Pre-Season Repairs to Increase the Efficiency of Your Heating System
Do you usually wait for the cold season to set in for you to examine your heating system for potential faults? An inefficient or unreliable system can inconvenience you when you need it most. Also, if you seek repairs in the peak season, you will spend a lot of money.
Pre-season repairs allow you to prep your heater for prolonged use during winter. You also get to enjoy lower repair rates during the low season. With this in mind, here are the top pre-season repairs to increase the efficiency of your heating system.
Low airflow in the home
When there's low airflow in your home, some rooms may get insufficient warm air. Airflow problems often result from various issues. A common one is damaged ductwork. Worn ducts leak warm air to the surroundings and supply very little to the targeted rooms. Similarly, misaligned or severely bent ducts can restrict airflow to some rooms. Inspect and repair your ducts to receive adequate warm air throughout your home.
Other causes of restricted airflow include:
- Clogged filters, vents or registers
- Obstructed condenser unit
- Damaged fan
- Faulty thermostat
You may have a hard time pinpointing the problem without professional help. A heating contractor can troubleshoot the system and repair the worn parts for proper airflow.
Unusual noises from the heating system
A heating system typically produces a low humming noise when in operation. If your system has unusual noises, something may be wrong. If you have a reverse heating and cooling system, you will notice this problem even when the AC is on. In both gas and electric heaters, a screeching sound may result from a faulty belt or motor.
A loud boom coming from your gas furnace could signal delayed ignition because of problems in the ignition chamber. You may also notice unusual noise if you have a cracked belt, faulty bearings or worn metal parts within the system. Ignoring these sounds could further aggravate the problem during the winter and render your system unusable.
Leaking heat pump or furnace
Both heat pumps and furnaces warm your home by circulating warm air. Heat pumps circulate heat through the refrigerant, while furnaces use fuel sources such as gas to generate heat. Both components are susceptible to leaks; therefore, whichever one you have, you need to check for leaks.
Heat pump leaks occur due to leaking refrigerant, frozen evaporator coils or a clogged condensate drain. These problems can lower the efficiency of your heating system and cause damage to other components. The most common cause of furnace leaks occur is a clogged or damaged condensate drain. While this may not affect the performance of the furnace, it can promote mould growth and water damage around the component.
The above problems make for an inefficient heating system. Contact an HVAC contractor for heater repairs before the onset of winter.