While most heating systems will last you for years without a problem, you may be wondering what common problems you should look out for and when you should call for a heating repair. If your furnace or heating system is older, you should keep a closer eye on things as older systems fail gradually. Even newer heating appliances can have problems crop up from time to time. While you should normally check your heater for signs of problems before the cold months arrive, you can always look now and catch problems before they become bigger. These tips will help educate you on what signs of problems to look out for when you need your heating system most.

Your Home is Not Heating Properly, and Your Bills are Getting More Expensive

This may sound like a give in, but some people attribute the fact that their home not heating as well as it once did, to a colder winter or the lack of insulation. While these are also common problems, your home should heat just as well as it did the year before unless a problem exists. In most cases, your heating system won’t fail altogether, but it will give a few signs that it is about to instead. You may notice that it is a tad cooler in your home than it once was, that you have to increase the heat thermostat for it to produce a warmer atmosphere, or that once it finally heats up, the heat doesn’t last long. A constantly running heat system will give you higher bills, so you should have it looked at as soon as possible because it could be time for a heating repair.

You Notice Poor Air Quality

A properly working heating system should condition heated air as it produces it. If the air in your home seems extra dry, you have a stuffy nose constantly, or your asthma is acting up, it could be an indicator of a clogged filter or an old, failing heating system. Call for a quick heating repair just to be safe.

You Hear Alarming Noises, and Your Heater is Turning On and Off Abnormally

An alarming, grinding, or wailing noise could indicate your heater needs a new fan, belt, or furnace blower. Any abnormal noises coming from your furnace are typically produced by the bearings of the blower motor wearing out. You may also notice that your heater is turning on and off constantly. This could also be a problem associated with the blower.

You Feel Nauseous, or You Have Low Energy All Winter

We hope this isn’t a problem for you, but if you notice that you “keep getting sick” with symptoms similar to the flu, but your doctor can’t seem to pinpoint a problem, you could be experiencing low levels of toxic gas exposure. Older furnaces can develop cracks that lead to leaking of carbon monoxide which is extremely toxic and should be avoided at all costs. If you are experiencing these symptoms fairly often, get out of your home and call for a heating repair immediately. Even just having your furnace looked over is important if a leak is a potential problem.

Your Furnace is Over 15 Years Old

The life of most furnaces ranges from 10-20 years. If your heat system is 15 years or older, you should have it checked. It's probably time for a heating repair or a replacement, and it is best to stay ahead of these things instead of waiting for a problem to occur.

For more information about how to approach a heating repair, call or schedule an appointment today. We are happy to inspect your system for potential problems and provide you with more information on seeking out repairs or replacements.