As your heater works hard to keep your home warm and comfortable, it will accrue general wear and tear. Letting this go unchecked can lead to serious problems.
Keeping an eye out for the following common issues will save you from having to call Heater Repair Los Angeles services at an inconvenient time.
Most homeowners lead busy lives. With demanding careers, engrossing hobbies and bustling households, it’s easy to put off routine maintenance chores like changing the filter on your furnace. However, this seemingly small task can have a significant impact on your home’s heating and cooling system. A dirty filter can cause a host of problems that you might not even notice.
The primary function of a furnace air filter is to stop dust, lint, pet dander and other debris from recirculating in the home’s air. As a result, it’s crucial for maintaining healthy living conditions for all family members. When the air filter becomes clogged, all of this material will recirculate throughout the home, causing a number of health issues for all occupants.
A clogged air filter also leads to high energy bills. This is because the HVAC system must work harder to regulate the temperature in the home when the blower fan has a clogged filter. As a result, the system will cycle on and off more frequently than normal, which will drive up your energy bills.
The most serious problem caused by a dirty air filter is the internal damage it causes to the furnace. The overworked air blower can eventually break down entirely, resulting in a costly system failure that you’ll have to pay to repair.
The bottom line is that the only way to protect your heating and cooling system and your home’s indoor air quality is by regularly replacing your filter. So, next time you’re tempted to skip this simple maintenance job, remember the price of a new filter might be much less than the cost of costly heater repairs down the road.
Faulty Thermostat
The thermostat is the control center for your home’s heating and cooling system, so it plays a crucial role in maintaining comfortable indoor temperatures. However, if your thermostat begins to malfunction, there are several indicators that it may be time to replace it. Recognizing these signs can help you make an informed decision about whether to repair or replace your thermostat and avoid disruptions in your indoor comfort.
If your thermostat display is completely dark, it is likely that the power supply has failed. In some cases, this can be fixed by simply changing the batteries. However, in most cases, the thermostat must be replaced.
Another sign of a failing thermostat is when it displays a temperature that is different from the actual air temperature. This can be a result of a miscalibrated temperature sensor or a thermostat that is faulty in some other way. In either case, a professional can quickly recalibrate the thermostat and solve this problem.
A common problem with thermostats is that they tend to collect a lot of dust and dirt around the mechanical and electrical components within the housing. In order to keep your thermostat functioning properly, it’s important to regularly clean it out. This can be done by shutting off the power to the thermostat, removing the cover, and cleaning it carefully with canned compressed air or a small brush.
Finally, a failing thermostat will often begin to make strange noises. This can be caused by a faulty temperature sensor, a bad wax element, or a broken return spring. In any case, these noises can be quite disruptive and should be repaired as soon as possible. The earlier you catch these problems, the less likely they are to cause extensive damage.
Faulty Blower
If your heater isn’t producing any airflow from the vents when it’s turned on, it’s likely the blower motor resistor has failed. This component cuts power to the fan, preventing it from spinning and producing airflow. A blown fuse or tripped circuit breaker could also be the culprit, and if you can replace these components, it will help restore power to your blower and produce airflow once again.
You may also notice a rattling, clanking or screeching noise when your furnace’s blower motor is malfunctioning. This can be a sign of loose or broken parts within the system, including bearings that require lubrication or have simply worn out. Loud banging sounds can be especially worrisome, as they indicate that there is something seriously wrong within your system.
The blower motor may have an obstruction that is preventing it from spinning freely, or the rotor that holds the blower wheel could be damaged. With the power off, you can test this by reaching inside and spinning the motor to see how easily it turns. If it spins but makes a screeching sound, the spindle that attaches to the rotor shaft might have fallen out of a groove or indentation on the housing.
If the motor won’t spin at all, it could be completely broken and need a replacement. If this is the case, it’s best to contact a professional for HVAC repair. They will understand the specifics of your system, and can match you with the correct cost-effective model to ensure that your new blower motor operates at peak performance. This will be critical to ensuring that your airflow is properly distributed throughout your home.
Faulty Motor
The motor is the component in your HVAC system that uses the most energy. If you notice a sudden rise in your electricity bill, this may be a sign that your blower motor is starting to wear down and require replacement.
If you notice rattling noises or clanking sounds when your heater is running, it could indicate that the motor bearings are deteriorating. It’s important to get these bearings inspected and lubricated regularly, especially if you have an older PSC (permanent split capacitor) motor with a one-speed setting. A newer electronically commutated (ECM) motor has multiple speeds and utilizes less energy than the PSC.
Overheating is another common cause of motor failure. This can be caused by excessive load, unbalanced voltage, or even humidity. If you’re experiencing overheating problems, it’s important to check the fuses and circuit breaker for any signs of a power surge or overload. If the breaker or fuse has popped, you’ll need to reset them before your heating system will start working again.
A faulty motor can also be caused by electrical issues, such as wire short to ground or internal corrosion. To test for this, you can use a multimeter on the ohms setting to check each cable. If you find an infinite reading, there’s a problem with the motor or the wiring.
You can avoid electrical issues by reducing the load on your motor, installing an anti-corrosion coating, or using an appropriate ventilation system. It’s also a good idea to document critical measurements at installation and on a regular basis. This will allow you to identify trends that can affect the performance of your equipment and prevent problems before they arise.
Faulty Vents
Air vents are supposed to make a quiet, gentle whooshing sound when your heating and cooling system is running. Any strange noises coming from your vents could signal a serious issue. If your air vents emit sounds like rattling, clicking, or banging, it may indicate that something is wrong with your furnace. Those sounds could also come from blocked vents, or other sources in your home, such as a broken fan belt. Regardless of the source, it’s important to have the problem fixed immediately.
If you notice a foul, rotten odor emanating from your vents, it could be a sign that dead animals are trapped in your ventilation system. Rodents, birds, and other small animals sometimes get caught in vents that are too small for them. Once they die, they begin to decompose and release a terrible odor. Those smells aren’t just gross; they can also be unhealthy for your family. You’ll need to call a pest control company or HVAC repair service right away to remove the offending odors.
Other signs of a bad vent include low or no airflow. The vents themselves might be clogged or blocked by furniture, toys, or other items. A simple solution is to check the vents for obstructions and to clean them as needed. Additionally, you can try removing your vent covers to see if anything is stuck inside them. Vents can also become disconnected from the ductwork due to loose connections. In that case, a professional technician is usually required to fix the faulty vents and reconnect them. A faulty vent can cause serious problems with your entire heating and cooling system, so it’s important to address the problem as soon as you notice it.