder than usual sounds, should be checked out promptly
However, home owners generally know what normal operating sounds are like. That means that they should be able to recognize abnormal sounds as well. Any brand new sounds that suddenly develop or louder than usual sounds should be checked out promptly.
Scheduling HVAC service for odors
Same should be the case with odors. If home owners smell a little burning dust, when the system first comes on, but it goes right away, that’s normal. If the smell is of a burning plastic odor or a gas smell in the home, there is a system issue that requires scheduling of service immediately.
Home owners also need to keep an eye out for their utility bills. If they notice a major spike in the costs of running the heater, despite not using it any differently than in usual times, don’t just write that off. It could be that home owners are overpaying to heat home, due to a problem cutting down energy efficiency.
