With winter approaching, many of us are thinking about our heating systems, but how do we know if there’s something wrong with them? Unless you’re an expert, you probably can’t tell. Fortunately, this guide is here to illuminate you. We look through everything that can go wrong with your home heating system so you’re not left in the dark when you need professional assistance.
Clogged air filters
One of the main reasons HVAC contractors are called out over the winter is clogged air filters. Over time, dust and dirt build up on the filter itself, making the system work harder than it did before. Over time, this reduces energy flow, airflow, and wears out the equipment, leading to higher bills and repair costs long term.
The good news, though, is that you can fix this problem by replacing your filters every 1-3 months. It isn’t a big job; it probably takes about 15-20 minutes, and you can do it yourself.
Thermostat issues
You may also run into thermostat issues. Thermostats are devices that connect to your heating system that regulate the temperature. They have a sensor that tells them the temperature right now and then internal programming that tells them what temperature they need to achieve according to your inputs.
The problem is that this sensor can sometimes work incorrectly believing that the temperature is higher or lower than it actually is. When this happens, your heating system won’t work as you expect.
The good news is you can fix this by re-calibrating the system. Usually flashing the memory and replacing or updating the firmware is all you need to do. If that doesn’t work, then you may need to replace the sensor or just replace the unit with something equivalent that works with your system. Most manufacturers can provide advice on this.
Pilot light problems
The pilot light on your boiler can also run into issues. Usually, these occur because of drafts inside the boiler unit itself that can cause ignition systems to fail. It can also occur if there’s a problem with the ignition unit, and it’s not burning properly.
When the pilot light is on, the boiler will not start and won’t provide any heat. The good news is that relighting it is usually safe and something you can do at home using systems built into your furnace. If you don’t have these systems and need to open it up, then call out a gas safe professional to do the work for you.
Insufficient heat
Usually, if your boiler is on but has insufficient heat, then it’s an indication of some sort of electrical or power issue. You may also have a gas supply problem. That is, there isn’t enough gas going into the system to provide the heat you want. For this, you need to start with the basics like checking your power switches, checking your breakers, and establishing your fuel levels. Once you’ve done this, you can better identify what the problem is, and fix it.
