Unless you have zoned ductwork, temperatures throughout the home should be fairly consistent. If you notice significant temperature shifts or a lot of rattling, squealing and banging sounds it could be a sign your system needs repairs.

An aging heating system will need repair on a regular basis, but if you are having multiple problems and a steady rise in energy bills it may be time to consider replacing your heater.

1. Unusual Smells

When a strange smell comes from your vents, it can be a sign that something is wrong. Odd smells can range from mild to major issues and should never be ignored.

A burning smell, electrical odor, or gunpowder scent is a sign of active fire in your system and should be immediately shut off and a professional called. This could be caused by a faulty blower motor or frayed electrical wiring.

A rotten egg or sulfur smell is also cause for serious concern as it may indicate a gas leak. This is caused when utility companies put odor-indicating agents in natural gas, which can enter the system and be vented into your home. This is a dangerous and urgent issue that should be addressed immediately by an HVAC specialist.

2. Cold Spots

While some people claim that cold spots are associated with ghost activity, it is far more common for them to indicate that your heating system needs a repair. A well-functioning heater should only turn on and off as needed to maintain a consistent temperature. When it is working overtime, it will be circulating dust, mildew, and other contaminants throughout your home.

If you walk from one room to the next, it should feel like a comfortable bonfire, not Antarctica. This is a sign that your heater and ductwork need to be repaired or cleaned. If the problem is left untreated, it can lead to a carbon monoxide leak. This is a dangerous, and potentially deadly, contaminant that can cause symptoms similar to flu. It is important to call for repairs immediately.

3. Loud Noises

When your heating system starts making strange sounds, you should not ignore them. Whether it's banging, rattling, or screeching, these sounds are indicative of a serious problem with the system.

Banging and clunking noises are often associated with steam heat systems. These are caused by air bubbles getting trapped in the pipes as they expand and contract. A professional can fix this problem so the pipes work more quietly.

Rattling sounds indicate that a panel is loose or is falling off of the unit. This can be a simple fix, but it's important to address the issue right away before it gets worse.

Clicking sounds can occur when the furnace or heat pump is attempting to light from a pilot light or electronic ignition, but it cannot ignite the gas. This could mean that there's a problem with the fuel line or the blower motor.

4. Unusual Temperatures

A well-functioning heating system is key to keeping your home comfortable throughout the winter. However, like any mechanical system, it can wear down over time. Regularly scheduled maintenance can keep your heat pump or furnace in good shape. But, if you're experiencing multiple warning signs of a failing system it's time to schedule repair service.

If you notice an odd, burning smell that doesn't dissipate once your heater turns on it's a sign of trouble. This could be caused by a broken electrical or mechanical part.

If you're constantly having to fiddle with your thermostat settings it's a sign that your heater needs repair. This can be caused by a dirty filter, a failing compressor or a heater that's too small for your house's demands.

5. Excessive Dust

Most home heating systems emit a certain amount of dust from their working parts, but if you notice an unusually high level of accumulated dust throughout your house, this may be a sign that your system is in need of repair. This issue could lead to your indoor air quality deteriorating and can also cause health problems for family members, such as allergies or headaches.

A well-functioning heater should only turn on and pump out warm air when it’s been programmed to by the thermostat. If you find yourself needing to fiddle with the temperature on a daily basis, this is an indicator that your system isn’t functioning properly and needs some TLC. This problem is often referred to as short cycling and can have a variety of causes.

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