Don’t Wait Until the Heater Gives Up the Ghost

Shivers Should Come from Scary Movies, Not Chilly Houses

Unusual sounds, cold spots in the house, and unexplained power surges may be considered signs of the paranormal, but there is no reason to call the Ghostbusters. The same issues can be caused by an HVAC unit that is on its way out or a broken heater. What signs should homeowners watch for in the case of a heater on the verge of breakdown?

Cold Spots in the House

Suppose the home is just not heating up. In that case, there can be several reasons behind the chill in the air, all easily explained without the otherworldly presence of supernatural entities. Some of the things that a homeowner should consider are in the following list:

  • Insulation: If a home is not properly insulated, if windows are old and tend to be drafty, this can result in a less efficient heating system. If the heat easily escapes, there is no way a heating unit can hope to keep up with that heat loss.
  • Power Surge: A power surge can cause the HVAC system to throw a breaker or lose heating power. It may take either resetting the breaker or the system to correct the problem, but it is an easy fix.
  • Thermostat Setting: Checking the thermostat setting may be the best first step. A homeowner should make sure it hasn’t been turned down for some reason before calling a professional about possible repairs.
  • Heater Needing Repair: If the heater isn’t heating, many things could malfunction within the unit itself. One could involve the heating element, the internal thermometer, the thermostat, etc. A homeowner should never try to diagnose the problem themselves but should hire qualified professionals. 

 

Things that Go Bump (or Buzz or Clang) in the Night (or Day)

soundsIt is common in horror movies to have unusual sounds coming from dark corners of the proverbial haunted house, but heaters that need maintenance or repair often make lots of noises on their own. Some of these noises can be startling and off-putting. Don’t just chalk it up to the normal noise of an old heater. Different sounds can indicate problems with the heater or furnace apparatus. Some professional HVAC technicians may even be able to identify the problem from the sounds. If a home’s heater is making any of the following noises, it would be a good idea to call a pro about maintenance and repair:
  • Banging
  • Hissing
  • Screeching
  • Whining
  • Rattling
  • Humming or vibrations

Repair is probably needed if these sounds are new and are happening more frequently.

High Energy Bills That Are Unexplained

billThe only unexplained phenomenon that comes within the jurisdiction of an HVAC contractor is that of an inexplicably high energy bill. A skyrocketing bill may not simply result from higher fuel costs; it can indicate something closer to home. A heater that is functioning at less than its best or is older can lose efficiency. This means it may be working harder (using more energy) to warm the same amount of space with the same exterior temperatures. If a home gets a really high energy bill that an equal increase in usage cannot explain, then it is time to schedule a visit from an HVAC pro.

About A New Image Heating & Cooling

The citizens of Warrensville Heights, OH and the surrounding areas are looking for reliable HVAC solutions at reasonable prices. In that case, they need look no further than A New Image Heating & Cooling. They offer 24/7 emergency repair and have an A+ rating from the BBB. Call them today for same-day heating service on most projects.

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