Like any piece of equipment, your heating system needs some periodic maintenance to keep running at peak performance. There are several proactive steps you can take to keep your heater functioning properly, and to extend its lifespan. Here are some common servicing tasks to consider:
This is a simple task, but one that is very important. Dirty or clogged air filters can hinder the efficiency of your system's air flow, and hurt the quality of your home's indoor air. Most filters should be replaced once per month while the unit is operating. In addition, you should inspect your filter at the start of the heating season and change it out if needed.
In many heating units, the blower is located behind the filter. You should be able to remove the screws that hold the blower in place, and take it out where it is more accessible. Use rags to wipe down the blower, a toothbrush to clean the blades and the crevices between the blades, and then suck up the debris with a vacuum cleaner. If your motor has oil ports, place a couple of drops of non-detergent motor oil down each port. For oil furnaces, you may also need to replace the oil filter. PLEASE NOTE: Only perform this and the following tasks if your system is turned off, and if you feel comfortable doing so.
Your system's motor belt should be firm to the touch, with only a half-inch of give (or less) under pressure. Examine it to see if there are any cuts, cracks, or wear. If your belt has sustained significant damage, you will need to have it replaced. To do so, loosen the motor bolts just enough to remove the old belt, and then replace it with a new one. Again, if you feel uncomfortable performing this servicing task, reach out to a qualified HVAC technician for assistance.
You should visually inspect any vents and chimneys to ensure that they aren't blocked by any debris or other impediments to air flow, like snow, birds' nests, and so forth.
Be sure to visually inspect your system's ductwork for any joint separation or possible air leaks. If you can, physically feel for leaks once your system has been turned back on.
Heating issues could stem from a wide variety of causes. These could be electrical, mechanical, or physical in nature. The following list outlines some common problems that your furnace or heat pump may run into and what you may be able to do about them.
As you read the following information, remember to take all proper safety precautions if you decide to perform your own repairs. In most cases, it would be wise to call a reputable HVAC company to handle the work instead.
If your system is not coming on when it should, start with the basics:
If you try the above steps and still can't find the problem's root cause, there may be an underlying issue you'll have to address. For instance:
In the four scenarios listed above, you'll almost certainly need to receive help from HVAC professionals in order to fix the underlying problem.
If your heating system turns on when it should, but isn't blowing out warm air properly, then you may be looking at one of the following issues:
Dirty air filter.When your heat pump's air filter is clogged with dirt and debris, it obstructs the air flow to the compressor, the component that actually heats the air. Fortunately, this problem comes with a quick and simple solution: replace your dirty air filter with a clean one.
Unit blockage.
Heat pumps are designed to pull heat from the air outside your home. If your unit's air flow is obstructed by fallen snow, ice, a pile of leaves, or any other type of debris, then it will be very difficult for your system to function properly. Again, the solution to this issue is simple: clear away the debris that blocks your unit from receiving an adequate air supply.
Low refrigerant charge.In a heat pump, the refrigerant is what allows your system to perform heat exchange operations. In winter, the refrigerant absorbs heat from your unit's outdoor coils and transfers that heat to the indoor coils, thus enabling the circulation of warm air. If your refrigerant levels are low (typically from a leak) then your system will blow air throughout the home, but it won't be as warm as it should be. You'll need to call in a professional to check your levels and recharge your system as needed.
Flame sensor issues.The flame sensor in a gas furnace ensures that a flow of gas exists only when a flame is there to properly ignite it. If your flame sensor is dirty or damaged, then it will cause your furnace to function improperly. Only inspect and clean your flame sensor if you feel comfortable doing so, otherwise, call in a qualified HVAC tech for help.
Air in the lines.If you have an oil furnace that is not heating as it should and also hear knocking sounds, then you may have air in the supply lines. Bleeding the lines is not extremely difficult, but does require a certain level of knowledge. If you're not confident in your ability to successfully purge the air from the system, contact a professional.
There could be a number of reasons why your heat pump or furnace is constantly on. Here are some common causes:
Extremely cold weather.If the temperature outside is bitterly cold, then your heat pump may have to work overtime to pull warm air into the system.
Poor insulation.In conjunction with the above point, if your house is poorly insulated, then whatever warm air is pumped into the home quickly escapes, and must be replaced with warm air again.
Thermostat issues.Even if your home is well insulated and the weather outside is not exceptionally cold, a malfunctioning thermostat may keep your heater running day and night. A qualified HVAC tech can perform repairs on any faulty wiring, or replace your thermostat if needed.
Broken compressor contactor.This component manages how much power your heat pump receives to operate. If it's damaged, your heat pump may run constantly. You'll need to call out a professional to replace the part ASAP.
In many situations, preventative maintenance and timely repairs can keep a heating system running for several years. However, there may come a time when it would be wise to replace your existing unit with a new one. Here are three signs that a complete system replacement may be in order:
Older heating units typically don't have the energy efficiency that newer models do. When installed correctly, systems that are ENERGY STAR-certified can offer huge savings on heating costs. For instance, high-efficiency heat pumps may reduce your heating costs by 20%, and high-efficiency furnaces by 15%
Heating repairs can be expensive, and if your old unit is constantly breaking down, then those costs can quickly add up. After a certain point, it just makes sense to invest in a new unit, instead of throwing more and more money into a system that will eventually need to be replaced anyway.
If some rooms in your house are either too hot or too cold, then your heating equipment may be on the fritz. It may be time to replace your unit with a properly functioning system.
