Hey there, folks! Winter hasn’t officially come on the scene in the Waterford, MI area, but the temperatures are dropping. A chill is in the air! It’s time to cozy up with a warm and toasty home.
But what if your heating system isn’t working properly? That can be a real bummer! In this blog, Kotz Heating, Cooling & Plumbing will break down some simple signs to help you figure out if your heating system isn’t working efficiently.
According to Energy Star™ and HVAC industry standards, the average lifespan of heating equipment is 15 years. If you have a gas furnace, you could possibly get 20 years. Regularly scheduled maintenance goes a long way in helping stretch the time to the maximum. Wear and tear is normal, and will occur, regardless of the maintenance schedule.
Equipment ages and efficiencies decline overtime. So how can you tell when it may be time for a furnace replacement? Look for these signs:
Chilly Rooms Even When the Heat Is On
One of the most clear signs that something’s not right with your heating system is when some rooms feel like they belong in the North Pole while others are nice and warm. If your heating system is doing its job efficiently, your entire home should have an even temperature. Uneven heating can be a sign of problems like clogged ducts or a malfunctioning thermostat.
Rising Energy Bills
If your energy bills are shooting up like a rocket, but you’re not experiencing any colder weather than usual, it might be time to check your heating system. An inefficient heating system must work extra hard to keep your home warm, which can lead to higher energy bills. Keeping an eye on those bills can help you catch issues early.
Strange Sounds and Smells
When your heating system starts making weird noises, like banging, clanging, squealing, grinding, don’t ignore them. The individual components of your system won’t operate in silent mode but anything other than a slight hum should be checked by the professionals at Kotz Heating, Cooling & Plumbing.
Funky odors can also indicate a problem. Musty or burning smells may signal issues with the furnace or even within the vents. Don’t ignore unusual signs or smells. They can point to potential safety hazards.
Frequent Cycling
If your heating system is turning on and off frequently, it’s a red flag. This is called “short-cycling” and can make your system less efficient and may wear out the parts faster. It can be caused by issues like a dirty air filter, a malfunctioning thermostat, or even improper sizing of your heating system.
Low Airflow
When you feel like your heating system is blowing out air like a weak fan, it’s a sign that your system isn’t working efficiently. Reduced airflow can be due to dirty or clogged air filters, duct blockages, or issues with the blower fan. Proper airflow is crucial for distributing heat evenly throughout your home.
The Thermostat Can’t Keep Up
If you find yourself constantly adjusting the thermostat to make your home warmer, it might not be up to the task. Your thermostat should work with your system to maintain a consistent temperature. If you don’t notice any of the previous issues but the temperature setting you choose doesn’t match the ambient temperature in the room, it may have a heating challenge.
Schedule a heating repair with Kotz Heating, Cooling & Plumbing. Kotz offers programmable and smart thermostats that will keep up and have capabilities to provide greater efficiency from your HVAC system.
Pilot Light Troubles
For those with gas furnaces, the pilot light is a crucial part of your heating system. If it frequently goes out or appears yellow or flickering instead of a steady blue flame, it’s time to call in a Kotz technician for a heating repair in your Waterford area home. A yellow or flickering pilot light can signal problems like a gas flow issue or a dirty burner.
Aging System
Like a car, heating systems have a lifespan. If your heating system is older than 15 years or 20 years for a gas furnace, it’s more likely to experience efficiency problems. Modern systems are designed to be more energy-efficient, so upgrading to a newer model can save you money on your energy bills in the long run.
Cold Air Blowing Out
This one’s a no-brainer. If your heating system is blowing out cold air when it should be warm, something’s definitely wrong. It could be a problem with the thermostat, a malfunctioning heat exchanger, or a pilot light issue for gas systems. Either way, it needs attention ASAP! Contact Kotz to schedule a heating service call.
Too Low or Too High Humidity
During the winter months, the air in your home can become dry due to the heating system. Dry air affects your interior surfaces and electronics. More importantly, too little humidity affects your eyes, ears, and sinuses.
Humidity that’s too high is also a problem. When there’s too much moisture in the air, you may never feel warm and mold and mildew can grow.
Both issues affect overall indoor air quality and the quality of your home comfort. Kotz Heating, Cooling & Plumbing offers many indoor air quality solutions that can keep your home cozy, safe, and warm through all the winter months.
Expert Help When Your Heating System Isn’t Working
A well-functioning heating system is essential to keep you warm and comfortable during the frigid Michigan winter months.
Never ignore these warning signs. Ensure your home’s heating and cooling equipment is always ready to deliver the best level of comfort and the highest efficiency. Homeowners in Oxford, MI or Waterford, MI have trusted Kotz Heating, Cooling & Plumbing since 1929 to deliver comfort you can count on.
Call today to schedule one of our expert technicians to diagnose your cooling or heating system issues and offer the solution that meets your needs and budget. Kotz can complete your heating repair or HVAC replacement quickly.
Remember, a cozy and efficient heating system is your best friend during the winter season. Stay warm, stay safe, and keep an eye out for these signs to ensure your home stays toasty all winter long!
