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3 COMMON HEATING REPAIRS IN WINTER AND HOW TO AVOID THEM
Is your home’s heating system prepared for the winter? If you’ve kept up with maintaining your HVAC system, you’re likely in good shape for the cold months ahead. But, if it’s been a while since a technician inspected your heating, it’s possible a few issues could arise, including any of these three most common heating repairs we perform during the winter. If you find yourself needed these heating repairs, contact us for fast, quality HVAC repairs in Wichita.
1. DIRTY AIR FILTERS
Air filters are made of fiberglass, cloth, or paper materials enclosed by cardboard frames. Compared to the metal, rubber, and hard-plastic components in heating units, filters seem somewhat ephemeral. They also have low price points, starting at only a few dollars each, which only seems to reaffirm this conclusion. Despite being frail and inexpensive, air filters are perhaps the most critical component of HVAC systems. Not only do they play an integral part in indoor air quality, but dirty filters are frequently the cause for Wichita heating repairs.
When a filter is clean, it traps dust; pollen; pet fur and dander; mold; and other particulates you wouldn’t want to breathe. But a dirty filter allows these contaminants to re-enter your home and lower the indoor air quality. Clogged filters also restrict the flow of air into the furnace, forcing heating equipment to work harder, which wastes energy and wears out components more quickly.
FILTER REPLACEMENTS
If your heater isn’t working correctly, check for a dirty filter. First, remove the current filter and hold it up to the light. If you can’t see through it, then it’s dirty and needs to be replaced. Also, the longer you wait to change the filter, the higher are the chances your HVAC unit will need repairs later. So, inspect your filter once per month, and change it as soon as its conditions warrant. Keep in mind also that filters come in different sizes. Use a tape measure to measure the length, width, and depth of your filter. If you’re unsure of the one you need, ask an HVAC technician.
2. UNEVEN INDOOR HEATING
Uneven heating is another issue HVAC companies in Wichita, KS, are called on to address in winter. A heat imbalance occurs when, instead of even temperatures, some parts of a home feel warmer or cooler than the rest. There are several potential causes of uneven heat.
AIR LEAKS
There are two types of air leaks that cause heat imbalances. Cracks in the insulation along the edges of windows and doors enable warm air from indoors to escape outside. These leaks can be fixed by adding liquid sealant around the doors and windows to create airtight seals. Another type of air leak occurs when ductwork becomes loose or corrodes and allows air to escape within the wall. Duct leaks create heat imbalances by preventing warm air from reaching its destination. Because ductwork is concealed behind the walls, a technician is the only person qualified to do these repairs.
HEAT REGISTERS
Heat registers control the direction and flow of air from your furnace into individual rooms. Commonly, the reason for heat imbalances in winter is that the heat registers need adjustments. In rooms that feel hot, close the register part or all of the way. In colder rooms, open the vents and make sure they’re unobstructed by furniture or other objects. You may need to adjust the vents several times before creating the perfect balance of temperatures in your home.
3. NOISY FURNACE
When you turn on your heating unit, you can expect to hear a few sounds. Noises such as the hum of the fan belt in an electric heater or the soft rumble of the blower in a gas furnace shouldn’t be worrisome. Sounds that are odd or unusually loud, on the other hand, should alert you.
BANGING
One gas furnace repair that’s associated with a banging sound is a dirty pilot light. Dirt prevents the burner from igniting the gas right away when you turn on the heater. So the heater releases more gas than necessary. When the pilot light finally ignites, the excess gas creates a mini-explosion. A technician can fix this problem by cleaning or replacing the pilot light.
RATTLING
Persistent rattling sounds are associated with electric furnaces. These noises happen when an engine becomes loose and then bounces against the inside of the furnace. Styrofoam can be used to prop up the motor and dull the rattling temporarily. But an HVAC technician should eventually secure it to avoid damage.
SCHEDULE HEATING MAINTENANCE & REPAIRS IN WICHITA, KS
At Bryan’s Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc., we understand having inadequate home heating in the winter is beyond inconvenient. That’s why we strive every day to ensure people in the greater Wichita area are warm in their homes. Our professional technicians provide high-quality repair services to address all heating issues fully. We also offer flexible scheduling that fits your lifestyle.
Fortunately, some heating repairs can be prevented with HVAC maintenance. By having your heating system inspected and maintained, you can stave off some repairs or eliminate them altogether. Contact us to schedule HVAC maintenance today!