Common Heating Problems and How to Fix Them
Despite Florida’s temperate climate, it still gets chilly here and homeowners will need their heating systems to operate properly. Before calling a service company, there are several things that homeowners can check for themselves to determine the problem.
First, check the thermostat to ensure it’s set at the right temperature. Also, change or clean the air filters.
1. Squealing or Whining Noise
A squealing sound often indicates that the blower fan has come loose and is dragging across the casing. This is also a possible sign of an electrical problem in your furnace. You may need to replace the blower motor or call a technician for repairs.
A clicking noise, which occurs at intervals during a heating cycle, usually indicates that the furnace is turning on and off. This is called short cycling and it accelerates wear and tear on the system, wastes energy, and prevents your home from heating evenly.
A humming or buzzing sound is another common issue and could indicate that the thermostat has lost power. This prevents it from communicating with the furnace or heat pump and can lead to cold spots in your home. Replacing the thermostat batteries and ensuring tight electrical connections can fix this problem. Sometimes, replacing the thermostat itself is necessary. A pilot light that isn’t burning a crisp blue color could be the culprit, too.
2. Musty Smell
When a house smells musty, it may be caused by the buildup of mould or dampness in a room. Mouldy odours can be very unpleasant and even cause health issues in some people, particularly if they are exposed to mould spores on a regular basis.
Leaving clothes in the washing machine or spilling water on a floor can encourage mould and mildew to grow in your home. Keeping all areas of your home dry is the best way to avoid musty odours.
Living rooms and dining rooms are common places for mildew to appear, due to their warm environment and soft absorbent surfaces like carpeting, rugs, and sofas. Check these rooms for food debris and spills, as well as for stains on the walls. If the smell is coming from these rooms, it could be a sign that there are damp problems in the ceilings or walls that require fixing.
3. Hot Air
Your heating system disperses warm air throughout your home through a network of ducts. When a room in your house does not receive adequate heat, the problem may stem from dirty air filters, improper thermostat settings, or a malfunctioning furnace.
Your blower fan can also run continuously if it's set to "fan on" rather than "auto." This issue causes the blower to draw power and circulate non-heated air, which can waste energy. Make sure the thermostat is set to the appropriate temperature, and check that it's not set to fan on.
If your heater won't turn on, try replacing the batteries in your thermostat or examining its internal wiring for loose, corroded, or faulty connections. It's also possible that your breaker circuit has been tripped, which is why you should always keep a voltmeter handy and call a professional when dealing with electrical issues. If the breaker is tripped often, it is likely that your furnace or heat pump is undersized for your home.
4. No Heat
Your heating system is taxed with a heavy load when outdoor temperatures fall and households demand heat. Unfortunately, these high demands can lead to the onset of common problems that prevent your system from delivering the desired results.
No Heat
The thermostat is the brains behind your heating system and signals the system when it’s time to turn on – however, sometimes errors in settings can keep your system from turning on at all. First, make sure your thermostat is set to a temperature higher than the current room temperature to kick-start the heating cycle.
Dirty air filters restrict the amount of air flowing through the furnace, causing it to shut down. Inspect and replace your filter on a regular basis to keep it from becoming clogged. In addition, closed or obstructed vents can prevent hot air from making it out of the vents into living areas. Open the vents in your home to ensure they’re not blocked by furniture or other objects.