Common Heater Issues After Heavy Winter Use And How Professionals Fix Them

Home » Common Heater Issues After Heavy Winter Use And How Professionals Fix Them

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Your heater will carry you through the long, cold winter and take care of your comfort all day. The heavy work of heating your home can take its toll on it. If it doesn’t receive regular heating maintenance in Colorado Springs, CO, it can experience issues and break down.

HVAC technicians recommend doing maintenance, checkups, or annual tune-ups after heavy winter use of your heaters. Any developing issues will be easy to take care of and prevent any unseen damage or breakdowns when you use them next winter season.

Frequent Cycling and Poor Heating Performance

Frequent heater cycling is where the heater turns on and off more than normal. This problem is often caused by clogged air filters, faulty thermostats, or overheating due to restricted airflow. These parts need professional checking, especially if you notice thermostat issues and overheating.

If your heater installation struggles to maintain consistent warmth, professionals recommend a quick check and cleaning of filters and ducts. A thorough cleaning and filter replacement can significantly improve heating efficiency and airflow.

Another major sign of heater issues after winter is a noticeable increase in energy bills. Your heater can struggle to maintain temperatures due to worn-out components or airflow restrictions. The strain makes them consume more energy to compensate as a result.

A professional tuneup after winter can reset your heater and resolve most issues. A tuneup is a comprehensive cleaning and inspection session to make sure the system is at peak efficiency.

Strange Noises and Unusual Odors

You may hear loud noises such as banging, rattling, or screeching in your heater. They are often due to worn-out components, loose belts, or motor issues. These sounds are from mechanical strain.

Unusual odors such as burning smells could signal dust accumulation in the system or electrical problems. They contribute to overheating issues. Professional heating services can check for these unusual issues with a full inspection of affected parts. Belts, motors, and wiring in good condition will ensure safety and prevent costly repairs.

Ignition or Pilot Light Problems

Gas-powered heaters rely on an ignition system or pilot light to operate. If the pilot light often goes out or the ignition system fails, it means inconsistent heating or complete system failure. HVAC technicians need to check for thermocouple issues, gas valve malfunctions, or blockages in the fuel line. These parts need immediate repair or replacement to keep the heater operation safe.

Thermostat Malfunctions and Uneven Heating

Bad thermostats cause temperature inconsistencies. Some rooms feel too warm while others remain cold. Recalibrating or upgrading the thermostat restores proper heating.

You might also need to update your thermostat if it’s outdated. Newer, programmable models offer better control over heaters for optimized energy efficiency and heating performance.

Carbon Monoxide Leaks and Safety Hazards

Cracked heat exchangers or improper ventilation are common causes of carbon monoxide leaks. They pose serious health risks, starting with poor air ventilation. You will notice a yellow pilot light that goes out again and again and burning smells. There will also be discoloration around your furnace. HVAC professionals can detect leaks and perform necessary repairs or replacements.

Frozen or Leaking Pipes

Extreme winter conditions can cause frozen pipes in heating systems due to a lack of proper insulation. Frozen pipes lead to cracks and leaks. This results in water damage and expensive repairs.

You need HVAC professionals to inspect heating elements and connected pipes for any unseen damage from freezing. Proper insulation, ventilation, and heater adjustments can fix this issue.

The Advantages Of Post-Winter Tuneup

After winter, your heater is often overworked. The extreme cold conditions also contribute to developing problems that can lead to damage or unsafe operations.

If you notice any of the aforementioned symptoms, get maintenance, or a full tune-up. This guarantees unobserved issues get fixed before they get worse. Your heater becomes ready and error-free for next winter.

A tuneup includes cleaning or replacing air filters, inspecting electrical connections and moving parts, and checking for gas leaks and pilot light issues. HVAC professionals will lubricate moving parts and test the thermostat for accuracy. They detect and fix potential system failures and restore your heater.

Most heaters last between fifteen to twenty years with good care. In some cases, an outdated or overworked heating unit may need replacement. This is the case when it has repeated repairs and remains inconsistent or no longer efficient.

Your heater needs the extensive expertise of BullsEye Plumbing Heating & Air, the top local HVAC specialist since 2005. Call us today.

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