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A heater is one of the most important home appliances in winter. Especially in Pennsylvania and New Jersey, where the winter temperature averages around the 20s (°F) with extreme cold snaps, it is a basic necessity. In fact, life can be very challenging for your family without a reliable residential heater installation.
Just like the other HVAC appliances, a heater is also susceptible to wear and tear and component damage. Sometimes, the issues are in their initial stages, which, if left unaddressed, would develop into major problems and cause trouble. The good news is that many warning signs indicate your heater is having some issues and needs to be repaired. Keeping a close eye on these signs is very crucial for homeowners to prevent costly home heater repairs. In this guide, we will uncover the three most important signs that indicate the presence of issues in a heater.
As the name implies, a heater is equipment that warms air or water and distributes it to provide thermal comfort. There are various types of heaters depending on the fuel type, heat distribution method, and installation type.
The importance of a heater is due to its ability to distribute the heat inside a space when it is cold outside. Modern, high-efficiency units are designed with extraordinary features and specifications that possess the ability to beat the strain even at extreme temperatures.
A number of causative agents can lead to a faulty heater. From mechanical damage to the parts to aging, wear & tear, and mismatched sizing, everything affects the performance of a heater in some way. At Lehigh HVAC, we have enlisted some of the primary causes of a broken heater that are given below;
Finding the signs and symptoms of faulty heating equipment is a never-ending debate. However, we have identified the three primary signs that are encountered most in the Pennsylvania and New Jersey regions. We hope that knowing these signs will keep you at bay from the risk of hiring professional HVAC services so often.
This is no doubt the most encountered red flag in Pennsylvania and New Jersey. The heater is turned on, it operates for some time, and before it gets to the temperature range set on the thermostat, the system shuts off automatically. A healthy system, on the other hand, keeps on performing smoothly once the desired temperature is achieved.
Causes for Short Cycling: It can happen due to a variety of reasons, including restricted airflow, a malfunctioning thermostat, and incorrect system sizing.
What to Notice: A short cycling heater usually has a pattern as it starts, runs for 2 to 3 minutes, and then shuts off. This pattern keeps repeating.
Associated Risks: If left unaddressed, a short cycling heater can cause serious safety hazards such as a cracked heat exchanger, costly damage, and safety issues.
When a heater starts breaking down, it communicates with the family via loud, strange noises. The common sound patterns are bangings (loud, explosive sounds), squealing (high-pitched, persistent noises), rattling (sounds like loose parts are shaking), etc. The pro tip is that when you notice something different than a normal heater, you must get it inspected by a professional.
Causes for Strange Noises: These unusual noises are mostly due to loose, unlubricated, or damaged metal parts in the equipment.
What to Notice: These sounds are usually heard when the heat starts.
Associated Risks: Ignoring strange noises can cause a variety of problems, from component damage to complete equipment failure.
You might have come across scenarios where a heater fails to maintain a steady, warm temperature in all parts of the house. It is a clear gesture that your system is not performing efficiently and is not distributing heat evenly. One of the common practices to detect this sign is to notice the temperature difference in various rooms of the house.
Causes for Inconsistent Heating: It is more often due to poor ductwork or a failing blower motor. If there are cracks and gaps in the ductwork, air can escape, leading to uneven distribution in the house.
What to Notice: You’ll notice that despite the thermostat reading to 70°F, some of the rooms will have a temperature around 60°F or even less than this. You may also notice that the air coming from the vents feels like normal or cold air.
Associated Risks: Ignoring cold spots is accompanied by higher bills, poor air quality, and potential risks of major HVAC breakdowns.
How can we end this guide without providing you with the best practices to prevent costly heating repairs? We have spent over 11 years at Lehigh HVAC helping homeowners maintain thermal comfort in their living spaces. Here is what we have observed so far and what our certified HVAC technicians recommend to prevent HVAC issues.
Heater breakdowns can be due to a variety of reasons. Fortunately, most of the issues are accompanied by some warning signs that indicate your system is developing some issues. If you possess the right knowledge, understand the signs, and get them resolved at an earlier stage, you will not be forced to frequent servicing or new residential heating installation. Furthermore, if you schedule inspections and tune-ups regularly, you can save a lot in terms of lower bills and higher efficiency.
Call Lehigh HVAC when you notice some issues with your heater. We will fix it all the right way!
