When To Call a Professional for Heating Repair
The biting cold of winter can put your comfort in jeopardy if you don’t have a powerful and reliable heating system. That’s why homeowners need to handle HVAC issues quickly. While it may be easy to recognize something’s wrong, knowing when to call a heating professional may be more challenging.
In this blog post, the HVAC experts at Northern Comfort Systems provide DIY HVAC repair tips for issues that homeowners can troubleshoot on their own, along with signs that it’s time to call for professional furnace repairs.
Heating Issues You Can Troubleshoot
Low Airflow
Reduced airflow from your furnace doesn’t always require heating repair. Often, these issues can be handled by homeowners. The first thing to do is ensure the vents in your home aren’t blocked by furniture, decor, rugs, or other everyday items.
Then, turn off the system and replace the air filter located either on the furnace or inside your ducts. If these filters are clogged, they can restrict airflow. Prevent these issues by replacing the filters every one to three months.
Heat Won’t Turn On
If your heat won’t turn on, check that the circuit breaker to your system hasn’t tripped. If it hasn’t, the next step is to check your thermostat. Start by checking the batteries to see if they need to be replaced. Then, confirm that your system is set to “heat” and that the desired temperature is above the current temperature in your home.
Faulty Pilot Light
A faulty pilot light can also cause issues with your heating. However, homeowners can fix this themselves by relighting it. Start by turning off the gas to your furnace. Then, find the gas valve knob and set it to “pilot.”
Hold down the “reset” button and use a long lighter or match to ignite the flame, or if your system has an electric igniter, press the “ignition” button. You can then restore power to your furnace.
Heating Issues That Require Professional Service
Other signs of heating issues will require the training and tools of a professional. It may be time to call a heating professional if you notice:
- No power to the unit: This is often an electrical issue that requires expertise. A homeowner can’t fix faulty wiring or capacitor failure. This requires professional attention.
- Unusual noises: Unusual noises can indicate a variety of issues. Rattling could be loose parts while grinding could signal a faulty blower motor. A more serious problem is a banging or popping noise that could result from dangerous gas buildup.
- Unusual odors: Odors in your furnace are warning signs. Common issues include burning smells due to overheating, musty smells from mold growth, or gas smells caused by a leak.
- System short-cycling: Short-cycling can have several causes. It’s best to get professional repairs quickly because it can cause added stress to your system and wasted energy.
Choose Northern Comfort Systems
At Northern Comfort Systems, we’re available 24/7 for all your furnace and heating needs. Our highly trained, NATE-certified technicians offer service for all furnace makes and models to restore your system quickly. Plus, if your system is old or requires expensive repairs, we offer free estimates on any furnace replacement.
Call Northern Comfort Systems today to request heating repairs in Indianapolis, Terre Haute, Anderson, or Muncie, IN.