Symptoms Of A Malfunctioning Heating System

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How to Keep Your Cool When the Mercury is Rising

When the heat is rising to record-breaking levels, it can be really tough to stay cool. This summer, I found that my air conditioner had trouble keeping up with the temperatures. It wasn't that the AC wasn't working, it was just that I couldn't seem to get my house cooled down as much as I wanted. I worried that I would have to replace the whole AC system. Luckily, I have a good friend who works as an HVAC contractor. He took a look at my system and gave good news -- it didn't need to be replaced. Instead, he shared a lot of tips for helping my air conditioner work more efficiently, as well as some ideas to help supplement the AC and keep the house cooler. I'm using those tips to create this blog to share ways for all of us to keep cool on the hottest days.

Symptoms Of A Malfunctioning Heating System

22 November 2019
 Categories: , Blog


When the weather starts to cool, it means full-time work for your heating. When the heating system has been quiet for months, your heating may not work as well as it should right away. Here are some signs to look out for so you do not have any cold nights this winter season:

No Hot Air

An obvious sign of trouble is the lack of hot air coming through the heating system. This can be due to many issues, some more severe than others. You should first check your electrical breaker box in your home and make sure the breaker for your heating system did not accidentally trip or get turned off. If so, be sure to flip it into the on position.

You may also have a problem with your thermostat. The thermostat may not work, may have a wiring issue, or may just need a new battery.

If your heating system is gas-powered, be sure the gas valve is in the open position and the pilot light is ignited. If you have an issue with either of these, you should contact your HVAC contractor to check it for you.

If none of these issues are the source of your problem, you need to schedule an inspection with your HVAC contractor to find out what the problem is.

Odd Noises

A central heating system is generally quiet when it is running. If you begin to hear sudden loud noises, there is likely a problem. Any loud banging sounds could signal a broken blower motor. If you hear noise from the ignition switch, this also needs to be addressed, as it may be malfunctioning. If you hear any strange noises coming from your heating system, you need to schedule an inspection as soon as possible to make sure your heating system does not fail in the middle of the winter season.

Gas Smell

If your home runs on natural gas, you may smell gas for a brief moment from time to time. When your first turn on your heating system, or any gas-powered appliance, you may notice a faint smell of gas. However, if you smell gas and it does not stop after a few minutes, you may have a leak in your heating system. No matter what, call the fire department and get out of your house right away. A gas leak can cause an explosion and needs to be addressed immediately. After the gas leak is contained, you should have your HVAC contractor take care of the repair in your heating system.

Contact a local residential heating company for more information.