Heater Not Working: What’s Wrong with My Heater?
Is your heater not working properly this winter? If your home’s heating system is blowing cold air, making strange noises, or otherwise acting up, you likely have an issue that needs addressing. As experienced HVAC repair technicians serving Mount Pleasant, SC and Charleston, SC, we’ve seen all kinds of heater problems over the years. Read on to learn about some of the most common heater issues homeowners face.
No Heat at All
If your heater is blowing air but it’s not warm, or it’s not turning on at all, there are a few possible culprits. Faulty thermostats are one of the most common reasons a heater fails to start up. Old thermostats can become worn out or defective over time. Replacing your thermostat with an updated, programmable model can get things working again.
You could also be dealing with a broken igniter or faulty flame sensor that is preventing your heater from firing up. These important components need to be fully functional or else the heating cycle can’t begin. Letting the professionals examine things like the igniter assembly, flame sensor, and other ignition parts will get to the bottom of the issue.
Heater Is Turning On and Off Frequently
Does your heater keep kicking on for a few minutes only to turn off again before it has had a chance to warm up the home? This cycle repeats endlessly without ever reaching the set temperature. If so, the problem could be a faulty thermostat that can’t maintain its calibration. Replacing it would be the solution.
However, this issue can also occur when the airflow in the ductwork is being blocked for some reason. Clogged, crushed, or leaky ducts prevent hot air from circulating, causing the heater to cycle excessively while trying to heat your home. Proper duct cleaning, repair and resealing may be required in this case.
Strange Sounds or Rumbles
Loud rumbling, screeching, knocking, or squealing sounds emanating from your heater are big red flags not to ignore. While some noise from the unit is normal, loud, or strange sounds usually mean it’s time to call in professional help. Failing or out-of-balance blower motors could be the issue. Or perhaps your furnace heat exchanger has developed cracks and holes due to wear and tear over the years. Regardless of the cause, abnormal sounds coming from the heater always warrant a closer inspection from HVAC technicians.
Burning Smells
Catching whiffs of something burning inside your home whenever you turn your heater on needs to be addressed right away for safety. Frequently, burning odors originate from a malfunctioning furnace which can pose serious fire risks if not corrected. Built up dust, lint and debris inside the furnace components can ignite when operating. Or perhaps the heat exchanger has cracked, and combustion gases are leaking into your living spaces. Don’t take chances when it comes to burning smells from your heating equipment. Have it evaluated ASAP to identify and remedy the problem.
Inconsistent Heating in Home
If you’ve noticed certain rooms of your home feel warmer than others even when the thermostat hasn’t been tampered with, your ductwork could be the reason why. Poor airflow to certain rooms from blocked, disconnected, or crushed ducts will prevent sufficient heated air from reaching those areas. A thorough examination of your ductwork using diagnostic tools will reveal where air leaks or obstructions are happening. From there, duct repairs can get heat flowing evenly to all rooms again.
Call The Home Comfort Experts
If your heater is misbehaving this winter, let our skilled HVAC technicians get your system back in good working order. As leading heating and cooling pros serving Charleston and Mount Pleasant homes and businesses, we have the training, tools, and experience to accurately diagnose any heater issue. We’ll carefully inspect your system, identify problems, and provide affordable repair recommendations to restore comfort as quickly as possible. Call us today for professional heater troubleshooting services you can rely on all season long!