Is your heater struggling to keep your home warm this winter season? Problems can range from weak airflow to unusual noises and many things in between. If you notice any of these warning signs, you need to call for service before the system breaks down entirely.
Schedule an appointment for professional heating repair in Salem, VA, and let our team take care of the issues. You can also keep reading to learn more about the early signs pointing to heater repair needs and the risks of each one.
Unusual Sounds Coming From Your Heater
Hearing an unusual sound come from your heater is perhaps one of the most effective ways to identify that something is wrong inside the system. Any sound that is considered out of the ordinary for a typical heater operation needs to be treated as a reason to call for service.
Don’t wait until more serious problems present themselves. Call for service as soon as you suspect that something is wrong so that we can fix it before it spreads damage to other areas of the system. Take action even if you aren’t sure where exactly a sound is coming from or what it means.
Poor or Inconsistent Airflow
You can also pay attention to airflow coming out of your heater. If the airflow isn’t warm enough, the ignition or heating elements may be malfunctioning. Inconsistent airflow from room to room is more of a ductwork problem.
Inconsistent temperatures at different times of the day may mean that your heater struggles with heating your home based on the outdoor air temperature dipping lower at certain times. In this case, you may need to rethink your temperature settings (experts recommend no higher than 68 degrees in the winter for heating) or call for professional service.
High Energy Costs
Noticing increases in your gas or electric bills may mean less efficient heating due to a malfunction of some sort. Increases can happen slowly over time or all at once. Either way, you shouldn’t see major changes in how much energy you’re consuming at home without changes to usage.
For example, if you adjust your thermostat higher so that your home is warmer, it may cost you more. If you aren’t changing thermostat settings, usage should remain fairly steady with only minor cost fluctuations.
System Age
Aside from obvious signs, your heater is more likely to need repairs as it ages. You’ll see an uptick in repair needs during the last couple of years of life in particular. At that point, all of the components inside your heater are getting up in age and wearing down, leading to more frequent problems and maybe even breakdowns.
You may need to replace your heater entirely if it seems like you’re calling us constantly for service or you’re facing a single repair need that costs thousands of dollars. It’s better to invest that money in a totally new system that has a long lifespan ahead of it instead of spending money on repairs that won’t make your current heater last that much longer.
We can help you make the best choice for heater services. Rely on the experts at W.C. Butler Heating and Air Conditioning and schedule an appointment today.