If you notice your home is chillier than usual, it may be time to repair or replace your heating system. Service Tech provides 24/7 HVAC service in Birmingham to help you stay as comfortable as possible in the winter. Check out these 12 signs that you may need heating system service.

12 Signs Your Heating System Needs Repairs

It is recommended that your heating system be serviced at least once a year. A few tell-tale signs to look out for may indicate your heating system needs repairs or replacement. 

1. Strange noises coming from your furnace or vents. 

Check your furnace filter to make sure it is not clogged. Clogged filters can cause strange noises as air is being forced through. If the filter is clean and the noise persists, it may be best to contact a professional Service Tech HVAC technician to diagnose and repair the issue. 

2. Inconsistent heating throughout your home

Issues with inconsistent heating could be caused by a few different things, such as an improperly sized heating unit, blocked vents, or even an incorrect thermostat setting. It’s important to have an HVAC technician come out and inspect your system to determine the root cause and make the appropriate repairs. In the meantime, try adjusting the thermostat to a lower setting, closing vents in rooms that don’t need heat, and using space heaters in colder areas than the rest of the home. If you must use space heaters, be sure to take appropriate fire safety measures and keep children and pets away from the units. Service Tech offers 24/7 emergency heating services and will work to get your home back to a comfortable temperature as soon as possible.

3. Unusually high energy bills

High energy bills can be a sign that your home heating system is not working correctly. This can also be an indication that there is an insulation problem within the home. If an expert HVAC technician determines that the heating system is actually working fine, you will want to have your home inspected for air leaks and damaged insulation. 

4. Lack of hot air coming from vents

A lack of hot air coming from vents could be due to a few different things. First, it could be a problem with the blower motor or fan. This is the part that moves the air from the vents. It could be that the blower motor or fan is not working correctly or is dirty and needs to be cleaned. Second, it could be an issue with the heating system itself, such as a broken thermostat or a clogged air filter. Lastly, the ducts that carry the air through your home could be blocked or damaged. A Service Tech team member will check the blower motor first and see if that solves the issue. If not, they will look to the heating system for additional repairs. 

5. Uneven temperatures between rooms

This can be a tricky problem to solve. Firstly, make sure any vents or air returns are open and unobstructed. You should also check the thermostat settings, which can sometimes cause uneven temperatures. Uneven temperatures between rooms can be uncomfortable. Our expert technicians can investigate further if these tips don’t help.

6. Unusual gas or electric smell near the furnace

Inspecting the furnace for any signs of a gas or electric leak is important. Check the furnace’s ventilation and exhaust pipes to ensure there are no loose connections or blockages that could cause a leak. If you are unsure or uncomfortable inspecting the furnace, it is best to contact a professional to inspect the furnace and determine the source of the smell.

7. Poor indoor air quality

Poor indoor air quality could be a sign of a gas leak if you have a gas furnace. You can purchase air purifiers, and most will give you an air quality report. If you notice consistently poor air quality, schedule a heating system inspection.

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8. Water pooling around the furnace

It’s possible that water is pooling around your furnace because there is a clog or blockage in the drain line. You could also have a condensate pump that needs to be replaced. Contact the professionals at Service Tech to assess the situation and determine what repairs are required. You may also want to try reducing the humidity in the area by running a dehumidifier or a fan until repairs can be made. This will help to dry the pooling water to minimize water damage.

9. The pilot light is frequently going out

The good news is that this is usually an easy fix. Here are a few steps to resolve the issue:

• Make sure the pilot light is clean — sometimes, dirt or debris can interfere with the flame.
• Check the gas line connection — if it’s loose or not connected properly, it can cause the flame to go out.
• Make sure the gas valve is in the “on” position — if it’s not, it will prevent the flame from staying lit.

If you continue to have problems with the pilot light, contact Service Tech in Birmingham.

10. The thermostat not functioning correctly

Double-check that the thermostat is switched on. You will also want it set to “heat” or “auto”. Try raising the set temperature to see if the heat kicks on. If there is still an issue, is the thermostat connected to power? If not, this might be an electrical issue. If it is connected to power and still not working, contact Service Tech to assess the problem and determine the necessary repairs. 

11. The age of the system is over ten years

It is recommended to replace your heat pump every ten years. Furnaces and boilers should be able to last about 15 years before needing replacement. Service Tech experts can remove old equipment and install new heating systems. We also offer financing options. 

12. The system is turning on and off frequently

If your system keeps turning on and off frequently, this could be due to a few factors. There could be an issue with the thermostat similar to what we mentioned above. Your heating system might be the wrong size for your home. An expert heating system technician can inspect your system, determine the cause, and provide recommendations for the next steps in repair or replacement. 

Contact Service Tech For AC Repairs

You may also want to learn more about 5 common HVAC issues in the winter. Service Tech in Birmingham is dedicated to providing the best customer service for home AC repairs, replacement, and maintenance. Avoid an uncomfortably cold winter by scheduling your heating system maintenance with Service Tech.