Having your heater stop working during the middle of winter can be extremely frustrating and distressing as a homeowner. Yet, while this situation is not ideal, the good news is that there are ways to remedy the situation and get your home warm and cozy again.
If you need heating and cooling services in the Armstrong County area, don’t wait to reach out. Call our crew at 724-664-1976 or book online with us today.
Furnaces: Common Reasons They Fail
What are the most common reasons your heating system may fail you? Furnace maintenance plays an important role in keeping your system running efficiently and reliably. Consider the following potential issues.
✓ Dirty Air Filters
Since furnaces move air through your home, they are susceptible to accumulating dirt and other debris. Air filters help to block this buildup, but dirty air filters and blowers can restrict its ability to do this. Air filters should be replaced every three months, or so.
✓ Dirty Flame Sensors
Dirty flame sensors can also be to blame for why the burners in your system fail to light or stay lit. When approached carefully, homeowners can sometimes do this themselves, but it’s something we’d be glad to do if you’re not comfortable.
✓ Malfunctioning Thermostat
A malfunctioning thermostat can also be to blame for why your furnace is not working properly. Thermostat-related issues typically are related to the thermostat being programmed wrong, or it could be the thermostat unit itself needs to be replaced.
When looking for a new thermostat, be sure to take advantage of the more energy efficient, programmable options available today.
✓ Faulty Ductwork
Trusting an expert to install and maintain ductwork is a must, as these are susceptible to leaks and damage. Should a breakdown occur, your indoor air quality will suffer, as will your efficiency levels and heating bills.
Boiler Systems: Do You Have a Water Leak?
Since boiler heat systems run off of water, they are susceptible to leaks. A broken part is typically to blame for a leak – the most common are the pressure relief valve, or the seal for the pump, which is responsible for moving water around your boiler system.
High boiler pressure can also cause the pressure relief valve to start leaking water as a means to protect the system. If you suspect an obstruction is causing your boiler to have high pressure, it is best to contact one of the professionals at 1 Stop Heating & Cooling to check your system safely.
Leaks can also be due to corrosion around pipes and the tank.
Not getting hot water?
Another common issue faced by boilers is not producing any hot water. Since this type of system uses hot water to heat your home, not having any hot water in the system is concerning. Sometimes this can be due to the thermostat being set too low, needing new batteries, or being in a poor location in relation to the radiator.
The pilot light can also be the cause, if you have one. If your pilot light has gone out, it will prevent the boiler from heating up. You can follow your unit’s instruction manual for steps to relight it.
Note: If you smell gas or suspect a leak, do not attempt to relight the pilot. Instead, call a Gas Safe registered engineer to assess the situation.
If you find that your radiators are not heating up, but your settings are right and the boiler is working properly, then it could be due to air in the system preventing the hot water from properly distributing. Running all thermostats on full for 10-15 minutes, then shutting them off and letting them cool for an hour, followed by bleeding each radiator can help to rid the system of air.
If you find that your radiator is cold at the bottom, it is most likely due to something prohibiting water flow inside it. Typically this comes from some sort of built-up like limescale or sludge.
Boilers can also face breakdown issues due to build up of rust or corrosion as well as low boiler pressure, which is typically the result of a leak. Call the professionals at 1 Stop Heating & Cooling to come diagnose your boiler issue and get your radiator working at full capacity.
Heat Pump Issues?
Heat pumps are also susceptible to issues arising from dirty components. Dirty air filters can restrict air flow to the compressor, but are not the only factor that impacts air flow.
Since your heat pump pulls air from outside to heat your home, it is susceptible to blockages and debris accumulation from things like leaves, snow, ice, dirt, or other debris. Contaminant build up on the system’s evaporator coil or a blocked air inlet that restricts airflow can result in your system’s evaporator coil freezing up.
Heat pumps can also struggle to bring heat into the home if the refrigeration charge is too low. If refrigerant levels get too low, your systems heat strips will continue to come on often resulting in a large amount of energy consumed and ultimately, a hefty utility bill.
Other common culprits include thermostat issues (as mentioned with furnaces and boilers), a broken reversing valve, a broken starter capacitor, issues with ductwork, and power loss. If you find that your heat pump could be suffering from one of the issues mentioned here, give 1 Stop Heating & Cooling a call to assess your heat system and have it serviced by a professional.
Keep Things Working Well By Calling On Us
Your home’s HVAC system is an integral component of keeping your family happier and warmer during our cold Pennsylvania winters. Scheduling annual preventive maintenance on your HVAC system is the first step in preventing the issues discussed above from arising and causing your system to stop working.
It’s never too late to start having your system serviced on a regular basis. Give the professionals at 1 Stop Heating & Cooling a call to come assess your HVAC system and maintenance needs. Dial 724-664-1976 or reach out online now.
Recent Comments