How To Tell if a Heating Unit Isn’t Working Before Winter Arrives
Freezing cold weather will be here before everyone knows it. And while many people look forward to snow days (or not!), one thing that they tend to take for granted is that their home heater will work. They switch it on after a summer of not needing it and expect the rooms in their house to feel warm and toasty. After being shut off for half the year, sometimes home heaters become damaged, and homeowners don’t realize it until it’s too late.
This article will explain some of the common signs that indicate the heating unit isn’t working properly so the homeowner can remedy the problem before winter arrives.
Issues That Need To Be Repaired Before the Weather Changes
Not only does a homeowner’s heating unit maintain the temperature within the house, but it also prevents potential disasters like burst pipes. So it’s vital to keep tabs on the unit’s condition, especially as the seasons change and the weather gets colder.
One signal that something might be wrong is unusual smells that don’t dissipate. When someone turns on a furnace after six months, it’s normal to notice an odor of fuel temporarily around the unit; however, if that smell doesn’t go away or gets stronger, the homeowner should definitely give their HVAC professional a call. Unusual smells can point to furnace trouble.
Additionally, suppose the homeowner has trouble starting the heater or has to restart it throughout the day. In that case, there is likely a problem with the unit that should be assessed by a professional.
What To Do When the Unit Blows Cold Instead of Warm Air
Feeling cool air instead of warm coming from the vents is one of the most common ways a homeowner realizes that their home heater needs to be repaired: the air coming out of the room vents is cold instead of warm! Obviously, this is the exact opposite of what one expects when they turn on the heat in their house.
This might occur due to leaky ductwork that allows treated air to escape and thermostats that aren’t working properly. At the first sign of a lack of inadequate heating within the home, one should call an HVAC professional to investigate and resolve the issue.
When the Furnace Makes Unusual Noises...
Most heating units make some noise, but any sounds that are unusually loud or persistent are of concern. If the unit is having belt or fan problems, the homeowner may hear squealing or whistling noises, whereas if there are any broken parts internally, there may be banging or groaning sounds. In general, any new, loud, or recurring noise should result in a call to one’s HVAC professional.
What Does a Yellow Pilot Light Mean? Shouldn’t It Be Blue?
It is imperative to pay attention to the color of the furnace’s pilot light. A well-functioning pilot light will be blue. If it’s not, and instead is yellow or a different color, the homeowner, should let an HVAC professional know as soon as possible. The color yellow can mean that there’s a ventilation problem and that carbon monoxide isn’t dissipating as it should.
This is a serious issue that needs to be looked into urgently because breathing in carbon monoxide is fatal to people in high concentrations and can cause serious health problems in lower concentrations. Additionally, a yellow pilot light may mean that the unit is combustible. In this case, the homeowner should contact their HVAC professional without delay.
About Skovron Mechanical Services
An expert in heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration, Skovron Mechanical Services provides quality, reliable service to commercial and residential customers. They take pride in offering 24/7 emergency assistance, honest and upfront pricing, and unparalleled customer service. Contact them for reliable Manchester, NH heater repairs.
