When the winter chill arrives, you want to wake up in a warm, cozy home. But when the heat goes out or starts working sporadically, how do you handle it? While calling a professional for major repairs is always a good idea, simple troubleshooting tips can resolve many common heating issues.
Read on to learn some pro tips to tackle minor heating system issues before calling in the experts for help. But if you do need help, the team at Abend Services has the Brooklyn Park and Severna Park heating services you need to keep your system up and running.
It’s easy to overlook your thermostat as the brain of your heating system and an easy place to start troubleshooting.
Check the Settings: Look over your thermostat and make sure it’s still set to “heat” and any programmable settings weren’t changed without your knowledge. You can also try resetting the thermostat to see if that fixes the problem.
Replace the Batteries: If your thermostat runs on batteries, weak or dead batteries can lead to a malfunction. Swap them out to see if it resolves the problem.
Clean the Thermostat: Dust, grime, and dirt can interfere with the communication of your thermostat’s sensors. Gently clean it off with a soft cloth to see if it resumes.
2) Inspect the Power Supply
If your heating system isn’t turning on at all, there’s either a power issue or a malfunction.
Check the Circuit Breaker: Go to your circuit breaker box and see if the breaker for your heating system has tripped. You can reset it and monitor whether or not it trips again. If it does, you probably have an electrical overload somewhere and need professional help.
Make Sure the System is Actually Plugged In: If you have electric furnaces or heaters, double-check the unit is still securely plugged into the outlet.
3) Examine the Air Filters
Clogged air filters are one of the most common reasons for heating issues and one of the easiest to fix. When your filters are dirty, they restrict the airflow and force your system to work harder than ever.
Locate the Filter: Find the filter in your furnace or air handler.
Inspect the Filter: If it’s dusty or clogged, replace it with a new one. The team at Abend Services recommends a filter replacement every 1 to 3 months, especially during peak usage. You may need to replace it more often if you’re relying on your system more than usual or have an older unit.
4) Inspect the Pilot Light or Ignition System
Gas furnaces that aren’t producing heat may have a pilot light or ignition system.
Check the Pilot Light: If your pilot light is out, look over the manufacturer’s instructions to safely relight it. If you smell gas, sulfur, rotten eggs, or just feel uncomfortable handling it, call the team at Abend Services right away for help.
Inspect the Ignition System: Many of the modern furnaces rely on electronic igniters instead of pilot lights. If the igniter is faulty, you need a technician to come out and repair or replace it.
5) Listen for Unusual Noises
Strange sounds are often a sign of underlying problems in your heating system.
Whistling or Hissing: Whistling and hissing are usually signs there’s a clogged air filter or a leak somewhere in your ductwork that needs attention. Go ahead and change the filter to see if it resolves. Otherwise, you should call in a furnace specialist to look into and fix the issue.
Banging or Clanging: Banging and clanging sounds are never a good sign. You probably have a loose part, debris, or an issue with the motor blower. It’s important to get help right away before you experience more damage or a system failure.
Clicking: Clicking sounds usually point to a problem with an ignition system that needs help from an expert.
6) Check the Vents and Registers
Whether you live in a smaller space or enjoy curating the look and feel of your home, it’s far too easy to block vents with curtains, furniture, and other items without realizing it. The results are uneven heating and a strain on your system.
Clear Obstructions: Make sure your furniture, curtains, and other objects aren’t blocking your vents.
Open Registers: Fully open all of the registers, even in unused rooms. If you close too many, you could have a pressure imbalance in your ductwork.
7) Inspect the Ductwork
When your ductwork is leaky or damaged, you could have a reduction in efficiency and see your energy bills rise.
Look for Visible Damage: Inspect your exposed ductwork for gaps, holes, or any issues with the connections.
Seal Small Leaks: You can try using duct tape or mastic sealant to temporarily fix small leaks. For larger issues, call the team at Abend Services for professional assistance to repair your ductwork.
8) Monitor the System’s Performance
After troubleshooting your furnace, turn on your system and monitor how it operates.
Does the System Turn On? You may need to call a technician to diagnose the problem if you can’t sustain the heat in your home.
Is the Heat Consistent? Uneven heating is an indication there’s an ongoing problem with the thermostat, ductwork, or an issue with the size of your system compared to what your home actually needs.
Are There Any Odd Smells? Burning smells are usually a sign there’s dust accumulation in the system, while a musty odor might suggest mold in the ductwork.
Know When to Call In the Pros
DIY troubleshooting can resolve many of your home’s minor heating issues, but some problems are best left to our team of licensed technicians. If your heating system still won’t turn on, cycles on and off frequently, runs for extended periods, emits strange smells or noises, or if you’re unsure how to address an issue safely, it’s time to give us a call for help. We offer the Brooklyn Park and Severna Park heating repairs, new installations, and maintenance you need to keep your heating system up and running this season.
Call Abend Services for All Your Heating Maintenance & Repair Needs
Don’t let a heating hiccup leave you shivering in the winter chill. With these DIY troubleshooting steps, you can quickly resolve many common issues and get back to enjoying a warm, cozy home. However, when it comes to more complex problems, trust the experts at Abend Services to deliver the professional care and solutions your heating system needs. From maintenance to repairs, our team is here to ensure your home stays comfortable all season long.
Remember, heating maintenance in Severna Park, MD, and Brooklyn Park is your best defense against unexpected breakdowns. Don’t wait for problems to arise—schedule your appointment with Abend Services today and let us keep your heating system running smoothly.
You should replace your air filter every 1 to 3 months, depending on your usage, the type of filter, and the age of your heating system. During peak seasons or if you have allergies, consider checking it more frequently.
What should I do if I smell gas near my heating system?
f you detect a gas odor, such as rotten eggs or sulfur, leave your home immediately and contact your gas company or emergency services. Avoid turning on any electrical devices or lights. Once it’s safe, call Abend Services for professional help.
My heating system keeps turning on and off frequently. What could be wrong?
This issue, known as short cycling, can be caused by a dirty air filter, a malfunctioning thermostat, or an oversized heating system. Check your filter and thermostat settings first. If the problem persists, contact a technician for a thorough inspection.
How can I improve the efficiency of my heating system?
Regular maintenance is key. Replace your air filters as needed, keep vents and registers clear, seal any leaks in your ductwork, and schedule professional tune-ups annually to ensure your system operates efficiently.
Is it safe to attempt relighting the pilot light myself?
Relighting the pilot light is generally safe if you follow the manufacturer’s instructions closely. However, if you smell gas or feel uncomfortable handling it, call Abend Services for assistance.
Why are some rooms in my home colder than others?
Uneven heating could be due to blocked vents, closed registers, or leaks in your ductwork. It might also indicate an improperly sized system. Check for blockages or leaks, and contact a professional if the problem continues.
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