As the months get colder and colder, people rely on their heaters to protect them from freezing temperatures. During this time, a broken heater can quickly become a major issue, leading to discomfort, potential property damage, and even safety concerns. Knowing how to recognize when your heating system is malfunctioning and what steps to take can save you time, money, and stress. This guide will show you how to tell if you need heating repair and what you can do about it.
How to Tell if Your Heater is Broken
If you’re worried something is wrong with your heating system, try not to panic. This doesn’t always mean there’s a serious problem. However, you first need to identify whether your heater is truly broken or if it simply needs a tune-up. Check for the signs listed below that indicate you need to call a professional for heating repair:
No Heat Coming from the Vents
The most obvious sign that your heater is broken is a lack of heat. Check the vents to see if warm air is circulating. If the air is cool or barely moving, it’s likely a sign that your heating system has malfunctioned.
Strange Noises
Heating systems are typically quiet, so if you hear banging, clanking, or squealing, it’s a clear sign that something is wrong. These sounds could be caused by loose parts, mechanical issues, or even buildup of debris. If left unchecked, these problems could lead to a complete breakdown and require immediate heating repair.
Thermostat Issues
If the thermostat isn’t working correctly, it can cause problems with the heating system. This might include the system not turning on, inaccurate temperature readings, or inconsistent heating throughout your home.
Unusually High Energy Bills
An unexpected spike in energy bills can indicate that your heating system is working harder than it should. If your system is running inefficiently, it may be consuming more energy to produce the same amount of heat, which is a strong indicator that it’s time to call for HVAC repair.
Pilot Light or Ignition Problems
If your heater runs on gas, the pilot light should be burning blue. A yellow or flicker flame could mean there’s a problem with the gas supply, ventilation, or combustion process. This is a serious issue that requires immediate attention, as it can lead to a dangerous carbon monoxide buildup.
Frequent Cycling
If your heating system is constantly turning on and off, this is a sign that something is wrong. This “short cycling” can wear down your system over time and may require professional heating repair.
Steps to Stay Safe with a Broken Heater
No one wants to deal with a broken-down heater. If you or your maintenance team performs regular maintenance, you’re more likely to spot issues with your heater before they get out of hand. However, unexpected weather conditions, accidents, or malfunctions can still occur and make your heater stop working.
Luckily, there are a number of steps you can take after identifying that your heater is broken. Before you call for an HVAC repair service, there are certain safety precautions you should take. First, carefully turn off the heater to prevent further damage to the machine or yourself. Next, you’ll need to check for gas leaks as these can be especially dangerous. Luckily, gas leaks are fairly easy to identify as they give off a strong odor of sulfur or rotten eggs. If you notice this smell, leave your home and call a heating repair company immediately.
If you are not experiencing a gas leak and want to stay in your home, you will need to keep warm. Chances are if your heating system has failed it did so in winter when you need it most. Most of the time HVAC repair services will treat no heat as an emergency and get to your home the same day. However, if this is a city-wide issue due to a power outage or storm, you may be waiting a while. To stay safe, dress in layers and use alternative heat sources if possible, like an oven or fireplace. You can also use rolled up towels or blankets to insulate your home and stop drafts from coming in through windows or door cracks.
If you’re able to do so and outside weather conditions are safe enough, you should try to find somewhere to stay with heat if you don’t know how long you’ll be waiting for heating repair.
Try to Troubleshoot Your Heater
Not all malfunctioning heating systems require a major fix or new heater installation. If you’re experiencing an issue with your heater, try some simple steps before reaching for the phone. First, reset the thermostat or flip the circuit breaker. Sometimes all your heating system needs is to be rebooted to adjust to the freezing temperatures outside.
If that doesn’t work, check your air filters. If they’re full of dirt and debris this could easily block heat from getting to the rest of your home. Either clean the filters or replace them to optimize your heating system’s performance. If neither of these steps fix your heater, then it’s time to have a professional heating repair service look at it.
Get Relief with Swyft’s Heating Repair and HVAC Services
A broken heater is more than just an inconvenience, it’s a serious issue that can impact the comfort and safety of your home. Luckily, you don’t have to fix or maintain your heating system all on your own. At Swyft Property Care, our team of expert technicians are available to diagnose and repair any problems you’re having with your heating system, ensuring you stay warm no matter what. Call us today to take care of all your heating repair needs and keep your heating system working well all year long.
