If you live somewhere with harsh weather conditions, you know the importance of a functioning heater in the wintertime. Your heating system is responsible for delivering warm indoor temperatures during the coldest months, keeping you cozy and comfortable, no matter the weather. However, heaters do more than just maintain comfortable temperatures in the house. These units also safeguard residents from health risks associated with the cold. Cold is as detrimental inside as it is outside. While 65-75 degrees Fahrenheit are considered safe indoor temperatures, anything below this range can be dangerous, especially for young children, older adults and those with existing health issues. Cold indoor temperatures account for many winter deaths and illnesses, including respiratory disease, asthma symptoms, increased blood pressure and cardiovascular disease. That’s why if you notice that your heater is broken in the winter, it’s vital to take the proper measures to repair it as quickly as possible. You can learn how to fix a broken heater during the winter through this comprehensive guide. If your heater breaks in the middle of winter, there are steps you should take to get the issue under control. When you know what to do in the case of a broken heater, you can find a quick solution while ensuring that you and your family are safe. If your heating system goes out, the first thing you should do is identify the cause of the issue. While heater failure can be alarming, it may not be as serious as you think and may even have a quick fix. Try performing the following examinations to pinpoint the source of the breakdown: Once you determine the cause of the broken heater, it’s time to make the proper repairs. If you’re confident that you can fix the issue yourself, such as flipping the breaker switch or changing an air filter, you can get to work to resolve it. If you were unable to pinpoint the origin of the heater failure, don’t know how to repair it yourself or discover that it’s more complicated than you had expected, the best thing you can do is call an HVAC specialist to make a visit. These professionals have the tools, resources and expertise needed to deliver the safest and most efficient repairs to get your heating system back up and running in no time. Though many HVAC companies have fast, same-day emergency heating services, you may still experience a wait, as you can expect the technicians to arrive any time within a 24-hour span. During cold weather emergencies, HVAC services may be spread thin or you may suffer prolonged power outages, leading to longer wait times. In the meantime, it’s vital to ensure that you and your family do what you can to remain warm until help arrives. That’s because prolonged exposure to the cold can result in many major health issues, such as chilblains, cold urticaria and hypothermia — conditions that can even occur indoors without adequate heating. To prevent these ailments from occurring, try keeping warm by employing some of the following tactics:What Do I Do if My Heater Breaks?
1. Determine the Cause
2. Make Repairs or Call a Technician
3. Keep Warm
When to Call the Experts to Fix Your Broken Heater
Though you may feel comfortable troubleshooting your heater yourself, there are some instances where calling a professional is the safer option. A malfunctioning heating system can pose significant risks if not properly repaired.
Between 2014 and 2018, there was an average of 48,530 fires involving heating equipment, resulting in 500 deaths and 1,350 injuries annually. Broken heaters can also cause fatal carbon monoxide poisoning, with 80% of these cases occurring during the winter months. That’s why the best course of action when your heating system breaks is to contact a professional HVAC company.
Be sure to look out for the many signs that your HVAC system may require professional repairs.
Strange Smells
Your heater shouldn’t have any sort of odor. That’s why any unusual smells are a major cause for concern. There are numerous reasons your heating system may be producing strange odors, each based on different smells:
- Dirty socks: This smell may indicate a mold infestation in the heating pump or bacterial growth in your heating system coils.
- Rotten eggs: A sulfur or rotten egg smell is a definite sign of a natural gas leak.
- Burning: Burning odors like burning plastic, melting rubber, hot metal or electrical smells may indicate that your motor or another electrical component is overheating, which can cause a fire.
- Smoke, diesel or oil: If your heater smells like smoke for over 24 hours after you first start it, there may be left-behind oil that’s creating a fog. The pilot light may have also ignited something nearby.
The origins and effects of these smells can be dangerous, which is why it’s essential to call heating professionals to deliver the proper repairs.
Noisy Operation
Though heaters aren’t completely silent, they shouldn’t make any loud or alarming noises when operating. If you hear anything more than the gentle sound of air escaping the vents, such as banging, clunking, whistling, scraping or rumbling, you should book professional repairs. These sounds may indicate anything from a cracked heat exchanger to a broken belt to ignition issues.
Luckily, HVAC companies have the knowledge and skills to quickly identify the source of the sound and implement the right fix before things worsen.
Insufficient Heat
If your heating system is producing heat but isn’t doing so effectively, it’s time to book repairs. If you find yourself continuously turning up your thermostat without relief, that may be a sign that your heater isn’t generating enough heat — and what’s the point of a heating system if it’s not doing its job?
A system that isn’t heating properly could be a matter of a faulty thermostat, a leaky duct or anything in between. Calling the experts is a surefire way to diagnose and resolve the problem with ease.
Short Cycling
A furnace that turns on and off sporadically likely has a short cycling condition, where it shuts off before it has sufficiently heated your home to the set thermostat point. If your heating system begins to short cycle, there may be a problem with the wiring, ignition system or thermostat. Be sure to contact a professional to determine the exact cause of the issue and receive repairs.
High Heating Bills
If your heating system seems to be working fine, but you notice that your monthly energy costs are suspiciously rising, there may be some underlying issues with your heater. The sooner your call an HVAC company, the faster you can get your system back in working order and minimize your heating bills.
How to Prevent Your Heater From Breaking
Your HVAC system works hard to maintain comfortable temperatures in your home year-round. This constant operation can take a toll on even the highest-quality heaters without the proper attention. You can prevent your heater from breaking in the middle of winter by scheduling regular heater maintenance with qualified professionals.
With scheduled preventive maintenance services, you can ensure that your system remains in peak condition, providing you with optimal heating during the wintertime. Routine upkeep also prepares your HVAC system for seasonal changes and enables you to catch any minor issues that may become larger problems in the future.
Other benefits of routine heater maintenance include:
- Conserving energy
- Preventing costly breakdowns
- Protecting your home
- Extending heating system life
- Improving comfort
- Enhancing air quality
- Minimizing repair costs
- Ensuring reliable performance
- Saving money
Let Drake’s Construction & Restoration Fix Your Broken Heater
You can receive professional heating system repairs to fix your broken heater at Drake’s Construction & Restoration. We pride ourselves on delivering high-quality work paired with exceptional customer service, treating all of our customers with the utmost respect and consideration. We offer local heating services in Parkersburg, West Virginia, including heating repair, emergency heating, preventive maintenance and new system installations, keeping customers warm even during the coldest months.
Contact us to learn more about our services or fill out a form to receive a project estimate today!