Common Heating Systems Problems
A reliable heating system is vital for getting through the winters in Vancouver. No matter how well you maintain your system, it is inevitable that issues will arise. The key is being able to recognize them promptly so that you can get a professional to your home to make the necessary repairs. Having this knowledge is a proactive way for homeowners to keep their home comfortable no matter how low the temperature gets.
Inadequate Heat Production
Your heating system not producing enough heat is one of the most common issues that homeowners experience. You may notice that you are regularly turning up your thermostat, but your home is still too cold to be comfortable. Several issues can cause this problem.
If your thermostat is not working properly, it is not able to read the temperature accurately. This can cause the heating to be inconsistent. The first step is replacing the thermostat batteries. If this does not do the trick, calibration or replacement might be necessary to solve the problem.
A dirty air filter can reduce airflow, causing your system to not put out enough warm air. This will happen while your system is working harder, making it less efficient, too. The manufacturer will generally provide guidelines about how often to change the filter. If not, an HVAC professional can let you know.
Duct work issues can make your system less efficient and result in heating loss before it gets to the vents and disperses throughout your home. These problems can include gaps, leaks or blockages throughout your duct work. Removing any blockages and sealing gaps and leaks are the solution.
Problems with the ignition or pilot light can cause insufficient heat. The electronic ignition or thermocouple can become faulty. You will need a professional to replace them to solve this issue.
Uneven Heating
If some rooms are comfortable and others are too cold, your system is heating unevenly. This is a relatively common issue that various factors can contribute to.
Checking the vents in the cold rooms is a first step. Make sure they are not closed or blocked as this can impede airflow. It is also vital to ensure that there are no obstructions by the vents since anything sitting in front of them will reduce airflow.
A professional should look at your system to determine if it is the right size. Whether it is too small or big, this will make it cycle too frequently. This results in uneven heating throughout your home.
The location of your thermostat matters when it comes to even heating. If it is close to hot or cold air, such as by windows, heat sources or areas with drafts, this can cause inaccurate temperature readings. A professional can find a more ideal place for it so that it provides accurate temperature control.
If you do not have enough insulation, the warm air is able to get out and cold air can get in. Consistent home temperature relies on good insulation. You need sufficient insulation in your floors, walls and attic. If you have a crawlspace, it should have good insulation, too.
Odd Noises
If your heating system is making any odd noises, this is cause for concern. It should run relatively quietly when everything is in good working order. There are several noises that indicate you need to call a professional.
If certain internal components have damage, you might hear a clanking or banging sound. This could indicate an issue with the heat exchangers, blower blades or burners. If you do not have a professional replace these promptly, they could cause more damage.
The burner assembly might be going bad if you hear a booming or rumbling noise. You likely need routine maintenance if you hear this.
Your heating system’s fan or blower motor could be in poor condition if you notice whistling or screeching sounds. High-pitched noises are not uncommon when these two components are faulty. An HVAC professional will let you know if you should replace or lubricate the parts to stop the strange noises.
Frequent Cycling
Your heating system runs in cycles to keep your home comfortable. If it is turning off and on too much, this will not heat your home enough and it will reduce your heating system efficiency.
If your heating system is too big for your home, this can cause it to cycle too much. This is because it is trying to compensate for the improper sizing.
Keep an eye on your thermostat if your system is cycling a lot. For example, frequent cycling can result from the temperature differential being too high. An HVAC professional can help you to choose the right settings so that temperature fluctuations are no longer an issue.
In some cases, the thermostat is just faulty. You might have to recalibrate the thermostat to solve the problem. However, there are times when you need to have a professional replace it with a new one to stop the frequent cycling.
If the filter on your system is dirty, your heating system may start to overheat. When it starts to overheat, frequent cycling is a common side effect. To fix this issue, replace the dirty filter with a new one.
No Heat Production
There are times when a heating system does not create any heat at all. This is an emergency during the cold weather, especially in Vancouver where the winters can get very cold. Several things can cause your system to stop producing heat.
The fuel or power supply might be failing if you are not getting any heat. The professional may look for things like blown fuses or a tripped circuit breaker. If you have a gas system, you may have a malfunctioning or open supply valve.
If the burners or pilot light are not igniting, your system is not going to put out any heat. Several factors can contribute to this problem, including a bad thermocouple, dirty components or an issue with the gas supply. Your HVAC expert may have to clean the faulty part or replace it completely. Making sure to get routine maintenance can help to prevent this issue in the future.
The circulator pump can go out on a hydronic heating system. This stops hot water from moving through your baseboards or radiators. A professional may be able to repair it or they might have to replace it completely.
If your pilot light keeps going out, your thermocouple might be to blame. It will completely shut the system down if it is faulty. The most common solution is replacing it.
As soon as you notice an issue with the heating system in your Vancouver home, take a minute to call a professional. Our company has experience serving this area, making it easy to diagnose and fix your heating system issue. We can help with everything from minor repairs and HVAC maintenance to installing an entirely new system and upgrading your ductwork if necessary. Once the weather warms up, our team of experts can also assist with your home’s air conditioning needs.
Call Revival Heating and Cooling in Vancouver today for your heating system needs.