Look for These Signs to Keep a Broken Heater from Ruining Scary Movie Night!
Most everyone enjoys the feeling of being scared while watching a movie in the safety of their own home, especially when Halloween is in the air. But when those in the home experience chills from a faulty heater instead of a spooky movie, it could be the makings of a heating emergency. And since fall is when most heaters start seeing regular use again, it’s the most likely time for them to show signs of stress that indicate an issue. Luckily, these signs are easy to spot when homeowners know what to look for.
Home Won’t Heat
If the home doesn’t heat, it may seem like an obvious sign that something is wrong. But there are some things to check before calling qualified professionals to look at the system. Sometimes, a power surge can cause the furnace to act a little crazy, so it’s important to ensure this isn’t the cause of the heating problems.
The first thing homeowners should do if they experience heat loss is check the thermostat. They should turn the system off if it’s in heating mode and everything looks good. Next, it’s important to check the breaker box to see if any breakers have tripped. If so, they should be turned back on. Lastly, wait for 20 to 30 minutes before turning the heater back on at the thermostat. If the heater still doesn’t work after this — or the breaker trips again — it’s imperative to call qualified professionals to diagnose and fix the issue.
Spooky Sounds
Spooky sounds from the heater or the HVAC system also indicate a problem that needs addressing. These unusual sounds can crop up even when the heater is working, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t a problem. Some of the most common sounds include shrieking, buzzing, scraping, and rattling.
A shrieking noise usually means an issue with the motor’s belt. Buzzing often means that there’s an electrical problem in the furnace. Buzzing is not to be confused with a low humming sound that most furnaces emit as they operate normally. Scraping can mean one of two things: the blower wheel has loosened, or there are some loose ball bearings. A rattling sound usually means that some component has come loose and is scraping against other housing components. Any of these problems can cause a broken heater and should be addressed by a professional ASAP.
A Terrifying Increase in the Electric Bill
The last tell-tale sign that the heater is malfunctioning has to do with high energy bills. Small variations are normal, but large jumps in the heating bills can indicate a problem with the system. Not only does a furnace problem cause a loss of efficiency that can cost homeowners money, but it can also lead to a pricey repair if not addressed on time.
Luckily, professional HVAC technicians can diagnose and address problems that cause heaters to function poorly. They can also head off future issues by fixing worn components. And once the technician is done, the energy bills will go back to normal — or get even lower!
About Atlantic Heating & Air Conditioning
The friendly professionals at Atlantic Heating & Air Conditioning have been serving Boston, MA, since 1962. They offer tailored solutions crafted by trusted industry leaders. They also provide excellent 24/7 service and customer peace of mind with their thorough solutions. Contact them today for broken heater repair in Boston, MA.
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