We suppose you could say our weather is fairly predictable throughout the year. But as we transition into spring, you know as well as we do we can be surprised by very warm weather, or a couple more weeks of chilly temperatures. If the former happens, you’ll likely be tempted to shut off your gas furnace for the season and not think about it again. But if you have any heating repair needs that require attention, we really urge against ignoring them or delaying them.
Delaying any sort of heating system repair need can cause it to turn into a much bigger problem, leaving you with a broken down heater next year when you need it, or, depending on the circumstances, a malfunctioning air conditioner too! And especially in the case of a gas-powered system, delaying repairs can lead to safety issues. But how do you know if you even have heating problems that need managing? Read on as we uncover some of the symptoms of heater problems.
Heater Malfunctions to Watch Out For
- Drafty Doors and Windows: Maybe you’ve noticed that your home isn’t heating up as fast as it used to, or you find cold spots in certain areas of your home. If so, it may be that your heater is declining in performance. But it could also be something else, like an issue with a miscalibrated thermostat or damaged ductwork—both of which will also impact your air conditioner in the spring and summer.
- Your Heater Is Making Awful Noises: No matter how minor a strange or unsettling sound might seem, if your heater is making a sound you’ve never heard before or doesn’t seem natural, you’re right to be alarmed! A few sounds, in particular, that should absolutely warrant a call to our pros include a mechanical clanging or banging, hissing and clicking, or just general noisy operation.
- Your Bill Last Month was Higher Than It Should Be: A spike in your heating bills over the winter months is expected, but what you shouldn’t see is a sudden rise, or a dramatic increase over what you paid last year—this is a sign that your heater isn’t working as efficiently as it once did.
- The Heater Is Short-Cycling: This is a term given to the process where your HVAC system turns on and shuts off in rapid succession, which increases the wear and tear on the system. It’s worth mentioning that if you have a relatively newer heater and have always experienced this symptom, it likely means that the system is too big for your home. Be sure to talk to our technicians about your options if this is the case.
Even if you only end up needing your heating system a little bit longer this season, it’s a good idea to have repairs done as soon as you suspect you need them. Letting a heater sit in disrepair, after all, can result in a large and expensive hassle for you when you need the system again next fall.
Established in 1912, Max Sr & Paul Schoenwalder Plumbing, Heating and Air Conditioning, A Corp. is your trusted resource for reliable gas furnace repair in Warren, NJ. Reach out to us today.