Your family depends on your heating system to keep things warm and cozy inside your Birmingham home throughout the winter months. Keeping your furnace or heat pump in good operating condition can help you to prevent common heating system problems and can reduce the cost of heating your home this year. Here are some of the most commonly reported problems with heating systems in our area and some proven methods for avoiding these issues before they occur.
Air Flow Problems
The heating and cooling authorities at ENERGY STAR recommend scheduling maintenance for your heating system at least once a year to keep it running at optimal efficiency. Regular cleanings can remove dust and particulate matter from your system and can reduce the risk of issues caused by lack of air flow through your system. Clogged filters and limited air flow can cause your furnace to cycle on and off too quickly, making it more prone to breakdowns. Between maintenance visits, replacing your air filter on a monthly basis can reduce wear and tear on your furnace to lower the risk of breakdowns this winter.
Thermostat Failures
Your home thermostat is responsible for signaling your furnace to turn on or off and to adjust the temperature inside your Birmingham residence. If this control device is malfunctioning, your furnace could fail to keep temperatures comfortable inside your home. Working with a qualified local heating and cooling company is the best way to diagnose issues with your thermostat and to replace it if needed. The U.S. Department of Energy recommends upgrading to a programmable thermostat for greater energy savings and improved control over temperatures day and night. Some modern thermostats can even interact with your home internet connection to allow you to control temperatures from almost anywhere, making them a good investment for homeowners who want added control over their energy costs and indoor climate.
Pilot Light Problems
Depending on the age of your heating system, you may have an old-fashioned pilot light or an electronic ignition system. In both cases, failure to ignite can leave your furnace and your home cold. Calling your local HVAC technician is usually the fastest and most effective strategy for addressing problems with your pilot light or ignition system. These components do break down and wear out over time even with proper heating system maintenance, making it difficult to predict or avoid these problems altogether.
Excessive Noise
While some amount of sound is typically produced by the combustion of gas in a normal home furnace, excessive rumbling or rattling could be a sign of serious mechanical problems that could cause a breakdown in the near future. If your furnace or heat pump is suddenly making loud noises, calling your local HVAC company right away could save you money on the cost of repairs for your heating system.
Old Age
Over time, your heating system is likely to become less efficient and more prone to breakdowns. If your heat pump is more than 10 years old and your furnace over 15 years old, it may be time to consider purchasing a new system. This can help you save money on your heating bills this winter and can reduce the risk of major heating system repair bills for years to come. Consulting with a trusted HVAC company can be a good first step toward determining if a new heating and cooling system is the right solution for your Birmingham home.
At Total Comfort Heating and Air, we specialize in providing the most comprehensive heating system maintenance options for our customers. We are available 24 hours a day for emergency air conditioning or heating system repairs. Our expert technicians can help you enjoy comfortable temperatures indoors during every season of the year. We also offer indoor air quality services to reduce dust and particulates and to improve the breathability of the air inside your home. To learn more about avoiding high heating system repair bills this winter or to discuss any of our other services, give us a call today at (205) 386-2056. We look forward to the opportunity to serve all your HVAC repair and maintenance needs.
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