If your heater is not working, it’s probably time to get it checked. Even if you have an older system, there are some simple things you can do to troubleshoot. When a heater doesn’t work correctly, it could be caused by one of several issues. We’ll take a look at some common problems with heaters and discuss how to recognize when something may be wrong or not working correctly in the first place.
Strange Noises
If the heater is making strange noises, the first thing to check is whether something has gotten into the ductwork and is causing damage. However, if there are no apparent signs of this being the case, then you may just have a defective part in your heating system.
Another possible cause of strange noises from your heater could be defective parts on the fan motor. If you notice that it's making unusual sounds when running at different speeds or temperatures, then it may need to be replaced or repaired by an expert technician.
Strange Smells
If your heater smells like burning rubber, it could be an electrical problem with your circuit breaker or wiring near your heater. If you smell a strong odor like rotten eggs or if you smell fuel, get out of the house and call 911 immediately. Do not light a match or try to open windows if there is a strong smell of natural gas, as you may have a gas leak.
Short Cycles
If your heater appears to be short cycling, this means that it is turning off and on too often. In other words, the heater is not running for a long enough time to adequately heat your home. A dirty filter is one of the most common reasons for this problem. The dust and debris in the air will clog up your filters, slowing down airflow through them and therefore reducing heating efficiency. If you have any doubts about whether your filter needs cleaning or replacement, err on the side of caution: You don't want to risk being without heat when winter arrives!
Another possible cause of short cycles is a dirty condenser coil--the part responsible for cooling down incoming hot air so that your furnace can heat it again. Over time and with use, this component tends to collect debris from outdoor sources such as dirt or pollen which reduces its ability to function properly (and may even damage it). If you suspect that this might be an issue with yours, then having it professionally cleaned would be wise before wintertime hits hard!
Inconsistent Temperatures From Room To Room
If you notice that the temperature in your home is inconsistent from room to room, or if one room’s temperature is consistently higher than another’s, it could be a sign that your heater isn’t working correctly. Temperature differences between floors and seasons are also a good indication of this issue. If you live in a warm climate and turn off your heat during summer months but still find yourself uncomfortably hot in certain rooms, it could mean that there's an issue with airflow.
Another good indicator of air conditioning issues is noticing that daytime temperatures are warmer than nighttime ones. This could mean that your ac unit is failing to maintain consistent temperatures throughout the day and night—or even over multiple days at once! If so, get in touch with HVAC experts ASAP so they can diagnose what exactly went wrong before any other damage occurs!
High Energy Bills
High energy bills are one of the most common signs that your heater is not working properly. If you’re spending more money than usual on utilities, or if your bills seem to be climbing every month, it may be time to check on the heater and make sure it isn’t broken or malfunctioning in any way.
If you suspect your heater won’t work as well during colder months as it does during warm ones, then there may be an issue with its efficiency level. If a professional has looked at it and determined that everything is working correctly, then there could still be some issues with how well your home is insulated from the elements outside.
At Sunset Heating & Cooling we are a short phone call away today at (503) 500-5866 to help getting your HVAC working like brand new!
