Why Your Residential Heating System May Stop Working

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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.

Why Your Residential Heating System May Stop Working

29 July 2021
 Categories: , Blog


The winter months can be bitterly cold. That's why you have a heating system installed in your home to keep your family warm and cozy. Unfortunately, even the most reliable heating systems can break down, leaving you at the mercy of cold weather.

There are numerous reasons why your residential heating equipment may stop working properly or at all. The good news is that most of those reasons are preventable. Some of the typical reasons why heating system failure occurs have been highlighted below.

Neglecting The Need For Regular Heating System Maintenance

This is perhaps the biggest reason residential heating systems break down. Many folks simply don't pay attention to their home heating equipment until major issues crop up. As a result, a lot of minor issues go unnoticed until they escalate to the level of causing a breakdown.

Home heating systems are mechanical systems consisting of parts that undergo wear and tear from normal use. Failure to have these parts checked and tested from time to time can significantly reduce the output and efficiency of your entire heating system. It can also shorten the lifespan of the heating equipment.

If your residential heater breaks down due to a lack of preventative maintenance, an HVAC technician can conduct diagnostic tests to identify the underlying cause of the problem. Once the problem has been identified, the necessary repair work will be performed. 

Pushing Your Heating System To Work Beyond Its Capacity

Home heating systems are not "one-size-fits-all" products. They come in all types and sizes to meet the unique heating needs of virtually every homeowner. That said, you should never run your heating equipment beyond its rated capacity. Doing so will cause the equipment to run too hard and accelerate the wear and tear of its components. This will not only result in frequent breakdowns and expensive heating repairs but also reduce the lifespan of your heating system.

If your residential heater won't evenly heat your house, makes unusual noises, or seems to be driving up your domestic utility costs, it's likely that you're overworking it. Having a fully trained HVAC specialist inspect your heating unit can help determine the cause of the problem. If you've outgrown your existing heating unit, the specialist may recommend that you choose a larger unit.

To help you minimize the risk of a breakdown and avoid potentially costly heating repair bills, it's best to have your heating system checked and repaired at the earliest sign of trouble. For more information on residential heating repair, contact an HVAC technician.